The Rohrbaugh Forum

Miscellaneous => The Water Cooler -- General Discussions => Topic started by: Richard S on January 14, 2016, 02:29:28 PM

Title: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on January 14, 2016, 02:29:28 PM
I have not been posting to the Forum in recent weeks due to my wife's illness requiring her to return to critical care in hospital. However, I check the site frequently and wish my fellow members all the best for the coming year.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: MRC on January 14, 2016, 02:43:16 PM
I hope for the best for your wife and yourself Richard.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: tattoo on January 14, 2016, 04:16:20 PM
Hope she gets well soon
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on January 14, 2016, 04:38:48 PM
I hope for the best for your wife and yourself Richard.
I'll second that.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on January 15, 2016, 09:23:25 AM
Sorry to hear this Richard. Prayers for you both good Sir. Stay strong. . . . I know you are.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: DDGator on January 15, 2016, 10:32:50 AM

Very sorry, Richard.  My prayers are with you both. 
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: dddonkey on January 15, 2016, 01:50:07 PM
Sorry Richard, my prayers go you to you and your wife.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: johnny on January 16, 2016, 09:31:12 AM
  Yes Richard,prayers to you both.
      By seeing you must of been with the 4th.Armor Division,63 to 67,we may ,or may not be around the same age.I was with the 2nd.Armored down in Fort Hood,when I got back from overseas in 1968.
           "The Golden ages"aren't always so golden.Keep the chin up.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Griff on January 17, 2016, 04:52:41 PM
Lifting you both up in prayer as well.
Thank you for the update.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on January 21, 2016, 06:46:24 PM
Thank you, gentlemen.

Joyce is no longer in ICU, where she spent over three weeks under sedation on a ventilator, and has been transferred to a Select Specialty Hospital.  She has spent the last four days being able to breathe without ventilator support and is showing the first signs of progress, albeit slow, toward a recovery. Your kind wishes are truly appreciated.

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on January 21, 2016, 07:02:47 PM
That's great news!!!!
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: johnny on January 21, 2016, 09:00:16 PM
  Hope things keep improving for you.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: backupr9 on January 22, 2016, 10:48:42 PM
Give Joyce a big hug every morning and every night....best therapy available.  We are pulling for you both.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on January 24, 2016, 08:40:59 PM
Thank you, John. Your "close air support" has been invaluable. I owe you, my friend.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on January 25, 2016, 01:14:26 PM
That's great news about Joyce Richard!  Very cool to hear that. Prayers for you both. . . . . . and keep up the good work. 
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: DDGator on January 25, 2016, 10:30:03 PM

Great to hear, Richard.  Praying for a strong recovery.

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 01, 2016, 06:55:37 PM
The plan is to bring Joyce back from hospital on Wednesday to continue her recovery on home health care here at Critter Creek.

Thank you all for your good wishes.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on February 01, 2016, 07:37:37 PM
That is great news!!!
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 03, 2016, 10:25:10 AM
She's released from hospital and back at home! Thank you all again for your good wishes.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on February 03, 2016, 10:30:59 AM
Happy wife, happy life! Great news!!!
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: johnny on February 03, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
  I remember way back in the early 70's,thinking about majoring in philosophy in college.Of all the very important and pertinent to life classes,one was a course in existential logic.And I remember the professor using as an example,"If it rains,the sidewalk gets wet."
     Well,I never thought there would be a close analogy to that premise in real life,until today.
        Yes "Happy Wife" then  "Happy Life" ;D
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on February 03, 2016, 12:45:18 PM
I too took a course in Existentialism. It reminded me of a Woody Allen quote..." I took a test on Existentialism and left all the answers blank. I got a 100!".
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 03, 2016, 07:59:30 PM
'Life begins on the other side of despair.'
— JEAN-PAUL SARTRE
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on February 03, 2016, 11:43:49 PM
Great to hear Joyce is getting better Richard. Send her my regards and well wishes please.

Eric R.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: DDGator on February 04, 2016, 09:29:32 AM

Great to hear, Richard.   :)
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: dddonkey on February 04, 2016, 02:55:47 PM
Very good news!
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 05, 2016, 12:00:22 PM
Great to hear Joyce is getting better Richard. Send her my regards and well wishes please.

Eric R.

I shall, Eric. And remember, you and yours always have a home-away-from-home here at Critter Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. 
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 05, 2016, 12:05:48 PM
Thank you Duane and DD!

I must say that after two years of being a primary caregiver I've become a rather good practical nurse, if I do say so myself. Who would have thought such a thing would ever happen? Still and all, it's good to have a new profession upon which to fall back in one's "old age."  ::)
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on February 05, 2016, 06:07:02 PM
Great to hear Joyce is getting better Richard. Send her my regards and well wishes please.

Eric R.

I shall, Eric. And remember, you and yours always have a home-away-from-home here at Critter Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

Thank you Richard. . . . . . . Same here should you ever come to Long Island.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: backupr9 on February 07, 2016, 06:42:59 PM
Richard, Arnell and I hope to be back in Bristol for several weeks in either May or June.  I will make it a point to visit one day if convenient. Best to Joyce.
John
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on February 10, 2016, 06:55:48 PM
John, both Joyce and I would so welcome your visit.  You have done so much to advance us at the various hospitals and thereby facilitate Joyce's treatment and recovery that we can never hope to repay you. Just let me know when you and Arnell can visit Critter Creek and I shall stock up on the single malt.   8)

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on March 08, 2016, 09:48:07 AM
With profound grief, I must announce that my beloved wife, Joyce, died in my arms at 3:15 am, Wednesday, March 2, 2016. I thank my friends on this Forum who have expressed support for her in her two-year battle against complications from what was to have been a routine surgical procedure but which went horribly wrong.

Rest in peace, my Darling.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on March 08, 2016, 11:21:03 AM
We are so sorry for your loss Richard. Joyce was quite a gal and I know you were both happy with each other. May God's grace take her and keep her safe and hold her tight until that inevitable day when we all must go to another place of peace. Critter Creek was and is such a place for the two of you on Earth.

If we can do anything, please. . . . . simply ask us Richard.

Sincere Sorrow,

Eric R.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Douglas on March 08, 2016, 03:42:29 PM
My deepest condolences Richard.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: johnny on March 08, 2016, 05:05:03 PM
    Yes Richard,my deepest condolences also.
                                                                                  johnny
                                                                                   
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: wildmanwill on March 08, 2016, 07:48:15 PM
Richard, I'm very sorry for your loss.  I will be thinking of you later this week with the celebration of life service.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/herhonor2011.jpg)

For any of the newer members, I just wanted to take a minute to introduce you to "Her Honor" as we take a minute to remember her.  In addition to being a judge, she was a hunter and Second Amendment supporter who could shoot as well if not better than Richard.  ;)

It seems like just yesterday she retired, but it was actually almost 4 years ago!

http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/index.php?topic=6291.msg74803#msg74803 (http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/index.php?topic=6291.msg74803#msg74803)



Obituary here
http://www.aldermayesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Joyce-Ward-Spradlin-2/#!/Obituary (http://www.aldermayesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Joyce-Ward-Spradlin-2/#!/Obituary)

Rest In Peace Joyce.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on March 08, 2016, 08:00:04 PM
Richard, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Losing a wife and a best friend is numbing.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Griff on March 08, 2016, 10:50:25 PM
Praying for you
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: JoshA on March 08, 2016, 11:13:48 PM
Condolences good sir. Praying.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Brenden on March 09, 2016, 01:41:07 AM
Richard,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your numbing loss!
I have no words except that my prayers and thoughts go out to you my friend.
You know that my heart is with you Richard.
All my best,
Brenden
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: backupr9 on March 09, 2016, 09:23:36 AM
Richard, you know how I feel.  I wish I could be there on Saturday.  Endure Fortis.
John
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Fiddler on March 09, 2016, 07:43:52 PM
Our prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: dddonkey on March 09, 2016, 08:28:58 PM
Condolences Sir.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: yankee2500 on March 18, 2016, 12:19:25 AM
Richard,
  I haven't been on here in a while and read this post and was very sad to read about Joyce, my deepest condolences my friend I know she was the Love of your life.

My prayers go out to you and your family.
John
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: DDGator on March 18, 2016, 11:10:38 AM

Richard,

My apologies for responding to this so late.  I have been travelling a lot and mostly just checking the forum for spam, without reading everything in detail.

I am so very sorry for your loss.  I value the friendship we have had over these many years, and I know how much this must hurt you.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Please let me know if there is anyting I can do to help.

Duane

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on March 24, 2016, 12:02:17 PM
Thank you, my friends, for your kind messages.

I am posting below a link to the Eulogy I gave at the Celebration of Life ceremony for my soulmate of the past 20 years.  I know that time is supposed to ease the pain of losing a loved one, but I fear there is now a permanent place of dark emptiness in my very soul.

https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/9a3b6634-6520-4137-b1af-b57dad36b492

Again, thank you for your concern and support.  It means more to me than you may realize.

Richard Spradlin

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: cargaritaville on March 24, 2016, 03:38:52 PM
Richard, very nicely written, and so pertinent of life. I have been with my wife for 34 years. She is the kindest and most forgiving person I have ever met in my life. Then there's me, the Sicilian from Providence who grew up on the streets of Federal Hill. Two of my uncles were mob enforcers. Enough said. And yet, it works, and she constantly has shown me how her way is good...most of the time. Checks and balances.  My wife and I were just married and having a nice quiet romantic dinner at our favorite reataurant in the world. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said " I love you so much, that if either of us goes 1st, I hope its me." I responded " I hope it is too! " I was only kidding. Nothing is further from the truth. Again, our condolences.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: DDGator on March 24, 2016, 05:05:18 PM

Thank you, Richard.  Very touching.  An amazing woman, without a doubt.

My wife and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  I can only imagine the emptiness.  I am told by others that the feeling never quite goes away, but definitely does get better with time.  I will pray for strength and peace for you.

Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: sslater on March 25, 2016, 03:29:32 PM
Richard,
I add my condolences to the long list of Forum members.  Losing a friend is tough; a loved one - even tougher; a soul-mate...the toughest. 

Many years ago i lost my twin brother after a short, intense battle with acute leukemia. Even though I by that time was married with a growing family, the emotional toll was immense.  A wise old man gave some advice that helped me get thru that period:
"Life is for the living.  Your loved one is no longer suffering.  You have to go on."

Again, please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.

Steve S.
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: backupr9 on March 28, 2016, 01:06:43 PM
Richard, a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman.  I'll be in East TN in June and will without fail try to see you then.
John
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: ECR on March 28, 2016, 06:49:06 PM
A wonderful Eulogy Richard for a wonderful lady.

Continued prayers to you good Sir.

Sincerely Yours,

Eric C. Rohrbaugh
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Dino on July 19, 2016, 12:37:18 PM
Richard, I am heart broken to hear of your beloved wife's departure from this life.  I have been out of the forum for a long time and just returned to catch up on things. 
After reading the Eulogy my respect for your wife is enormous, I know she enjoyed your support throughout her many accomplishments.
I will keep you in my prayers.

   
Title: Re: Explanation of Recent Absence
Post by: Richard S on July 21, 2016, 09:12:07 AM
Thank you all.  Your comments mean more to me that perhaps you realize.