Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 30th
Hey everyone, this is Brad. It's been a very shocking couple weeks. Dad is at home now, with Hope Hospice care. It seems that it is now the "11th hour". Our goal is to keep him comfortable. He has quite a bit of pain, but they've made sure that he gets enough medication to keep him as pain free as possible. He hasn't been eating much, but he is still nibbling. The financial planner in him just keeps ticking though so that takes up most of our conversations. He says hi everyone. He is very much at peace with everything and is "just tired". Please keep up the prayers and good thoughts. You can never get enough of either.
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That he is at home with his family, I so understand the "at peace". Know that we love you and you guys are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Aunt Susan
ReplyDeleteLove you guys so much, and there really isn't anything worth thinking about but you. I'm so proud of all of you.. he's a lucky guy to be surrounded with so much love. You just constantly amaze me with you strength and maturity, but much of that is his doing. He's left his imprint forever and ever. Try to keep thinking about that, and how fortunate we all are for having Jim in our lives. I love you all so much.
ReplyDeleteUncle John
Dear Jim, Deb and family,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog spot for quite a while now. You all have been on my mind and in my prayers constantly. I have great memories of the "storybook" romance of Jim & Deb from Stow Sparkle days and the ultimate birth of the twins, etc. You are a beautiful example of love and committment. I recall both your sets of parents and siblings (I am old). I feel a connetion to you both. Jim you are a wonderful man and a role model to many. Right now my heart is breaking and I just want to finish this with saying as much as we all love you, God loves you more. You are in His hands. Our hearts will be broken and sad but we will meet again on the other side. Much love to all Anita Gauthier
Hi Jim and Debbie! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Hope you are having a good day! Miss you! Denny and Mary Helen Axman
ReplyDeleteMr. Ruttenberg & family,
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that God's plan was to have you all together during this difficult time. I hope you all enjoy the sunshine and the time together - God's on your side. I'm a short distance away, so please call me if you would need anything! I love you all.
Melissa :)
What can I say in addition to all these wonderful expressions of love and respect? I doubt anyone is ever ready for the "11th hour"....and I'm shellshocked by the turn of events....but we're all in awe of the strength and courage you and Deb and Matt and Brad are finding to cope with it and comforted by your being home with them.. Jim, I don't need to tell you what you mean to me and my family - you have made such an enormous footprint in all of our lives. Bask in the sunshine, soak up the love you have from all of us, and know you are in our hearts today, tomorrow, and forever.
ReplyDeleteJim, Debbie, Matt and Brad, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave and Annette Murphy
ReplyDeleteI too am stunned and disturbed about the '11th hour' comment. I do not have a very close relationship with Mr. Ruttenberg, but I have always respected and thought highly of him through the occasional time we spent together, but mainly through his two sons, Matt and Brad. The good nature and affection of this family is impressive and something to be cherished. Ruttenberg Family, stay strong and know that there are so many people praying and thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJimbo, Deb, Brad, Matt; its always difficult to be so far away from family at a time like this and you are like family to all of us. We are gratefull you are all together to lean on each other and have honeymoon salads. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you and don't ever hesitate to call upon us for anything we can do. Pat, Mary, Dom & Tony
ReplyDeletei have had the wonderful opportunity to meet such an amazing man and be surrounded by the love of his tight-knit family..in the past few months, i have witnessed more love within a family than most people see in an entire life time...Debbie has been a rock..for everyone..and her selfless acts of commitment and devotion to her family amaze me every day...Niesha seems to know just what to do without hesitation..and Matt and Brad..your everlasting bond with your father is so apparent...you two are both your father-in so many ways..your strength is remarkable...one second, one minute, one day at a time....love you all
ReplyDeleteKara P :)
Dear Jim Debbie Matt and Brad
ReplyDeleteI tried to post a blog yesterday but I'm afraid it didn't go, so I will try again. To you my friend Jim I pray frequebtly for you everyday, each time I think of you and you come to my mind many times each day. I want you to know that Donna and I love you and care for you and value your friendship and loyalty troughout the years. You are a remarkable guy with to many virtues to even begin listing. If I can help you and Debbie in anyway, with honest opinions or advice you know you can count on me. Debbie, what can we say we have always cared so much for you since before you and Jim were married throughout the engagement and wedding and the miraculous birth of your boys the Prudential trips the Dinners at Lannings etc etc. We wish we could do more. I'm sure your loved for Jim and your strength will carry you trough this difficult time. To Matt and Brad follow your fathers example at all times and you will not go wrong. His strength determination and courage are qualities that are inherited and I'm sure you will always make him proud.
We are still praying and hoping for miracles
Love Dan & Donna Kohler
Jim, Deb and Family, Susie and I have been following your blog and sharing in your ups and downs. You all have been in our prayers on a daily basis. We were so lucky that our paths crossed and we were able to share as much life as we did. In our jobs we saw so much pain and suffering but were able to bring joy and relief to so many. I never thought that we ever had control but were guided by our God, who has the ultimate control. We've been blessed to have been able to share so many wonderful times and we will again. I am honored and proud that you've always been my friend. Love to you all, Bob and Susie Dauchy
ReplyDeleteJim, Deb, Matt and Brad,
ReplyDeleteThis is has been so hard to accept. Like eveyone else, I am so stunned! I am also so fortunate to have spent some time with all of you this winter and I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
Doris
Jim, Debbie, & Boys:
ReplyDeletePlease know that all of us at the Stow F.D. are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. If there is anything we can do from up here, please call. Jim was always the bright spot in my day; he always came in the office looking like a million bucks and with a big, bright smile on his face. He's a true pleasure to be around!
To all your family...
ReplyDeleteWe send our thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time. Jim was always a smiling face and wonderful friend to all of us, and want one of you to tell him that he made our lives BETTER because we know him! I could always count in Jim to help me with our Rotary raffle teams. I know your hearts are heavy and still wish we could all take a day each to carry his burden for him. Jim, you've done good by lots and lots of people--and no one will ever forget that. We'll be thinking of you everyday!
Love
Debbie and Jerry Eichler
Jim, Deb and my D.A.R.E. guys,
ReplyDeleteShocked and stunned to say the least. I'm also angry. Angry that there are 70 year old deadbeat dads, 80 year old men that never gave a damn about anyone but themselves, 90 year old men that couldn't hold a match to you
Jim. Guess I'm preaching to the choir. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron
To the Ruttenberg Family,
ReplyDeleteMy thought and prayers are with you at this most saddest of times. I remember seeing Jim the day before he left to go to Florida and talking with him about retirement and such. I am so sad and it is with tears that I write this. Jim, you were always the bright spot in the day, just like Debbie Rich said, looking like a million bucks and always cheerful. I have a photo of us in front of one of the engines here, holding a dozen dalamation puppies, with Dave Daniels, Rick Henkel, Ray Durkee, you & me. How funny is that?? God be with you and your family. I will be thinking of you all, lots!! With love and prayers, Stephanie Despot-Cook
I just wanted to let you all know that I have been thinking about you constantly over the past few days. I am still shocked over the sudden turn of events. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly life changes. Mr. Ruttenberg, you are such a wonderful man. I have always loved your easy-going attitude and sense of humor. You are definitely the last person on earth that deserves this, but that's how life works sometimes. We just have to have faith that everything happens for a reason. I will continue thinking of and praying for the entire Ruttenberg family. If any of you need anything, just let me know. I love you guys!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Jenny Hoover
Jim, Debbie and boys: My heart goes out to all of you; I am so saddened to hear the turn of events and continue to pray for miracles. I've known both of you so many years and loved those years. Jim was always one of the most pleasant and joyful of guys to be around and everyone truly loved him. I'm thinking of you daily...the photo of the two of you at the wedding is posted next to my desk...and am so comforted that Jim is at peace. love you all, cindy lewis
ReplyDeleteJim, Debbie, and family:
ReplyDeleteMy time spent with you over the last few years has been a true blessing and it pains me to see you all go through this hard time. I know all of you are strong and can get through anything together. Being as close as you are is a blessing from God and I am lucky to have met such an amazing family. I miss you guys bunches and wish I could be there to help in any way possible. I'm thinking of you guys daily and you are in my every prayer. God Bless your family with strength as you need it through this painful time. You all mean so much to me and I love you guys. Stay strong....
Tina
We are praying for a miracle-these bad things are not suppose to happen to good people! You guys are some of the best people, we continue to hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLinda and Ken (Strapper) Nickson
Jim & Deb,
ReplyDeleteIt's taken us until today to write to you after learning the terrible news because we were so sad and we just didn't have the words.... We love you both so so much and the prayers will continue... We are praying for wonderful days of sunshine, love, and togetherness with your beautiful family....Miracles do happen, and we are still praying for one....Keith and I were talking about how much fun we always had with you guys from our cookouts and campfires and you guys smoking those cigars, to our dance classes just being goofy...Good times and lots of fun and laughter memories that we will always cherish...Jim & Deb your dedication as a couple is an example of how many others should follow because it is amazing....Jim you should be so proud of the beautiful life you've led from being a dedicated, loving husband and father to
a highly respected businessman and fireman...Most of all touching so many lives in countless ways...What a wonderful journey, what a wonderful example for your children...Not many can say that...Smile, be proud, love every moment, and thought of it...You deserve it!!! We are wrapping you with our arms, hearts, and love....Thank you for being a part our lives we feel so blessed...
May God watch over you and keep you in his Care today, tomorrow and always...
All Our Love,
Keith & Linda Dodson
Jim, Cousin Deb, and Family,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blogspot for some time, and know that you all are cherished and loved by many. It's nice that you can be at home with your family, and I pray that you are comfortable.
Love and prayers,
Steve Shepherd
Much love, many thoughts and prayers to all of you. My biggest regret is not having had the chance to get to know you -- especially Jim -- well many years ago. These last few years have been great; no one could make me laugh the way Jim always does. Heartfelt wishes.
ReplyDeleteTom Stephan
Hi Jim, Deb and the boys
ReplyDeleteI just can't believe how helpless I feel. I wish there were something that i could do or say that would help ease the pain or help make things better.... I pray for you each day and will continue to do so for I know you are a wonderful family and I am sad to see you hurting. I just can't stop thinking about dancing with Jim and Deb on several occassions and how much fun we had --- I pray you find comfort and May God Bless you all.
Sincerely
Brad & Monica Wise
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI'll continue to hold you and your family close in prayer. From all the comments I've read here, it sounds like you have a wonderful, loving family which is no surprise to me. I'm so glad I got to know you, even though briefly - you are a very blessed, special person. Know that many people are lifting you up in prayer; may you feel the strength and comfort of God's healing hands.
Sincerely,
Deb Berkey
Stow PD
Jim, Debbie & Family,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the latest news. Think of you often and wish you peaceful days and restful nights.
Carol Morgan
Jim:
ReplyDeleteAt a time like this it seems maudlin, if not trite, to try to say something to you that would ease your circumstances. Never the less, what little I can put into words I want to say to you, not to Debbie or the boys at a later date.
How does a guy tell a guy how much he admires him? How, if he could choose a son-in-law, a neighbor, a golfing buddy, a really close friend, that guy would be just like you….competent, caring, giving, smart, funny, loving, and most important of all, real. Debbie is lucky to have a husband like you. Brad and Matt are lucky to have a dad like you. We’re all lucky to have you in our lives.
Jim, I believe that most folks live their lives and pass on without so much as a ripple in the lives of others….. much as a stoned tossed into the ocean causes “not a stir”. You have touched the lives of so many in such a significant way. The way you have lived your life will leave memories that are like tidal waves that will be felt by those who know and love you, for years and generations to come.
May God bless and keep you strong.
Your friend,
Ray Shepherd
Jim, I was thinking about you this afternoon and hoped you had a peaceful, painless weekend. We had cold and rain all weekend, but what do you expect in Ohio?
ReplyDeleteI have your SFD 75th Anniversary picture hanging on my bulletin board so am looking at your smiling face this very minute. You are definitely one of the good guys.
Tonight's my golf night so I guess I'll get out and "hit and giggle" like you told me you and Deb did on Friday nights with your league. When I lift my cold beer on the 19th hole, it will be as a toast to you my friend.