Monday, May 10, 2010
Hi to all of you wonderful friends and relatives. I am sitting here next to Jim sleeping and reading all the touching comments that you all have written to us. It makes us feel so close to all of you. I read them and cry at the love that comes through your comments. He IS a great guy...AND it is just not fair for this to be happening. But we know as someone sent to us...he will find out when he gets to ask GOD himself what his plan was.(I made him promise to get back to me on that) We are home with hospice nurses checking in on us. He is kept as confortable and pain free as possible. He understands most things that are going on-most of the time. Jim is so tired. The disease has progressed very rapidly and his strenth is declining at the same speed. We still keep him "look'n good" all the time-as Jim continues to want to tease the nurses. We had a wonderful weekend with Don, Jim's brother who made the 20 hour trip down here to be with his bro. It was sad when he left. Unbearable to watch them say goodbye. Uncle Ray...what can I say. It was wonderful to hear from you. ps. you should be a writer..oh that's right we come from a family of writers, right? Cannot wait to get a big SHEPHERD hug from you. Dan K.-we have gotten all your messages. We always have Jim listen to them. And to all our friends from Stow, the fire dept., the police dept..thanks to Mike Murphy for orchestrating the most wonderful radio hello from the guys and gals of Stow's finest. It put a giant smile on his face. What can I say...I love you all and still need your strength and prayer. You know we always think their might be one more miracle out there...we had one with Jim being at Matt and Niesha's wedding. I feel Jim Ruttenberg deserves another one. Don't you? Well lets all ask and maybe HE will listen. My boys. I love my boys. I am so glad to be here where they can be around Jim all the time. They are so strong-just as Jim raised them to be. You would all be so proud of them. Bonnie, John and Susan...I love you all. I know this is driving you crazy not being here...you will all be my rocks later. We are all as a family doing ok. We are strong and we help each other on days that we have no strength. There are days when your voices even on voice messages get me through to the next day. Keep them coming. Again. I love all of you. Debbie
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I haven't commented before, but the California Shepherds are all too well aware of what's going on. We have had you all in our prayers and thoughts daily. We send you love and strength and hope. Cousin Carole
ReplyDeleteDeb, Chuck and I pray for you guys every day. I know you are all being so strong. Even though our friendship has been brief, we feel a special bond to you and Jim. The relationship with you two means more to us than you could know. I wish we'd had more time.....Mary Alice Spencer
ReplyDeleteJim, Deb and family. I continue to pray for all of you to get through this. I miss Jim's smiling face, great attitude and his support of Fire Safety Education. Everyone who knows you and your family are praying non stop!
ReplyDeleteSandy Ray....Stow Fire Dept.
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThe other day when I talked to Jim he talked about how proud he was of you and how you have coped with this difficult time. He is so thankful for the strength, love and comfort that you and the boys have given and continue to give him. He has always beams when he talks about his family.
Jim and I have always had a "punny" friendship...he is the ultimate punster. He has become one of my most dear friends over the almost 20 years that we have been on the fire department together. I have been very blessed and my life much richer for having known him.
I will keep you all in my prayers...Lou Ann
Deb,
ReplyDeleteHave not commented lately but we follow with our thoughts and prayers. Nothing we can say that tops these comments, but we rest in the comfort that you do and will continue to trust the Lord and His will for all of you.
The Wicherts
Deb,
ReplyDeleteI wish I were closer so i could be around you more and give you some moral support! Just know that not a day goes by that I don't pray for Jim, you and the boys. It's hard on everyone knowing what you are going through. Stay strong and give Jim my love.
Doris
Debbie:
ReplyDeleteI believe you got a heavy dose of that Shepherd writing gene, too. You, Jim and the boys are constantly on my mind and in my heart & prayers. This has been difficult to understand and accept, but I’m glad the whole family is able to be together at this time. You are right about Jim being proud of Brad and Matt’s strength, but, Sweetie,they are not the only ones with that strength, and Jim would be equally proud of you. ~Aunt Judy~
Deb,
ReplyDeleteIt was so good hearing your voice on the phone. You are doing a fanstastic job being a pillar for Jim and your boys....I think about you guys everyday and pray, pray, pray for God to give your family strength and guidance...I know so many people not appreciating life and not realizing how precious each moment is...Never take for granted that life can change in a moment I have seen it over and over again...It surely makes you think about what really matters and what doesn't..
I am here for you always...lean on me girlfiend that's what friends are for...Big hugs to Jim from Lindy..
Love and God Bless,
Linda
Debbie, Big Jim and the twins, we hope and pray for many more good days for your family to spend together, Take care of yourselves and remember many more prayers are coming from Stow.
ReplyDeletelove always in frienship
Mitch, Mandy and Ryan.
Jim,Deb and family,
ReplyDeleteI just found out out about Jim's situation last evening. On Behalf of the officers at the Silver Lake PD, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary DeMoss
HIJIM AND DEBBIE,FOUND AN INTERESTING ARTICLE.CHECK OUT ASPERAGUS FOR HEALING CANCER ON THE WEB.VERY INTERESTING RESULTS,WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL.
ReplyDeleteKURT WALTERS AND FAMILY
Hello from Ohio. I had a Jim Ruttenberg moment this morning. When he would come in the office, he always asked if I wanted a cup of coffee. Sometimes I took him up on it, and he'd get me a cup of French Vanilla Cappucino out of the machine. I just had to have a cup of that coffee this morning, and it brought back so many wonderful memories of Jim and what a gracious, generous person he is.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to share that with somebody...
Dear Debbie and family...all of you have been in our thoughts often. Please let Jim know he is in our hearts. Bob and I were given a gift with his friendship and we will be forever grateful for that. His kindness and his sense of humor will never be forgotten. We are so glad you were all able to spend this time together with him...I think it has made you all stronger. Tell Jim we love him, OK?
ReplyDeleteAnn and Bob
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers for Jim --- and all of you.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Tom Stephan
Jim, Debbie & Family,
ReplyDeleteSue and I think about you everyday...wish there was something we could do to help you through this difficult time. We're so glad we got to see you guys in March and play a round of golf with Jim. Our prayers are with you.
Rick & Sue
Jim & Debbie - it's hard to believe that it was only 7 weeks ago that Rick, Jerry and I golf with Jim. The weather and the company was spectacular and it was great to get together with both of you afterward for dinner, a few drinks and a cigar. I will always cherish the memory of that day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteKen & Sue Weegar
Thank you Debbie for taking the time out of caring for JIm to let us know how you and your boys are doing. It helps us who are too far away to feel in touch some how. We cry, but we also laugh and share our own memories. We also love reading all the blogs from your and Jim's friends, to know that so many people are out their caring and praying helps so much.
ReplyDeleteLove, Susan and Fam
Hey, Deb, Matt, and Brad....and Yes, Jimbo, you, too. I was just thinking about all of you and wanted to send a giant bear hug from KC....Feel the love? Cuddle up in it, because there's soooo much of it out here for you! We love you, Bon and Bill
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThe Friday Night golf group loves to talk about the fun times golfing with you and Jim. The after golf get together at your beautiful home. It was a warm and wonderful evening that gave us a chance to really talk and enjoy each others company. The two of you have always been so easy to be around and so gracious. We are praying for you and and Jim and your boys. We love you, Jean and Tom
Dear Debbie
ReplyDeleteMy good friend and colleague Ken Weegar just told me about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your Stow High classmate of '72
Rich Cocozzo
rcocozzo@comcast.net