Just wanted to relay this sad news (with Bob's blessing) that his wife, Denise, passed away recently. Gaberax is a relatively new member here in the UMA, and we have exchanged a few messages back & forth. I can tell you, he is one good guy.
The following is from him (Bob), from a recent pm.
" My wife passed away this past Friday. She was diagnosed with cancer a mere 3 months ago, about the time I started the figures. We have been in and out of the hospital for the last 3 months and in the hospice the last week. She was given one course of chemo directly into her liver and after a week, when the cancer jumped to her right lung, general chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her condition continued to deteriorate. Things never got better. Her right lung filled with cancer and fluid. The oncologist never could determine if it was pancreatic, ovarian or connective tissue cancer but the telltale signs were cells called spindle cells which pointed to one of those three terrors. Fortunately, she didn't suffer very long.
Denise was the best thing that ever happened to me. She loved me unconditionally, warts and all. She saved my life. She was everything to me. She fostered all of my silly idiosyncrasies, framing my monster collections in shadowboxes and hanging them on the walls of our house...where they "could be enjoyed every day." She purchased those higher priced collectibles I lusted after as birthday presents and as Christmas presents. She was my best friend, my sweetheart, my homemaker, my lover and my heart. What was our life, what is now my life, is in complete freefall. All future plans have evaporated. Frankly, I am quite lost. "
Very sorry for your loss, Bob. Peace be with you.
Mark
There aren't enough consoling words in this entire world to tell you how sorry all of us at the UMA are for your loss, Bob. Please know that you're in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Robert Taylor, Elder of the UMA
Bob,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences toy and your families. Denise sounds like she was surely a gem, a treasure to have in your life and in your heart and soul. Not only did she endure your interests, but encouraged and particiapted in them. I hope that when you see your stuff which ordinarily is meaningless in the face of such a tragedy, that you feel her presence and be reminded how much she loved you. I'm sure you found your idiosyncrasies to be part of your charm. I do dope you find comfort amongst friends and family near and far.
Rob
As a fellow UMA member lucky enough to have a wife who indulges my inner Monster Kid and also saved my life with her unconditional love, my heart goes out to Bob. My sincerest condolences and my wishes for many consoling memories to help with his grief now and in the future.
Bob,
There are no sufficient words to express my condolences. You obviously found your soul mate in this lifetime which is rare in and of itself. Ultimately your memories of the time you had together will be a great comfort to you and i pray this happens sooner than later for you. Until then i wish you strength and healing. Peace be with you.
Wow this has to be absolutely devastating. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through Bob and no words can express how sorry I am for your loss. Gasport is exactly right in that the memories you shared together will eventually be comforting. Until then just know the whole UMA is here for you and we'll all keep you and Denise in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee
Bob,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. There just are no words. You and yours are in prayers.
Paul
I'm so sorry .. now there's no pain for Denise, only peace as she watches over you from above.
Take care of yourself.
Susan
I am sorry for Bob's loss. It's a terrible thing.
As others have already written, there really are no words... God bless and keep you. We're here for you, Bob.
This is very sad news. I'm so sorry for Bob.
Karen
Bob, I was so much enjoying getting to know you before this devastating turn of events. Please know my offer stands, and that you are in our prayers. I hope you continue to hang around the UMA.........we're a family here,and you're one of us brother.
Amen, Scatter...
Dear Bob-
Prayers from here for rest for Denise, and comfort for you and her other loved ones.
-Craig
Bob:
Monsterphile is correct. Your wife lives on both within you and within the collectibles you shared together.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing someone Loves so dearly I could not imagine.
My prayers go to you and your Family.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalm 23
My Prayers are with you, sir.
Terribly sorry for your loss, Bob. You are in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Bob.
Brian K
Bob, please accept my condolences as well. If you need anything at all- know that we are all here for you. Hugs to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear this Bob. My prayers are with you Brother.
Bob
I'm not sure I can say anything to help except I'll keep positive thoughts in your eventual healing to whatever level that may be.
My wife and I have been together over 32 years and tho we don't get along sometimes losing her would be the worst thing I can imagine. Try to stay strong and know you have many friends here if you need to talk.
Mike
Bob, so sorry to hear of your loss,prayers go out to you and your family.
Jeff
Little I can say but to add my condolences as well. Words fail me in such moments.
Bob I am so very sorry for your loss. Oh such sad news.
My condolences.
George
I know where people go when they die.
Into your heart.
Hang in there my friend.
Very sorry.
Let your lovely wife be your inspiration to do something truly wonderful in your life from this day forward. Mark her passing with the commencement of a truly great endeavor.
Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my prayers.
Rick
I wanted to say that I just today found this thread (and in a peculiar round about way...wasn't even on the UMA forum, instead I was looking up some information on spindle cell carcinoma...obsessing that everything that could have been done for Denise was done.) I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts, prayers and other forms of condolences.
Words fail on the level of pain I am in right now. Nothing is as it was nor will it ever be again. I am attending two separate grief counseling groups a week...I've started riding a borrowed bike (almost obsessively) and I walk around on the edge of breakdown. I can hardly speak and I have times when I cannot seem to breathe.
I am told it will get better in time. One thing I have been told that I agree with, you don't get over it, you learn to live with it.
Denise was simply...wonderful. We had 16 of the most wonderful years together and I do not know how I will survive this.
Having read all of your posts I wanted to take a moment and say, "Thank you." I have made some great friends on this forum, (using a idiom from days past) you are all a swell bunch of guys. I am glad I found this thread and I am glad to have found this forum.
Sincerely,
Gaberax (Bob)
Bob, you're among friends here. Nothing we can do or say will alleviate your pain in any way, but we want you to know we're here. God bless you buddy.
Thoughts and prayers to your family...