I have lost my beloved. He passed away two days ago after a long, slow decline from multiple disease sources. We met when I was 20 and he was 30, we married a year later and have been together ever since. Like many couples, we have been through hell and happy times. He was the person I most trusted in the world. I knew he would be serious when I needed that and know he felt the same about me.
His love was bigger than both of us. His ability to love me and most everyone else, and especially his dogs, was a powerful and healing force. This morning I was thinking about how his human imperfections were less than his ability to love.
His daughter and I were talking this morning about him. Most people saw him as a cut-up, a joker, a man that wanted to bring smiles to your face and laughter to your day. But he was a loner, the most social loner either she and I have ever known. He worried about people, about work, about if I was happy, about his parents, about everything. His care for everyone was something he could not overcome, and so he worried. He wanted people to be okay, to be happy and safe. He was also intensely private and, as such, never discussed the health problems he was having. Most people would never have known until the last few years.
Ron and I met at a disco nightclub (it was the 70's) in Asheville, NC. A mutual friend of ours introduced us, and we basically fell head over heels in love. His first words to me, "I think I could fall in love with you." And we did.
We moved to Florida, we moved to Illinois, we moved to Florida, and then finally to the mountains of east Tennessee. But he loved the beaches of Florida and the peace that only the ocean can bring. He will return there in the end.
In the event you wish to make a donation, there are two local animal rescue organizations. In Mountain City, TN: http://www.rescuedogandendoflifesanctuary.org/donations.html and in Western North Carolina: Horse Helpers of the High Country: http://www.rescuedogandendoflifesanctuary.org/donations.html
Visitation and memorial service will be on Monday, November 7 at Mountain City Funeral Home, http://www.mountaincityfh.com/ , from 5 to 7 p.m.
93 comments
Bless you and your family thru this loss. I pray knowing he no longer suffers from the illnesses is some comfort. The effects of illness are so hard to see one go thru when you love them so much. God give you peace.
So much I wish I could say yet so few words seem appropriate. I am so sorry for your loss. You tribute to him was beautiful. You must have had a very special relationship.
I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the love you share and cherish the memories.
So sorry to learn of your loss. It sounds like you both shared a special kind of love. How lucky for you to have found each other in this life. wishing you all the comfort and strength needed in this sad difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved. There are no words for such a great loss. May the years of memories comfort you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, clearly the love of your life. Ron sounds like a larger than life personality, who was generous with his love, and will be greatly missed. Your tribute is very moving.
Words cannot say how sorry I am for your loss….I will be thinking of you during this difficult time and sending healing thoughts and prayers to you. From your words I know he was loved very much and will be missed immensely.
I am so sorry for your loss. We have never met in person, but I have long admired your spirit, artistry and sense of community. I hope that you find comfort in the support and prayers of your friends and family and fans in this time of deep sadness.
I am so sorry about your loss. I see you at SAFF every year and so look forward to your upbeat attitude. You are in my thoughts and prayers today and all the days ahead, Stay strong and “take things one day at a time”. Ron is always with you.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your sorrow with us. My heart and prayers go out to you.