A Final Entry

Ten days before Don died, I (brother Bob) took him up to some favorite lakes above his Fairfax home. This would be his last walk outside. I asked him how he was doing. He could have gone the route of saying how unfair it was or how scared he was or how much it all sucked, but instead he smiled and said ‘I have no regrets; life has been sweet’. I'll never get close to touching Don’s writing in his blog, but based on our last conversations, I tried to imagine what his final entry might look like. Here's what I think he'd have to say to his family and friends:

"I’m ok. Actually, I’m great. The views are unbelievable. Better than anything google earth could provide . . . and no cell phones! There’s a slight breeze but I can’t describe the co-mingling of scents yet; it’s a mix of spring mornings in Yosemite, cottonwoods along the Yukon and San Juan rivers, Costa Rican flowers, the salty smell of Stinson Beach near the top of the Dipsea course, my mom’s kitchen, and my wife’s shampoo softened hair. The trail is generally level through towering trees and wide open meadows, like one of my favorites near Lake Lagunitas. Importantly my legs don’t ache, my lungs are clear, and I don’t have to wear that nuisance of a neck brace. Jane there really aren’t too many switchbacks and definitely no ziplines, garage sales are unending, and you can dicker all you want. And there are beaches to visit in every direction. Matt, there are no fishing limits or seasons and the man doesn’t tax you here. Jessie, you can dance whenever you want, for as long as you want. And Violet, my granddaughter, playgrounds are adult free zones! My brothers and sisters should know that the Giants always win. Tom, interestingly, there are still schools here but summer vacations are 11 and half months long and only administrators have to attend.

Finally, friends and family, share your hearts with the world and don’t let your grief interfere too much with living, and laughing, and loving as if there is no tomorrow. Please take one of Jena’s 1001 cranes and pass it on to someone in need.

I’m ok."

Donald Michael Ritchie (1 November 1946-1 June 2009)

More To Come

Don's brother Bob spoke at Don's services and part of what he talked about was what Don's blog would be from Heaven. Bob is taking a few well deserved days off at Tahoe, but plans on posting it very soon. Stay tuned....

Services

There will be a celebration of Don's life and a Vigil at St. Rita's Church in Fairfax on Friday, June 5th at 7:30 pm and a Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 am. Again, thanks to all of our friends for your love and support, it means so much to all of us. Jane

Peace...peace at last

Don found peace last night at 1:41 am. I know the exact time, because I was putting the microwave timer on every hour to make sure I was awake to give him his medication so he did not once again become painful. The medication also eased his labored breathing. Being very fatigued, I could not set the timer for some reason, so I decided to let it go and hoped that I would awaken on my own. I returned to the couch next to his hospital bed, and listened for his breathing. Very soon, I heard him take two deep breaths and then no more. At that exact moment, the timer went off. I had asked Don to send me a sign when he passed and I knew this was it. He had told me the day before that I was not to worry, that he was going to be OK and that all he wanted was peace. What transpired next was even more incredible. My sister-in-law had brought a rosary for Don to use that belonged to her little girl, Kaylee. Kaylee had received it from our niece, Amy, who had just brought it from a pilgrimage in Spain, El Camino de Santiago. We had placed it on the side rail of his bed. Most recently, his brother Bob had placed it around Don's right wrist, saying: "We might as well pull out all of the stops." Sitting at his bedside, just after his last breath was taken, everything was still. Suddenly, I saw a movement beneath the covers. It was his right hand being lifted and placed over his heart. For me, I know that the man who has loved me and that I have loved for close to 45 years, was letting me know that he will love me for all eternity and that "all is well." Peace and our thanks, Jane...

The Final Stretch

Our beloved Don is now on the final stretch of his journey. He fell into a comatose state about 1 am this morning and is resting very peacefully. He is surrounded by his family and friends, and the love is palpable. Between the tears and laughter, we are sharing some of the great stories of his childhood, teaching career, river rafting trips, zip lining (oops, that was me!) and more. We are hoping that his passing is a gentle one. I will keep you informed of his condition and of the plans for his services once known. Please keep him and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as this is a very difficult time for us. Gratefully, Jane.

Transition to Hospice

My condition is slowly worsening, and I have now decided to go with Hospice rather than take a chance on another round of a chemo that holds no promises. My family and friends bring me much comfort and joy, so I am spending my days with short visits, laughter, and receiving hugs. Once again, my brother Bob and wife are helping with this posting, so it probably does not sound much like me. It took them forever to remember my password...and I was no help to them at all! To all of you who have been so diligent in following my journey, I want to say thank you. My family is also very grateful for your support and well wishes. I am, however, full of surprises. I rediscovered the delights of Hostess chocolate cupcakes and I look forward to the next! Peace, Don.

Update, early May

It's been just two weeks since I last wrote, correction, since my brother last wrote; I will not take full responsibility for anything in that last post. I am slowly getting stronger, and am enjoying family and friends when I have the opportunity. Opportunities have been limited by the weather, schedules, and fatigue level. I have difficulty concentrating and focusing at times, somewhat due to the cancer and the medications used to fight the symptoms. My pain level is mostly under control although finding a balance between pain relief and a clear head is sometimes a challenge. More often then not, I am enjoying the changing weather, my family (especially Violet when I get the chance), visits from friends, gifts of meals well prepared, cards, and other expressions of support and love. My wife helped me with this entry, so I again will not take full responsibility for anything in this post! As always, thank you to one and all for that love and support. It not only means a lot to me, but to my family as well.