Even knowing it was coming, it still crushed me. I have had such an awful month.
I changed the thread title to indicate the unfortunate update. I will be linking to this thread in the memorial sticky.
^^^ All of the above.
My sympathies to his family and especially his mother, who worked so hard on his rehab and recovery (and lost her husband during these long seven years).
RIP, Pat.
My sincerest condolences to his family, they worked so hard and so tirelessly to do the best for him in such difficult circumstances.
I can’t believe he’s gone. While I knew that it was unlikely, there was a part of me that always felt that one day, Rugger would be right back to himself, abrasive and hilarious as ever.
RIP in peace, Pat.
This one hurts.
My condolences to the Rugger family and to all of Santo Rugger’s friends here and Pat’s friends IRL.
RIP Pat.
I’m deeply saddened.
The words of a distant stranger may not mean much, but I am nevertheless sorry for your great loss. May you find some comfort after such a long struggle.
My condolences.
This.
Said better than I could.
Well, shit. This is the first time I’ve logged in for a couple of weeks, and this was the first thing I saw. Goodbye, Pat. You’ll be missed.
This is why this place is this place. Just finished rereading the entire thread.
My condolences.
I know it’s probably against SDMB Policy, but I don’t give a damn. A cut-and-paste message from the BookFace:
More to follow, as things develop. If there are any Dopers in the area interested in attending memorials, let me know, and I’ll keep you posted.
Tripler
Thank you all for your support of Pat and our family over the past few years. Seven if I’m counting. An eternity if I’m thinking back. I can’t express the many emotions I felt that were tied to Pat’s injury. Knowing that Pat was unable to do the things he loved was a heavy load to bear. His care regime was brutal but so necessary and we worked really hard to help him in every way possible. When it became apparent that we could no longer care for him at home and had to make the difficult transition to a care facility, I think that is when the real difficulty began. Having almost no control over his care was a challenge and a lesson in controlling one’s temper! Just a short month after we moved Pat, my beloved husband, Frank passed. I really didn’t get a chance to feel sorry for myself, because Pat started on a journey of hospitalizations. There were really too many to count, but they almost always started with an ER visit in the middle of the night and a 1.5 hour drive to be with him. Once I almost fell asleep driving home and had to pull over and sleep! But God gave me the strength to fight all the battles necessary and I gladly did so. Matt and I navigated our way through the healthcare system. I learned more than I will ever need to know. We had lots of help and support along the way. Neighbors, friends, strangers, and family all pitched in to help. This spring, Patrick developed complications from surgery and we made the difficult decision to enter hospice. That journey was difficult and beautiful at the same time. I miss Pat so much. He had such a presence even though he couldn’t speak. I remember pre-injury Pat and I am glad for once that he no longer has earthly bounds. No more pain or suffering.
Now for the good news. Life happened while I was busy making other plans…I met a wonderful man early this year and fell in love. He was by my side while I was caring for Pat and with me throughout the hospice experience. And while we had planned to marry this fall, we expedited our plans and tied the knot this summer. I am so elatedly happy that I can’t begin to express to you how I feel. I am truly enjoying life and I think that is the best tribute I can pay to both Pat and Frank’s memory:)
What wonderful news!
I have been repeatedly amazed at what you and your family were able to do for **Santo ** over the long years. Congratulations and best wishes.
I am so happy to read your post that I am crying at work. May all your days be filled with wonder and joy!
{{{{SantoRuggersMom}}}}
I’m glad you found happiness after so much heartbreak and tragedy. Thank you for sharing with us.
Congratulations on your wedding, may you have many peaceful, wonderful years together.