[Janice Carol]

Hello all,
I don't know about all of you but the information we all received today about Jerry passing has really affected me. I am so sad. Like one of our brothers has passed. I did not know him as well as alot of you but I did feel like I knew him. He was such a good man. And if you read his last post everything was looking so good for him. He had began living life to its fullest. Knowing he is gone has really made me evaluate my life. He was a loving father and husband. In fact in a post he made in August I think he talks about taking his wife on a well deserved vacation to Niagrara Falls.
All day long I have been checking the post his wife origainally made for more information. He had traveled so far and had done such an amazing job just to have an intoxicated driver take his life. This is killing me. It really makes me realize how we never know what is going to happen to us. I am so glad I have been saved by God. I love you all. I just felt like I needed to post this. Thanks for listening. I love you all.

[clancythecamper]

I completely understand ~ it's affected me too. I did searches just to see if I could find out anything else ~ somehow try to make sense out of something that just doesn't make any sense. You know, in our everyday lives when we lose a friend we come together to talk and comfort eachother ~ I think this thread was an excellent idea - it's probably what many were thinking but didn't know what to do ~ me included.

I also thought about my interaction with Jerry and read my last post. While we can't focus on the "what if's" all day every day, it did make me think about how important it is to reach out to eachother and support eachother. Jerry was a gift, just as so many of you are gifts to me ~ let's not let this opportunity go by without letting eachother know this. It seems a fitting tribute to Jerry.

[ksummer19]

Believe it or not but I actually copied the thread and send it to my children, ages 23 & 26, and a 21 year nephew. Of course my 26 yr old is more responsible now however the 2 boys need a kick in the butt.

This has affected me big time and I cannot imagine what Jerry's wife if going through. What a wonderful person. I do hope that she checks in with us. I know we'd like to be there for her.

[clancythecamper]

He'd mentioned she was planning surgery for January ~ I wonder if she had it?

[dixieladybug]

I have had him on my mind so much. We all know what a struggle we all went through getting to the surgery and the hopes and dreams we have for a better life after we lose the weight. It is so unfair that he had such a short time to enjoy his new life. He will be missed. I will continue to pray for his family. All of the RR family send our love to them.

[DianeB]

I too felt such a loss. Yesterday I received news that my friends Mom had pass, she was so ready to leave this world though, she missed the love of her life, her husband that had passed on before her. Then to hear this news of Jerry passing from a drunken driver makes me so sad and so mad. Here was a man that was so young, loved his family so much and was moving in a new healthy direction, only to be taken. I know someday God will reveal to us why things happen the way they do (I'm sure we all have lost some of those we love way to early), I just hope we can hit ourselves in the forehead and say, "OK God, I understand why this had to happen now," but for now, I'm sad and confused for his family and all of us here . Janice, thanks for starting this thread, I think a lot of us need to share and do something with the pain we're feeling. Love you to sweetie!

[Kenyar]

i have to say i do not handle death well at all. and eventhough we all interact here on the internet, i still have bonded with all, while i may not agree with all that you all have to say, and do, i still feel close. and i am devistated. i dont know what else to say...

[A new me]

Yes I feel the same way. I had read the post last night and had trouble sleeping and I woke up several times thinking about it. Just so unfair and makes me sad.

So yes I am in the same boat as you.

[lvmyboys]

When I read the post...I was shocked...I just started crying. I can't even imagine the pain his wife feels. He was a great man and so full of life. I am sad and mad also.

[greensgirl19]

I can't stop thinking about it. I get goosebumps for what seem like forever everytime I think of it and I'm just devastated. I didn't know him that well, but to think that such a vibrant, full life can be snatched away at any given moment has really given me pause. All I can say is I hugged/cuddled my son a lot tonight, we had extra tickle time, 2 books before bed and about 10 extra hugs. I just hope that if anything ever happens to me, he can remember me at least a little. I know Jerry's boys will remember and miss him terribly and it breaks my heart.