Slideshow now available for download

Sorry about the delay, buy I have finally created a downloadable version of the slideshow that we displayed at the party on Friday September 4th. Feel free to share the link below with anyone who may enjoy it!

http://www.eloshdesign.com/russ/

Thanks,

Daren

A Eulogy for Uncle Russ

There’s humor in every thing…

That’s one of the first Russ Truisms I heard throughout my life and thought it curiously apt for such a day. The first time I heard it, I was riding shotgun in that old Thunderbird of his. The T-Bird, “It’s got eyeballs” Russ would say in that unmistakable voice.

And what a voice. Call it what you will — be it Gravelly or Gruff, a Tom Waitsian twang, a Wolfman Jack Jive, or even a river-bottom-scraping rasp — if you were on the other end of it, whether it was good news or bad, whether he was poking fun or singing your praises, it was warm and good and most of all, made you feel welcome. I mean, Russ could tell you your truck had four flat tires but make it feel like he was inviting you to a party.

There’s humor in every thing…

Of course, today it feels like our world just got less funny, less bright. We have a man here, who made our worlds fuller and simply more fun to be in. And no mistaking it, he was indeed a great man by all accounts: Russ was a terrific husband and father; he served his country; he was professional success, an entrepreneur and admired by his peers; he had dozens of good friends; he died with a giant loving family around him; he spread only love and the hand of friendship to folks; he had an open mind and an open heart for even the funniest looking strangers; he was an accomplished and prolific artist, be it through music (he sang for huge audiences, he played the dulcimer, the harmonica), photography or, um, gardening. He could forgive; Russ always worked toward reconciliation. And he did all of this his way always staying true to himself, true to the Russ Campbell style. No guidebooks, no conformity, no getting in line behind the other guy.

But what I loved the best about Russ and ultimately what I’m jealous and covetous of  — and only because I still haven’t figured out how to do it as well as he did (and I’ll probably die trying)  — is he could be at once wild and responsible, at once reckless and grounded. He may be hootin’ and howlin’, giggling and surely weaving, but he always roared down the right path, finding the humor in even its darkest turns. By his example — not his words or his commands — he led many of down that same path. 

And still while on this path, and at one particular spot, he had a tendency to get in the way of some fast moving vehicles.

TWICE.

There’s humor in every thing…

Of course, our bane, our curse, is we now how have to live in a world without Russ Campbell. Ooof. But from what we know of the man, he wants all of us to keep having fun, and promoting love; he wants us all to be a little reckless, a little wild as we peel down the path.

To gather the strength to do this, to live without Russ, I’ve been thinking back to that day riding shotgun in that old T-BIRD. Maybe it will help you, too. I was a little kid and having a rough day and he took me on a long drive around town and he leaned over and looked at me and said in that voice,

“MIGUEL, whenever I get down I just try to remember: There’s humor in every fucking thing, you just need to look for it, and you’ll find it. Sometimes, it’s the only thing that’ll pull you through those tougher times.”

Good Times for a Great Man

Please join us for a celebration of Russ's life.

Tomorrow, Friday September 4th, 2009 at Fats Billiards from 6-9pm.

Fats Bar & Billiards
2992 Hayden Run Plaza
Columbus, OH 43235
614-761-9939

Map/Directions

We hope to see you there!

 

I love you Grandpa

As I explained to Haylie this morning that Grandpa went to heaven while we were sleeping last night, we started talking about the many things that she will miss most about Grandpa Russ. Haylie's words "I will miss when Grandpa sings to me, especially when I was a baby and he would sing me to sleep. I will miss going to the farm with him and when he fills up my swimming pool at the farm and he lets me ride the four-wheeler. I will miss when Grandpa kisses me and then I have to itch my face from his facial hair!"

I will miss him saying to Haylie each time she would see him "There's my special girl"!

Grandpa Russ was one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His love for life and his family was just so neat to see, and WOW his love for his sweet wife was something extra special.

I will miss Russ's smile and his sarcastic spirit so much. I will miss the under the breath comments I could make and Russ jumping right on board with me!! I will miss him trying to get me and Daren to love Scotch on the rocks! I will miss my step-father-in-law that was full of life, fun, talent, and just the most adorable man.

I always know we will have an angel watching over us.

Aimee
  

Goodbye Too Soon

Donavon Russell Campbell passed away as he slept this morning.

He died with Sharon sleeping in the room and a wonderful nurse at his side. His nephew, Mike, received the call at nearly 4 a.m. and called me in turn. My wife Jenny and I drove down to the Kobacher House guided by the light of a vibrant, haloed and golden moon.

While it goes without saying how hard it is to lose a father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend we were very lucky in many ways. Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only a month ago, the ride has been one of disbelief, fear, sadness and even joy. But I have never experienced such an intense feeling of love for my father and the closeness I have gained with Shom and the rest of the family in such a horrible time has been more than I could ever imagine.

My dad loved so many people and, while I have long known how strong and truly unique a person he was, it is still mind blowing to have spent the last week or more watching the many friends and well wishers just continue to pour into the room - I'm pretty sure neither the Kobacher House, or perhaps even the seventh floor of the James, has ever seen anything quite like what they saw with Russ Campbell in their care.

He loved you, all of you, so much.

I know I do not speak for just myself when I say the loss of my dad will be felt far, wide and deep. But when things are low, and we miss him to the point of despair - we should remember that he was a man of good times, of humor, wit and love, and that we, like he so often did, should try to find the humor (the more inappropriate the better) in the toughest and darkest of situations.

As a family we need and appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but do not forget to care for yourselves.

Have a drink, take a moment, have good long cry, but by all means, have a laugh for Russ.

I love you, dad. I will miss you so much. You always be with me.

"And to die is different from what anyone supposed, and luckier.

Has any one supposed it lucky to be born?

I hasten to inform him or her it is just as lucky to die, and I know it."

- from "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman

Details on a celebration of my father's life will follow shortly.

It's Tuesday morning and what a beautiful day it is. We've opened the patio door from his room feeling the cool fresh air reminding all of us to breathe...

Russ is resting comfortably – feeling no pain. Mom is showing incredible strength and courage that we never imagined she would have to endure. Chris, Russ' son with the support of his wife, Jenny, are a pillar of strength and love for her. We all have bonded in an amazing way for this wonderful man.

He hasn't spoken for a few days now, except for a brief moment when he opened his eyes to say "Hey, baby", to a number of people. Then back to sleep. It gave us comfort to hear a Russ-ism one more time.

The greatest gift we all have been blessed with is opportunity to experience all the love and joy of those he touched. Including the outpouring of support has been so healing for not only Russ, but all his family and friends. Thank you all for creating such a priceless collection of memories for all to share and contribute to his life.

As his journey takes him to the next phase we ask that you pray for his peaceful release.

"The Paper Boy"

I have waited to post my entry on the blog because it's difficult for me to put into words my feelings about Russ Campbell.


Russ was our paper boy when we moved to Binns Blvd. He used to come to our house on Thurs. nights to collect and he would sit with our parents and talk and talk. That's when I first met him. Then after he left Hilltonia and I left Westmoor we were both at West High School. We were in the same "crowd" and he dated some of my friends and I dated some of his friends so we were always at the Hilltop Pool, the YMCA dances, football games, etc., at the same time. He and I just became good friends and I hung out at his parents' house sometimes when I was dating Gary Hartzell. I think we "doubled" the night of the prom. Russ was one of the funniest guys I knew, so you can imagine what it was like when you put him and Gary together!


We graduated, he went off to the Viet Nam war and for a few years we lost touch. However, when class reunions would come around I would see him then.


However, I couldn't believe my ears when about 12 or so years ago my sister, Sharon, called me to say that she had run into Russ Campbell at some restaurant/bar on the weekend. Then she later called me again and told me they were dating. GET OUT!!! They fell in love, they got married and one of my dearest friends was back in my life. I'll never forget the first time I visited Sharon's house from whatever state I was living in at the time, and Russ and Sharon started to walk into their bedroom, I said "Sharon, do you realize you are sleeping with our paper boy?" That's always been a joke in our family.


On a more serious note, in 1968 I had left an abusive marriage and moved back home with my parents. I had just found out that I was pregnant with my first child. My labor had started that evening and for whatever reason, Russ stopped by the house that night to see me. There were no jokes said, he was just so caring and he gave me a buckeye to hold during labor, which I did. I was always so touched by that act of kindness. I held the buckeye during labor and I delivered a beautiful, healthy girl, Shelly Marie.


Over the years of their marriage, there are so many hilarious stories that would take forever for my to write about. He loved the family being down at the farm in McConnelsville. Talk about a different way of life!!! It was where he loved to be and he loved it when family was there too.


During the phone call I had with Russ a few days after he was diagnosed, he told me that he was thankful to God for bringing Sharon into his life because with her came a whole family to love and that loved him. He loved my sister dearly and he could make her laugh no matter what.


Over these past few days I've seen a strength in Sharon that I didn't know she possessed. She has walked valiantly through this valley, always loving, always caring and being there for Russ. He would be so proud of her.


So in a nutshell, that's my words about Russ Campbell. I am a better person for having known him.


Lovingly, Kathleen (Kathy) Dennison Morrow
  

The Music Man

My Uncle Russ is awesome. He brought music into our lives. I love to see him sing. He has the best voice…it’s really deep. I love when he sings “Chantilly Lace”. He has lots of records too. He sometimes played this really cool instrument that my mom said is called a dulcimer. And he could play the harmonica too. I love when he sings “Happy Birthday”. We would go to the farm and he took me for rides on his 4-wheeler. I love him so much and will miss him every day. Love, Adrienne

Good Times

I was down at the farm one weekend visiting Russ. It was a rainy day but that didn’t bother us a bit. Bernerd had come down and we were on the front porch having a beer. It was really quiet like it usually is out there when we heard a crackling noise coming from across the road. Right then and there, the old barn collapsed! Right in front of us! Of course, as many old barns go, this one had been on the property for a long, long time. There’s something about an old barn that you see while driving in the country. Makes you wonder about what it looked like in its hey-dey, the people that worked the farm and I figure it must be bad luck to demo an old barn. So, I’m glad that we got to be there when it happened. Oh, and let’s not forget the golf-cart accident Brackett and I shared down “OHHHH S*#T HILL!!!! Boy did we catch hell from “the sisters”!! Good times my brother, good times. I’ll miss you more than you know. We know you’ll be around us…watching us and missing us too. Love, Jeff aka Pahaska (aka Tecumseh, LOL)

My Brother (in-law), Russ

Russ has known me longer than I’ve known him. He knew me as a little girl because he and my sister Kathy became friends. They were in the same class and he was her best friend. Many years later, fate somehow brought Russ back into our lives when he and Sharon started dating. True soul mates had finally found each other. Russ and Sharon were married on Valentine’s Day, 1998. I’ve never known two people who fit together like “2-peas-in-a-pod” as much as these two do. He’s so much more than a brother-in-law to me. He’s my brother, my friend, my family.

I’ll never forget our first trip to the Campbell Family Farm. You see…us city-folk don’t get out to the country much. We were sitting on the front porch glider and every now and again a truck or car would drive by. Evidently, the proper way to acknowledge farm folk when they drive by is to gently nod and barely raise your hand up to wave. We learned this rather quickly when the first truck drove by and we were waving a bit like Forest Gump did when he was waving to Lt. Dan!! Russ quickly shot us a look and told us “Hey guys, stop that and act like you live here”. We laughed so hard. I was always exhausted after visiting the farm because we laughed so much while we were there.

Russ, do you remember the time we went for a ride on the 4-wheeler…in the dark? It had been raining early that night but it didn’t matter. We crossed the road, and took off riding really, really fast through that big field. It was really muddy and the next thing I knew we were stuck on a mound of wet ground…kind of like a teeter-totter. We were both laughing so hard (I’m certain I peed a little) and thinking how much trouble we were going to be in with “big sister, Shom” if we couldn’t get ourselves out of this one! We pushed & pulled and finally, we broke free. I had the time of my life that night. It was so much fun. Just one of many, many times we had fun together.

We’re not saying good-bye my friend, but instead, “until we meet again”. Because, we WILL meet again. You’re definitely my “brotha from anotha mutha”. We’ll take good care of “baby”. Be at peace my brother…I love you! Kelly Dennison Steece

Sunday Update

Didn't want to skip a day of updates for those of you following this daily, however don't have a lot of new information to share - Russ sleeps and sleeps - he is growing weaker and rarely wakes up or is able to communicate with us - occasionally he will wake and ask for water but that is maybe a few times a day...the reality of the situation is setting in for all of us - it has been a very difficult and sad day.

We would like to limit the visitors to family and very close friends only. When in doubt, please call the center ahead of time and we will let you know if the family is up for any visitors. Thank you for respecting our wishes.

Russ loves all of you and knows how much you care and love him - please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers as his journey continues into another day.

Renaissance Man

Iwas recently going through my dad's computer and looking at some of the many, MANY pictures he has taken in recent years of friends, family and, in particular, Morgan County - home to the family farm.

My dad has always had a love of photography and the Ohio countryside and the two passions have often been combined to create something special.

It speaks to something I have come to believe and I know he believed, that incredible beauty is truly all around you, get your camera ready - even in a moving car.

I have enjoyed his photographs and thought sharing a few of them might be apt.

- Sto

August 29th AM Update

Friends and Family:

Russ has been sleeping and sleeping and sleeping...he is resting comfortably and once and a while wakes for a few minutes to say, "hi, baby" to my mom or "there's the boy" to my 1 year old son, Liam or something similar to whoever is in the room. He was awake for a total of about 1 hour yesterday and was able to visit with a few old friends. He asked a good friend of his, "are you going to my party?" she answered "yes" and he said "don't be afraid to get your clothes dirty!" What a sense of humor, even in his final days.

Thanks everyone who came to the event last night...it was nice to see so many of you that have loved Russ over the years. Thank you also to those who made a financial contribution in honor of Russ - these are tough economic times and so we appreciate your generosity ever so much.

My mom is by his side at all times and finds a sense of solitude in staying near. All "the kids" are also there for several hours a day...again, it feels comforting to be as close as possible to the family and especially Russ.

Thank you again and again!

Sarah

August 28th Mid Day Update

This is our 3rd day here and it feels like we have been here for weeks. Russ is extremely tired today. He slept soundly all night and into today. It is ever so peaceful to watch him sleep. Chris, Jenny, Michael and I sit in his room while quietly typing on our laptops. I sometimes need to remind myself that life is still happening outside this place - we all have families, jobs and other responsibilities, however I really don't want to be anywhere else but here. It is comforting to be here, to be with family, to be with Russ...

Last night was special for all of us. Mom, Chris, Jenny, Marsia, Daren, Michael, Brian (Chris' best buddy) and I spent time with Russ listening to Willie Nelson on the record player (yes, nephew Micahel brought a real record player to the Hospice House), laughing at one another, rubbing Russ' feet with shea butter and eating yummy brownies. I wish time could stand still and we could live in that moment forever. Russ was in good spirits overall but at times would get frustrated (rightfully so) when the correct words couldn't come to him as he tried to communicate with us.

Special thanks to everyone who continues to pray and send warm wishes to our beloved Russ.

Hey everyone, I told my Dad about my hunting buddy Russ and he gave me this:

Some People

Some people come into our lives

And quickly go. Some people stay

for a while, and give us a deeper

understanding of what is truly

important in this life. They touch

our souls. We gain strength from

the footprints they have

left on our hearts, and we will

never be the same.


I've known Russ for over 20 years, been hunting with him for about 18 of those.

He is like a brother from another mother.

It makes me (and Russ I'm sure) smile when my daughter Morgan (6) and son Jack (4) ask me if they can come hunting with me.

Nate

August 27th Update - posted on August 28th

This was written yesterday but I realized today that I didn't post it correctly...

Family and Friends:

Russ thoroughly enjoyed the many visits he received yesterday from family and friends. After a 2 hour power nap in the morning he was good to go. There were so many people here from all different walks of Russ' life...those who he grew up with on the west side, some college buddies, many too who he has worked with over the length of his career...the list goes on and on. Some visitors have known Russ for over forty years...I have only known Russ for about 15 years and love him dearly...what an extra blessing for those of you who have had the privilege of knowing him longer.

Russ said to a few of us yesterday that he had no idea that this many people loved him. In a strange way it's almost feels like a blessing to be aware of when someone is nearing the end of their life...to get the opportunity to actually say how we feel, to share how he has touched our lives, to tell him hundreds and hundreds of times how much we love him, to talk about so many stories from the past that we will treasure for ever...a good reminder for all of us to tell our loved ones how much they matter to us each and every day! Russ has said to me a few times over the past few weeks and as recent as yesterday, "Sarah, you and Dave just love one another"...so simple...so powerful!

Russ is more tired today and starting to listen more to his body asking him to take a break, to rest. He has mentioned several times that he wants the family close by. He said he enjoys listening to us converse with one another even if he is resting. We will be with him every step of the way...

Foot-Rubbing Contest?

Tonight, Sarah challenged Sharon to a impromptu foot-rubbing showdown. According to Russ, Sarah took the lead, but Sharon quickly closed the gap. In all fairness, Sarah did get a little head start.

Good times.

Daren

Thank You.

Thank you for playing with me on your farm.
Thank you for teaching me stuff about farm folks.
Thank you for helping me with landscaping a few weeks ago.
Thank you for helping me with landscaping a few years ago.
Thank you for entertaining us at your concerts.
Thank you for having concerts at halls that serve ridiculously strong drinks.
Thank you for being a great Grandpa to Haylie.
Thank you for inspiring me to get an ATV to ride with you.
Thank you for showing me how not to go up that monster hill.
Thank you for being a great husband to my mom.
Thank you for always asking me if I need any help with my projects.
Thank you for inspecting our new house in May.
Thank you for making my mom happy.
Thank you for introducing me to all of your buddies.
Thank you for taking my advice and buying Mac computers.
Thank you for never listening to when I teach you about Mac computers.
Thank you for being such a great cook.
Thank you for making me laugh tonight. 
Thank you for being you.

You're are rock star.

Love,
Daren
 

Email Sarah received from sister-in-law...

Sarah,

I wanted to let you know that I am cycling on Saturday for Russ in the Pelotonia. All the money goes to James Cancer Research Institute. I will be riding in his honor.

I am thinking of you, Marsia and Sharon this week...lots of prayers and love to you, David, and all of Russ' family!

Create, Nurture, Inspire
Rebecca Meske, MA, NBCT
Columbus City Schools

August 27th, 2009

Thank you again for all the prayers and kind sentiments about Russ.

Our beloved Russ is growing more weak and tired as the days progress. We have decided to try to keep visiting hours to a minimum. Russ loves the company so we do not want to turn anyone away, just thought if we could keep the visiting hours to between 3:00p and 7:00p then that will give him time to rest up before and after. Thanks to all! Another update to follow shortly.
  

Living in the Present

Good Morning,
I wanted to share this with my friends that may or may not have met Russ before. I've known him about 10 years now, after marrying my mom, Sharon. They have been sharing their home with me for about 3 years.

He was diagnosed exactly 3 weeks ago with pancreatic cancer. His symptoms were only fatigue and weight loss for the past few months. One MRI later we learned the cause. After Catscans, Ultrasounds and more MRI's we now have to face the facts. The disease has spread so rapid and aggressively, his doctors are just as shocked as we are.

Sharon and Russ decided together to make his next transition a peaceful one. They moved him to a hospice facility called Kobacker House. We've heard wonderful praises from many others who have used this facility for their loved ones. We moved him there last night around 10:00pm. There was a harem of women there to greet him, his wife, Sharon, her sister Kathy and 2 stepdaughters, my sister Sarah, and myself. Along in the transport ambulance was his son, Chris and his wife Jenny.

My mom spent the night with him and just returned home a few minutes ago. She said she could tell the relief in his eyes immediately. No more tests, needles, IVs, bad food or constant interruptions.

Those of you who were fortunate enough to meet Russ, even one time, will appreciate this Blog site for it's candid nature and glimpse into others' who know him well and were touched by his charisma. Feel free to submit your own comments or simply view the site and experience the comments from others.

Hold on to your loved ones and let go of the past.

Sincerely,
Marsia Elosh
 

Man discovers propane

The photo is of my dad at the farm last October. Using his blow torch.

I just wanted to add a little something to the blog. Dad is doing okay right now and seems to be enjoying himself as the visitors and well wishers continue to stop by. It's truly nice to see all the people who care about my father. We had Tom Brackett and George Steimer in earlier this morning and the farm stories got rolling for a little while. Something about "air bathing" (see Ben Franklin) along Tri-Delphia Road at 2 a.m. after, "10 to 12 beers and about half a gallon of brown water" - Brackett. I'm still not sure about the science behind the practice but I'm not sure my dad and Brackett are either...

It's a tough situation and, while that doesn't change, it is possible to escape the 'here and now' in small increments. And the old man enjoys a good yarn. Bottom line, if you've got a good story come tell it and, if you don't, come down and hang out anyway.

The rest of us are holding up okay. Shom is strong and Daren and Sarah and Marsia have been great (Daren and Sarah deserve big thanks for the blog.)

Anyway, thank you to everyone who has already shown there support and given dad their thoughts and prayers - it never gets old.

Pops says he is just enjoying being around his people and the love he gets and gets to give. I suppose sometimes - often in the hardest times - it is just that simple.

He is also fond of saying "budget" and "envelopes" - stroke humor. He laughed.

But thank you, everyone.

- Chris

Happy Hour to Celebrate Russ

Hello,

I am a friend of the Campbell family and a close friend to their daughter, Sarah. I was devastated to hear of Russ's sudden and recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. My first thought is the same as so many others, "what can I do to help." After speaking with Sarah, we determined that the number one support for their family right now is continuing with the thoughts and prayers that everyone has so graciously been doing. So many of us have had someone close to us suffer and fight a courageous battle with cancer, it is a difficult and challenging disease that is often sudden and unexpected. Because no one can ever be pepared for this, I felt that helping out financially would help lessen the stress and relieve some of the worry that comes along with this disease.

This Friday, August 28 I will be at Giorgio Restaurant in Clintonville from 5pm-7pm to meet with family and friends who have been wondering how they can help the family. I thought this would be a simple way to meet and try to collect some financial donations to help support Russ and Sharon. Sharon and Sarah are planning on stopping in (depending on how this week goes). I will be collecting donations and will also have a big card for people to sign to send to Russ. If you are not able to stop by but would still like to help, you can send donations by mail. I would like to present this to Russ and Sharon by next week as Russ is not doing well at this time and is currently at the Kobacker House. If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me, my information can be found below. Russ and Sharon are wonderful people who are blessed to have so many caring and thoughtful friends and family members, please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.


We will meet Friday, August 28, 2009 at Giorgio Italian Restaurant between 5pm-7pm.
Giorgio is located at 2949 North High St., Cols, OH 43202 in Clintonville.

Stephanie Baird
266 E. Dunedin Rd.
Columbus, OH 43214
cell # 357-1210
hm # 670-5354

Thanks Everyone!
Stephanie
 

August 25, 2009

Hello friends and family! Thank you for all the kind messages and prayers that have been coming our way. Each and every email and voicemail has been shared with Russ - he lights up when he hears from an old Westside friend or a colleague from his professional life or just one of the many, many people that Russ has touched over the years. It is all very heartfelt and means a lot to our Russ and our family.

As far as an update...
this evening Russ was transferred to the Kobacker House - which is a fabulous Hospice care facility. The address is 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214-3440 (614) 566-5377. The Doctor shared with mom earlier today that the cancer has progressed more rapidly than any other case he has seen in his 13 years of practice. GULP! His liver is beginning to shut down and he is expected to get worse over the next couple days. Mom shared with Russ the difficult news and they spent some time quality time together alone. Chris and Jenny, Daren, Marsia and Sarah were all together most of the day today. Miraculously, Russ seemed to perk up this afternoon. He was sharing very funny stories from the many hunting trips he and "the boys and men" have taken over the past 15+ years. We laughed about silly things that have happened within our family...it was very special! At times, it felt completely unreal that his body was sick and beginning to shut down. My mom said, "it feels like we are walking through someone else's life, not our own." This couldn't be more true - things have progressed so quickly since we heard the news 4 weeks ago.

Mom and Russ are resting comfortably at the Kobacker House tonight. His room is spacious, he has a nice TV and a DVD player...a private bathroom...a door leading to a patio that his bed could be wheeled out to feel the sunshine and breath fresh air...a cook is on staff that will prepare just about anything he would ask for...the staff are very friendly...it really seems like a comfortable place to call home.

Thanks again for all the prayers and kind messages...keep them coming. Please feel free to drop by to visit with Russ anytime - he lights up when visitors are around. He keeps telling us that he wants the family close, that he may fall asleep at times however wants us to be there spending time together and conversing. I am sure those of you who know Russ aren't surprised, but he has been sharing a lot of "I love you's" with all of us. We can't say it enough as we progress into another day...

August 24, 2009

Today has been a difficult day for the family - it was determined that Russ has been having difficulty with his speech because he suffered a stroke on Friday night.  There is still question as to whether or not the cancer is truly in his brain since the cat scan determined the stroke.  More tests are being run.  My mom remains hopeful and her strength has been an inspiration to all of us.  Russ has shared that he is done with all the tests and frustrated with his condition...rightfully so.  I will spending time with Russ, my mom and the rest of our family the rest of this week - taking off work - and will try to send updates as I can.  I believe he is in good hands at The James Cancer Hospital....Please, please, please continue to pray for Russ and our family.  We haven't given up hope and pray that Russ is guided in the direction that is intended for him and that we can all are able to find peace in that.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers!

Sarah
 

August 23, 2009

Today, Russ got off to a relatively rough start feeling somewhat confused and extremely exhausted - he had a hard time finding the right words to communicate - I can't imagine how frustrating that must feel - he did however find the words to greet my mom with "Hello Darling - you look beautiful today" - still sweet adorable loving Russ.

As the day progressed, he had both ups and downs - he had tests run out of Nuclear Medicine to check his liver again. Results should come back tomorrow and finally my mom can talk directly with his doctor.

It was great to see my mom and him today (we got back from HI at 10:30a) he asked how our trip was and was happy to see Liam - seemed a lot better than he had the previous 24-48 hours - we are grateful and hopeful with every good moment - thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!! Keep them coming.

More updates to follow...