Furneral service for my Rita yesterday.....rough day!

[John Schmidt]

With the help of my daughter's and Rita's family the service turned out beautiful. The pastor that led the devotional portion opened up the floor for anyone that wanted to pay tribute. That prompted close to a dozen people to get up and speak of their experiences, very touching....one of the few times I teared up. I held it together fairly well overall....until bedtime. Here's a couple pics showing a portion of the presentation at the front of the chapel. The pic in front of our fireplace has a clock on the mantel which I've stopped at 9:36pm, never to be moved again. One character mentioned to me following the service that "the last few years must have been hell on earth" referring to the 24/7 care needed by her. I told him "no, it was a privilege." He will most likely never understand! 

[f6john]

If you are comfortable with it, I'd love to see a picture of your sweetheart that I never got to meet. Forgive my boldness in asking.

[old2soon]

If you are comfortable with it, I'd love to see a picture of your sweetheart that I never got to meet. Forgive my boldness in asking.

What he said. PLEASE. And may Rita Forever Ret In Peace.   

[Valkorado]

Quote:

One character mentioned to me following the service that "the last few years must have been hell on earth" referring to the 24/7 care needed by her. I told him "no, it was a privilege." He will most likely never understand!


Watched my dad being the 24/7 caregiver for my mom after she was diagnosed with bulbar palsy (ALS).  If he understands devotion and honor he will understand.

[Wizzard]

John, you are a testament to what it means to truly love someone. 41 years in I feel the same way about my wife. Thanks for the encouragement.

[shortleg]

    You will be rewarded in the end for the love you showed and the devotion that
we all promised in the beginning.
    God bless you brother.

[da prez]

Bless you John. So Sorry for your loss.

        Ross and Bonnee   

[Karen]

Sorry for your loss, been off the main board for a while, John. The one thing I am certain of is that you know and understand love. You've been challenged and Blessed, all at the same time.

[MAD6Gun]

 John, Let me once again extend my condolences on the loss of your wife Rita. I watched my father care for my mom in her final years so I know what you're going through. Stay strong. Life will get better it will just take time... 

[Psychotic Bovine]

Very sorry for your loss, John.

[solo1]

John, I FULLY understand that it was a privilege!  Being faithful in sickness and in health is a comforting thing when you lose your spouse. You did everything that you said that you would.  You find how much that you are capable of when everything that you do is driven by love! Memories become bittersweet because of it.

I know.

[scooperhsd]

John, I hope I can be half the man and display the courage you have in taking care of your beloved.

[The emperor has no clothes]

If you are comfortable with it, I'd love to see a picture of your sweetheart that I never got to meet. Forgive my boldness in asking.

John posted a pic in this thread years back. I always thought it was a great pic. (I hope you don't mind me reposting it John)



http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,88360.0.html

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks, Connie  I tried to copy it 3 times with no luck.

[John Schmidt]

Thanks Rob, I was looking for that pic myself and you beat me to it. We were having a good laugh because a couple minutes before her blouse had slipped down off her shoulder on one side and I had been kidding her about trying to flash some skin. What doesn't show is the fact I'm pretty much holding her up in that picture, that was the day after our anniversary three years ago. In that pic she weighs about 83 lbs., at the time of her death she was down to 75....skin and bones.

Here's a couple more pics, you can see how things changed. I'll always remember her as the lovely, healthy woman I married. These are screen shots taken today but were origianlly taken during our July, 1994 honeymoon through Glacier Nat'l. Park and up into Canada where we spent time in Banff, Lake Louise, glacier fields, and on up to Jasper. Returned down the west side of the Rockies to Kalispell, MT and home....gone three weeks. Sorry the pics aren't real sharp but I think you'll get the picture....pun intended. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

She was a beautiful woman. I wish I could have met her. Take care John. I'm really glad to hear you are going up to your daughter's place for a while.

[Oss]

I pray that some day we will not lose loved ones to those terrible cancers

You sir, are an example of a real man of integrity and honor, a mensch

May Rita's memory be as a blessing for you the rest of your life

Oss

[Robert]

Family will make it easier, memories are some of the greatest things we own but also the hardest sometimes.

[DDT (12)]

John,

You have our condolences and our respect. You've earned the approving conscience you have by always standing tall and doing the right thing... even through the toughest of times. That will give you some comfort as you move ahead. You have spared yourself the grief of any guilt you might have faced, and for that we're all happy for you... Best regards.

DDT

[f6john]

What a great looking couple! Her eyes are very expressive and reveal her love and devotion to you in that picture.

[Farside]

What a great trip John the two of you took, a beautiful couple indeed.  She has moved on and took those memories with her no doubt. She will be looking down as an angel over you. Keep your strength and positive thoughts for you will be together again.   

[henry 008]

sorry for your loss, John. you have my sincerest condolences. you may have lost her, but you'll never lose the memories...