Ronnie

[RCMerchant]

I find it a

Although I didn’t know her personally, Tara seemed like a wonderful, loving, fun person.  I’ve lost a lot of people in my life, not someone quite as close as a wife, so I can’t say I know what you’re going through.  But I feel so sad when people say they can’t enjoy life like they used to, especially a holiday or some special time of year that used to make them happy, because of losing someone.  If something terrible were to happen to me around Christmas or Halloween or anytime, it would break my heart to know the people I loved and tried so hard to make happy and comfortable would just give up after I’m gone – to know that I ruined Christmas forever for someone would be my worst nightmare! 

I don’t think you need to repay her for loving you.  The fact that she loved you should be enough for you to know you’re worth loving.  I think she would love to know that you never gave up and that her presence in your life, however brief, would always be a positive influence and inspiration for you, just as I’m sure yours was for her.

Ronnie, I think you’re amazing, creative, hilarious, adorable, and I’m grateful to have you here!  You’re the most terrible speller but I love it! Don’t ever correctly spell another word!  You’re a great person and it’s a darn shame when you speak so poorly of yourself!  So quitcher belly-achin and have a dern Happy stinkin Christmas!  If you can.  I love you lots.

I find it amazing that people I have never met face to face care more about me than my so called family. I Love you all. My BAD movie freinds were always there. Il love you all.

[Raffine]

RC, I also feel blessed with our little family here. My 'real' family loves me, I guess, but they have always been puzzled by me and not quite sure how to treat me at family gatherings. Even though I am fairly well educated and have always had very responsible and rather high-profile jobs they seem to think I'm a retarded overgrown kid.

When visiting my brother he usually immediately has his son (or now his grandson!) take me to his room to show me his shiny new toys while the adults visit. Sometimes I'm even assigned a seat at the kid's table! Truth is: I'd rather hang out with the kids than the so-called "adults" in my family.

I'm actually relieved that I now live far enough away that I don't feel obligated to go to family gatherings at holidays, and can just make a phone call to tell everyone how much I wish I was there ( ) and promise them I'll try to quit picking my nose and/or farting in public, or whatever it is they think I do.  

[Trevor]

I know that I'm supposed to be some sort of a I'm-African-don't-mess-with-me kind of guy ~ kids normally spoil that illusion very, very quickly  ~ but this thread with its' love expressed for a very, very special person and one of our worldwide family here has me in tears. It's actually quite hard for me to type this.

Ronnie: you are loved and are special to us all: you are with us and Tara-Sue is with us too. Both of you together, in our hearts, forever and always.

Warm hugs from Pretoria: now I have to go blow my nose and wipe my eyes before my boss asks what is up with me, sitting at the keyboard sniffing. I think I can add a  to this: in fact I will.

[RCMerchant]

I know that I'm supposed to be some sort of a I'm-African-don't-mess-with-me kind of guy ~ kids normally spoil that illusion very, very quickly  ~ but this thread with its' love expressed for a very, very special person and one of our worldwide family here has me in tears. It's actually quite hard for me to type this.

Ronnie: you are loved and are special to us all: you are with us and Tara-Sue is with us too. Both of you together, in our hearts, forever and always.

Warm hugs from Pretoria: now I have to go blow my nose and wipe my eyes before my boss asks what is up with me, sitting at the keyboard sniffing. I think I can add a  to this: in fact I will.

Thanks Trev. Now IM tearing up. Dam! I really do have the best freinds in the WORLD.

[RCMerchant]

RC, I also feel blessed with our little family here. My 'real' family loves me, I guess, but they have always been puzzled by me and not quite sure how to treat me at family gatherings. Even though I am fairly well educated and have always had very responsible and rather high-profile jobs they seem to think I'm a retarded overgrown kid.

When visiting my brother he usually immediately has his son (or now his grandson!) take me to his room to show me his shiny new toys while the adults visit. Sometimes I'm even assigned a seat at the kid's table! Truth is: I'd rather hang out with the kids than the so-called "adults" in my family.

I'm actually relieved that I now live far enough away that I don't feel obligated to go to family gatherings at holidays, and can just make a phone call to tell everyone how much I wish I was there ( ) and promise them I'll try to quit picking my nose and/or farting in public, or whatever it is they think I do.  

They park you at the kid table too?! I like the kid table better anyway. The conversation is funner-and much more honest!-"Whats this green stuff? " Its 3 bean salad. "Its gross!" 

[Umaril The Unfeathered]

I find it a

Although I didn’t know her personally, Tara seemed like a wonderful, loving, fun person.  I’ve lost a lot of people in my life, not someone quite as close as a wife, so I can’t say I know what you’re going through.  But I feel so sad when people say they can’t enjoy life like they used to, especially a holiday or some special time of year that used to make them happy, because of losing someone.  If something terrible were to happen to me around Christmas or Halloween or anytime, it would break my heart to know the people I loved and tried so hard to make happy and comfortable would just give up after I’m gone – to know that I ruined Christmas forever for someone would be my worst nightmare! 

I don’t think you need to repay her for loving you.  The fact that she loved you should be enough for you to know you’re worth loving.  I think she would love to know that you never gave up and that her presence in your life, however brief, would always be a positive influence and inspiration for you, just as I’m sure yours was for her.

Ronnie, I think you’re amazing, creative, hilarious, adorable, and I’m grateful to have you here!  You’re the most terrible speller but I love it! Don’t ever correctly spell another word!  You’re a great person and it’s a darn shame when you speak so poorly of yourself!  So quitcher belly-achin and have a dern Happy stinkin Christmas!  If you can.  I love you lots.

I find it amazing that people I have never met face to face care more about me than my so called family. I Love you all. My BAD movie freinds were always there. Il love you all.

Werd, there are people who I have also met in my life that have treated me better than my own family. And it really suprises you, dosen't it?  I know it does with me..

We never stop missing those we love. There's a lot of people missing from our family table at the holidays as well.  Holidays are rough for all of us in some way or another.

Please accept my condolences, and my wishes for a good Christmas and a Happier New Year.  Take care 

Umaril

[Andrew]

She was far too young.  The good thing is that you did get to know her and to be in love.  Nobody can take good memories away.

RC, I wish peace upon you this Christmas.

[Menard]

Ronnie,

In whatever way you find yourself on this night, alone or with a friend, one who may hear you, I want to tell you that you and Tara are on my mind, and the minds of many.

It's not coincidence, it's not charity, but something very well earned by the person you are; and that person is priceless.

We know what we know of Tara because of you, and that's because you love her so much. And your grandson is going to know her; he'll see it in Pappy's eyes how much he loves her as Pappy tells him all about her.

Your grandson and future grandchildren may not have the blessing of knowing Tara in life, but they do and will have the blessing of having you in their lives, and within you rests Tara's legacy which nobody can share like you can.

Keep your head up buddy, and your heart open. Pappy has some stories to tell, kids to bounce on his knees, and yes you'll probably make a funny looking Santa Claus, but you'll be a special one and it will be a moment to cherish for everyone.

[JaseSF]

Got to be tougher than most of us can ever imagine to lose someone so close around this time of the year. Cannot imagine what you're going through even though I lost a great Uncle this Christmas Eve, a good, quiet man who was always kind and friendly to me and everyone else. Anyways it's good to know you belong somewhere and Ronnie, you so belong here. Peace and comfort I hope comes to you and your family. All the very best - must be special to be a Grandpa at least.

[Allhallowsday]

I usa think I was a hardcore SOB. I lived outta a garbage can in NYC back in the 80's....went to jail for my alchoholism many times-watched people die. But Tara bellieved in me. And I tried my best to do right with her. We bought a house,she was an oil paintere-an antique dealer-a hippie-Grateful Dead was her favorite band. She loved life. And For some weird reason-she loved me. I can NEVER repay her now-for the love she gave me. Im so sorry,Tara.I love you. I always will.

As long as you love, you are the King of the World.  Merry Christmas, my friend. 

[HappyGilmore]

I wouldn't know what to say in this situation.  I'm not to well with emotions and all that 'fun' stuff.

Condolences, man.  Just know people around here care.

[Trevor]

Just know people around here care.

That is the biggest and clearest truth about this site and the people on it. 

[Trevor]

Ronnie,

In whatever way you find yourself on this night, alone or with a friend, one who may hear you, I want to tell you that you and Tara are on my mind, and the minds of many.

It's not coincidence, it's not charity, but something very well earned by the person you are; and that person is priceless.

We know what we know of Tara because of you, and that's because you love her so much. And your grandson is going to know her; he'll see it in Pappy's eyes how much he loves her as Pappy tells him all about her.

Your grandson and future grandchildren may not have the blessing of knowing Tara in life, but they do and will have the blessing of having you in their lives, and within you rests Tara's legacy which nobody can share like you can.

Keep your head up buddy, and your heart open. Pappy has some stories to tell, kids to bounce on his knees, and yes you'll probably make a funny looking Santa Claus, but you'll be a special one and it will be a moment to cherish for everyone.

A big HUG for Menard, everyone. 

[Flick James]

I can't even begin to imagine what an utter train wreck I would be if I lost my wife. I like to think I would be strong for my sons. I like to think that. But in my heart I know how desperately lost I would feel, and I only hope that I would have the strength to be a rock for my boys.

I'm reeling a bit from the thought of it. I don't know what to say, Ronnie. Just don't be alone. Be with friends, be with family, they will provide some warmth. And hey, I hope we have provided some as well.

[Cthulhu]

I don't know what can I say...
It is important that you talk to somebody. You can talk to us, but it is also important for someone to be there, next to you, physically.
Friends and family are a great support.
Stay strong.