Gathering: Memorial Service for Bob

A memorial service for Bob is planned for October 10, 2009, 1:00 PM, at the San Jose Marriott Hotel.

We realize that many of you are passing on this information to others.  If you know that you or others will be attending, it would be most helpful for our planning if you would let me know by email or phone:  sallylawless@gmail.com,  (206) 697-0522.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

A discount rate of $111.00 for rooms at the Marriott will be available if booked by next Wednesday, contact information and map link below.  Be sure to mention that you are in the Leach party.

San Jose Marriott Hotel
301 South Market Street
San Jose, California 95113
Phone: 408.280.1300
Email: mhrs.sjcsj.ays@Marriott.com
Website: www.SanJoseMarriott.com

View:

•  Map

•  Directions

•  Photo Tour of San Jose Marriott Hotel.

Saturday: Sorrow

Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Bob lost his courageous fight against cancer this afternoon.  Maggie, Meganne, Eryn, and Marty were with him all day, and they were by his side when he passed peacefully and painlessly. 

We are grateful tonight for the outpouring of support you have offered the family during this difficult time.  As soon as we are able, we will post details regarding a memorial service planned in Saratoga October 10th, as well as suggestions for remembrances in lieu of flowers.

Many thanks to you all, 

The Leach family

Thursday: Where the heart is

Bob is home.  He's weak, more fatigued than a week ago, but well-supported with home care, and happy to be where he belongs.  Plans are in the works for Eryn to bring herself and Bob's dog, Finn, home to see him tomorrow, so there is much to be thankful for.

Tuesday: Perseverance

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.  -N.G.
  After a few days of testing, resting, and assessment at Stanford, the doctors say it's their goal to send Bob home again tomorrow.  A team of health care professionals will be available to lighten the load for Maggie and Meganne at home, and the family will continue to work with the doctors at Stanford to evaluate ongoing treatment options. Bob is looking forward to spending time in his own house, in his own garden, and--hopefully soon--with his dog.

Saturday: Readmitted

Bob was readmitted to Stanford yesterday because he is just not well enough to remain at home right now. Despite his recent improvements, the doctors are emphasizing that his disease has progressed to an advanced stage.  They will continue to evaluate him over the course of the next week and work with the family to go forward with a plan. For now we are taking it day by day.

Thursday: Focused ahead

Thank you all for the many, many notes with good wishes for Bob.  As we move forward with big challenges ahead, we are taking one day at a time, and will keep you posted periodically as we have news.

Tuesday: Homecoming

Difficulties mastered are opportunities won. - Winston Churchill

It didn't take the doctors long to decide to send Bob home, and tonight, after a long day of preparing the house and going through all the discharge procedures, we were all home together: Maggie, Bob, Meganne, Matt, Jenny, and I.  We had a nice family dinner, with toasts and laughs.

Tomorrow, I will be heading back to Seattle, but a new phase will begin for the family, filled with an overwhelming new set of challenges: bringing in home care nurses; making trips to Stanford for additional tests and chemo; scheduling physical, occupational and speech therapy at home; and managing medications, nutrition & daily activities.  Maggie sends her gratitude to all of you who have called, written, helped out, visited, and kept Bob in your thoughts and prayers.  Your support, near and far, have sustained us all.

Tonight. we're beyond exhausted, but so happy that Bob is finally in his own bed, where he is presently sleeping soundly.