Replies: 22 Comments
on Thursday, March 13th, Gail said
Doug is a teacher to the end of his time here on this earth with us... and beyond.
I believe the biggest tribute we can all pay to Doug is to remember his encouragement to live each day to the fullest, appreciating the gift of each day with those we love. Go out and hug those you love, today and everyday, and leave no doubt that they are loved by you... THAT is an amazing tribute to Doug and an amazing gift to carry forward.
Blessings to Doug and his family. His light will shine in so many ways even when his physical presence with us here is dimmed.
with love and admiration,
Gail
on Thursday, March 13th, Kris Heydon said
Thank you for sharing your journey with us through this blog. I am holding you and your family in my heart.
on Thursday, March 13th, Margie Powell said
Dear Jeannette and Rock,
You are two of the dearest people we have known, your strength is awesome and your love and dedication to one another is a paradigm for all of us. You have always been a part of our extended family. Our prayers and love are with you.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Emily Landeck said
My mom said it right. I love you guys and I am continuously amazed by your courage and strength through all of this Jeanette. Doug, you are in my thoughts and best wishes and i hope the cross over is peaceful and i hope you find yourself in an amazing place. You will always be in our thoughts and you will always touch our hearts in all the ways you have in the past! I love you and have loved having you play such a large part in my life.May peace be with you.
Emily
on Wednesday, March 12th, Michelle Powell said
Dear Rock & Jeanette,
Rock, you will forever be in our hearts and memories. Steve has so many wonderful memories of sharing his childhood with you. We, as a family, have loved sharing times at the river with you over the years and will think of you fondly and often. We will miss your gentle, insightful, intelligent and educational viewpoints on life and your beautiful smile and laughter.
Jeanette, May your love for one another and all the love that friends and family send to you help give you strength during this difficult time. Know that we will be here for you always.
Love, Michelle, Steve, Stephanie and Ashley
on Wednesday, March 12th, Marcia Russell said
When I first heard of Doug's battle I wrote him and asked if I could do anything from a distance. His response was, "Tell your family you love them. It's the only thing that matters." Doug's been telling all of us how much he loves us through this blog.Thank you, Doug.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Linda said
Dearest Misha - you have summed it all up! I went to the hospital again this morning and was blessed with a minute with Doug. He said he was in God's waiting room - but aren't we all - we just get called at different times. Having gone through this with my own husband I know the oncoming reality for Jeanette, Nick and Doug's family. I can only say that what gets us through are all of the wonderful, cherished moments from our lives together. So Doug taught us all a valuable lesson - make the most of every moment - it will be very important to someone else later.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Mike Herbst said
It is 3:30am in the morning here in Brussels and I am deeply saddened with the news that my good friend, Doug Prouty, is leaving me. I will always remember his visit here and the short time we had to share together. I want to share a "Dougism" with you from our visit together. I was telling Doug about how my school had invested in a lot of video equipment and how excited I was to have it. Doug, as he always did, cut to the chase. He said it doesnt matter how much equipment you have if your curriculum is crap. That has stuck with since our meeting and he made me a better teacher.
Doug, I will never forget you and all that you gave to me in my life during our times at CCCOE. My two daughters, Erika and Karley still remember you from the days they use to hang out with me at work. Jeannette, I am so sorry for your loss, through you and your children Doug's light will never go out and will burn brightly.
Sing it Forever Rock, you gave more than you'll ever know.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Colin said
Doug, I'm sorry I did not get to see you one last time. I would like to say that you are a super great person and I love you and all your family so much. I hope that you are really as comfortable as possible given your situation. I love you very very much.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Peter Vogel said
Jeanette, I have Doug in my recollection of our times and work together, and the visit together in your home. A fine man who has done so much for others. -- Peter
on Wednesday, March 12th, Barbara Bray said
Jeannette, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Doug, and your family. I feel so blessed to have had even a short moment at Palm Springs with Doug who is loved by so many and who really appreciate your updates. If there is anything any of us can do for you, we will be there.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Sara Armstrong said
Dear Doug,
It was just wonderful seeing you at CUE. You have been so inspiring to so many people before and during your illness. Much love to you and your family.
==Sara
on Wednesday, March 12th, Tracy Wedemyer Levie said
Dear Jeanette,
I am so sorry this time has come. My family and I really appreciate your updates during these unbearable moments . I'm sure the only thing you want to do is be with Doug. You are an inspiration to us all. We can not express how meaningful Doug has been in our lives. As you know he is very unique and special. His life has been a gift in our lives. He has been a great friend and will be missed forever.......I salute you for your strength and clarity in handling this sad time. Please tell Doug we love him with all our hearts and we are there in spirit.....We hope you , Doug and your family find hope and peace through the love you give to each other. Our prayers are with you all. Doug once posted on his blog "all you need is love" I hope love surrounds and comforts you all during this difficult time.We love you Prouty Tracy, Billy and Patty
on Wednesday, March 12th, Christina Sweet said
Well said Mischa thank you for finding the words that most of us don't have to express the journey we have taken with Rock.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Cindy said
Thank you Jeannette for keeping us posted on Doug at this impossibly difficult time. It is very appreciated. Please tell Doug he is so well loved and I'm sure he's in everyone's thoughts and prayers. I hate even thinking this is/may be the end for him. You and your family have all my love and prayers right now.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Mischa said
After seeing Doug yesterday and "saying goodbye," we came home, not knowing what to do next. We went to watch the sunset at the beach, keeping Doug and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and then I spent some time reading the "archives" of the blog, feeling both full of grief and full of joy, remembering some of the conversations I have had with Doug over the past few years, in response to his writings here. Then I realized this morning how Doug has given us yet another gift. He wrote to work out some of the issues he was struggling with, to educate us, and to connect with all of us...perhaps now we can write to work through some of our issues and to connect...with each other, if not Doug. It is kind of poetic really.
Doug is such an amazing person, always thinking of others and meeting each person with compassion and gentleness and kindness. I feel so blessed to be his friend, through my husband Tim. And even beyond that I feel blessed to be connected with Doug's family and with Jeanette, and with all of you.
So, we wait, as Jeanette is wisely suggesting we do.... And of course we pray that Doug crosses over as easily as possible, with as little pain as possible, surrounded by people that love him. We know that he loved us, but sometimes that doesn't touch the grief we feel.
I am thinking this TS Eliot poem speaks well for me right now:
I said to my soul,
Be still.
Be still without hope
for hope would be hope for the wrong thing.
And wait without love.
For love would be love of the wrong thing.
There is yet faith,
but the faith and the hope and the love are all in the waiting.
And do not think,
For you are not ready for thought.
So darkness shall be the light
And stillness the dancer.
Thanks for the audience. Many blessings to Doug, his family and all of his many, many friends...all of us.
on Wednesday, March 12th, pam said
Stay with us Doug! you are so much loved by so many of us. Our Prayers and thoughts are stronger that ever.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Kevin said
Please tell Doug that I am very sorry for not coming to see him. He will always be a hero of mine. The Prouty Family are all very much in my thoughts and prayers. With much love...
on Wednesday, March 12th, karen said
i know how hard this must be for you and i am so amazed of how strong you are i could never be as strong you have. love you guys
xoxoxo karen
on Wednesday, March 12th, sando said
Thanks for the update Jeanette – if we could pool all of the emotions, thoughts & tears focused on you guys out there today - it would be an amazing amount. We are here wanting to help and support you in whatever way we can…
Sending good energy, support and hugs your way
on Wednesday, March 12th, Mia said
All my thoughts and love are with you.
on Wednesday, March 12th, Cris said
My prayers are stronger than ever for all of you.
Much love and hope and peace.
