Print

Print


​Dear Tom and Bo,


Thank you for this lovely update.  I'm delighted to hear that you are both still a beloved part of the JCU community and that Tom has such a devoted caregiver.


Thanks to Roger as well for sending the interview.


Barb Brumbaugh


From: Sidney-Spenser Discussion List <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Anne Prescott <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2018 9:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Tom Roche
 
Thanks, thanks. A set of emails to treasure. Happy 2019 to you all! Anne

On Thursday, December 13, 2018, Anderson, Judith H. <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Dear Tom and Bo,

 

I’m so happy to have this update and to know that you “muddle through” so wonderfully.

 

Warmest,

 

Judith

 

From: Sidney-Spenser Discussion List [mailto:SIDNEY-SPENSER@JISCMAIL.AC.UK] On Behalf Of Thomas Roche
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2018 8:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Tom Roche

 

Dear One and All -- and a particular hello to Roger Kuin whose email prompts this one, 

 

Tom Roche, who will be 88 on April 19, has been in and out of hospitals and briefs stays at a wonderful nursing home (to regain his strength post hospitalizations) since April 2017 when he had three small strokes (followed by bouts of C. diff) -- the most recent this past November. He did not suffer any paralysis or speech damage. He is quite frail, and dependent on a wheelchair, and his brilliant intellect and sharp observations have faded a bit, but I still take him in to our classes at John Carroll University where he is loved and admired by students and staff.

 

He loves to eat lunch daily at a small restaurant near JCU where a particular table is reserved for us, and he enjoys two glasses of diluted wine and whatever meal suits his fancy. Other than glancing at the newspaper, he doesn't really read or write any more, but likes to follow the news via CNN. We're together 24/7, and I am his only caregiver. He's never left alone. We muddle through day by day, and remain grateful to have navigated a day without mishap or health challenge. Our classes remain the first ones to fill up each term, and our favorite recent student evaluation -- in answer to the question: What will you most remember or appreciate about your professor(s)?was "I was pleasantly surprised how intelligent Tom and Bo seemed." As Tom said, "Ha, we tricked 'em again."

 

We moved to our present address a little over a year ago in order to be in a house with no stairs, and we have some beautiful big windows that Tom loves to gaze at the world with. Our address is 5281 Dogwood Trail; Lyndhurst, OH 44124.

 

I am attaching a photo from Tom's 86th birthday when students and staff surprised him with a cake, balloons, etc. He was thrilled, and as you can tell by the icing around his mouth, he had as much fun as a two-year old having a blast.

 

Much love and blessings to each of you during this season and in the New Year. Tom doesn't "do" email anymore, but, of course, I print out for him everything that comes his way and try to respond accordingly.

 

Great affection,

Tom and Bo

TOM AT 86.jpg

 

On Thu, Dec 13, 2018 at 4:07 AM Roger Kuin <000028a33725e8dc-dmarc-[log in to unmask]> wrote:

For those who, like me, have had no news about Tom since Julia Walker’s death, here is something that will make you rejoice: https://www.hercampus.com/school/jcu/bo-smith-and-tom-roche

 

Roger

 


To unsubscribe from the SIDNEY-SPENSER list, click the following link:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIDNEY-SPENSER&A=1

 


To unsubscribe from the SIDNEY-SPENSER list, click the following link:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIDNEY-SPENSER&A=1



To unsubscribe from the SIDNEY-SPENSER list, click the following link:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIDNEY-SPENSER&A=1



To unsubscribe from the SIDNEY-SPENSER list, click the following link:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIDNEY-SPENSER&A=1



To unsubscribe from the SIDNEY-SPENSER list, click the following link:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIDNEY-SPENSER&A=1