Ron is the San Joaquin County Veteran’s Service Officer – a job he loves with a passion. He says he feels like Santa Claus, because every day he gets to help veterans.
Ron graduated from Stagg High School in Stockton, California, and then went on to San Joaquin Delta College, California State University at Sacramento, and finally Golden Gate University in San Francisco, where he earned his MPA.
On May 10 at around 7:30am Ron was driving to work. Witnesses say he did not stop as he came to a stop near our house…and rolled through and was struck by an SUV. Fortunately the occupants of the SUV had only minor injuries. Ron’s were critical – he was life-flighted to UCD Medical Center in Sacramento. Entering the emergency room, he was communicating with staff and was able to give them my name and phone number.
The days since have been a rollar-coaster ride familiar to many families who have loved ones in accidents. He seemed to be recovering on Thursday night, only to have difficulties the day after the accident. The combination of injuries, drugs to keep him still and out of pain, and shock combined to put in him a deep, unresponsive state.
There have been small signs of recovery..but nothing major as of today, May 27, 2007.
Our prayers are with you and the family. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Linda & Pauline
P.S. If Alexis would like to go to the youth group meeting on wednesday evening I would gladly pick her up.
I am so sorry you all are going through this. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You are a wonderful family.
Love, Sara and family
Dear Cyndy,
This is Linda Marie, Pista and Linda Toki’s daughter. Aunt Pat has been keeping us updated on Ronnie. We were all sorry to hear about the accident. Keep INTERACTING with him. Any small thing is progress. We know this from my dad’s fall when he was ill and throughout his illness. I hope Ron recovers soon.
linda
Cindy:
Best wishes for Ron’s recovery. Moving a tickled foot is really good news…he feels it. Am learning to use the PC all over again, so my responses may be slow. Thinking all of you often now. Your visit two summers ago was so welcome. Seems like las month to me now.
Mike
We want you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that Ron makes a speedy recovery. Please let us know if you need anything!
Dave & Tami Seibold
(SJC Vet Rep)
Thank you all for your prayers and support – and especially the encouragement. The hardest part of all this is the unknown – is he suffereing, is he even in there, what – if any – permanent damage is there. We’ll keep up the foot rubs (and tickles) for as long as it takes.
Cyndy,
Glad to hear Ron is improving. So glad to hear he has waken up. My family and I are praying for a continued speedy recovery.
Dave & Tami Seibold
Cyndy-
I am praying for Ron, You and your family. If there is anything you need, please let me know.
Amy Rogers
Cyndy,
Our whole office is keeping Ron in our thoughts and prayers. Glad to read that he is improving.
Dan
Tulare County Veterans Service Officer
I have known Ron professionally for a number of years now and respect him for the service he does for the veterans of San Juaquin County. On first notification, I wasn’t aware of the seriousness of the injuries he suffered. After coming back from the conference in Lake County a couple of weeks ago I heard that Ron was non-responsive and did not feel overly optomistic at his chances of recovery. I too was a “monitor reader” in the ICU a few years back when my wife suffered a stroke. The message I read today brought tears to my eyes. It may take some time but he’s coming back. My thoughts and prayers to you and all the family for the strength and patience that the coming months and years may require.
WELCOME BACK RON!!!!!!!!!
Ron,
It’s great to learn that you are making good progress in your recovery. Lots of CVSOs are combat wounded or have been hit with other medical problems so we understand your situation. We are all united in your support, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’re confident that with your true grit and talented doctors we’ll see you soon.
Semper Fidelis,
Joe Smith & Staff
Los Angeles County
Ron,
I’m really looking forward to the day you read this post. I just want you to know that around the County Administrator’s Office, I am asked daily about your condition. It’s really nice for me to see how many friends you have around the County. Most of all, right now I miss our conversations – you know, where I end up saying every single time, “Ron, you are such an antagonist!” to which you always give me a hearty laugh. My family is praying for your speedy recovery.
- Bobby Magee
We’re both thinking and praying every day! I love having the blog, makes me feel a little connected. Last year when Mike was so sick and everyday brought new things to deal with was so difficult. What all of you are dealing with has got to be so much worse! It sounds as though he is turning a corner and the sky is becoming blue again!
We love you …… bonnie & Mike
Bonnie & Mike
You are correct – we have turned a major corner. I would guess that Ron is nearly fully awake and aware. He just needs to regain control of his body. I only wish we were able to communicate with you through Mike’s illness…I know how difficult it is to talk…talking is gut-wretching. The blog has made it so much easier to explain Ron’s situation without breaking down…until now, when all the news is worth talking about.
Cyndy ………. I’m so glad to read such great news! With Ron on the road to recovery, don’t forget to take care of you, believe me I know what I’m talking about!!
How far is it to Folsom for you? I’m totally unfamilar with the area but I’m thinking it’s probably about 25 miles from Lodi to where he is now. Am I in the ballpark?
Love the pictures! Sidney has arrives tp help, so I’d best say goodnight. … B …
I’ve been keeping up with your blog Ron and I’ve been also praying for your recovery. I really miss you but know you’ll completely recover. Don’t worry about the office, everything is being taken care of just the way you want it.
I miss you. Come back soon!
Thanks Lorna…now the waiting begins again. One of the staff at Kindred told me that we have to measure small gains as major events. Every finger moved, every minute off the ventilator, every thing is a step towards regaining back his life. I know all of you in the office have been taking on more than your share since he’s been gone…and I thank you for both of us. He loves that place and is able to rest knowing the good work continues.
June 19th 2007
We just found out about your accident when Dave called the Veteran’s office with a question. We were shocked when Esther told us about your accident over a month ago. Pat & I did not read the news sentinel on May l0th. We have left a message on Steve’s answering Machine and advised him.
Ron you and your family are in our prayers. We are happy that you have a good staff in the Vet’s office that is running the place. I talked to both David and Esther and they seem to be doing well. By the way, I did get my veteran’s question answered. Dave & Pat Croft
Dave & Pat…
Keep the thoughts and prayers coming. Ron is definitely improving each day. Ask Ester for my cell number and we can hook you up with him via phone…he enjoys interacting with the outside world as much as possible.
I’m VERY happy to see that Uncle Ron is getting better quicker than expected. If there is ANYTHING I can do please call me ANYTIME.
All the best.
Kevin
Hooray, Hooray! I read the blog every couple of days an things just keep better and better. I know what a long road this is, but the light at the end of the tunnel is gwtting brighter! Mike’s surgery was a year ago Sat (the 21st) and we didn’t know whether he would survive it and if he did, just what that survial would entail. Today he put in a new shower head, secured the shower doors and fixed a window! Hooray, Hooray!
You are daly in our thoughts and prayers! We love you!
Bonnie
So you’re telling me I can put him back to work? Yeah! The “honey do” list just got put back on the shelf.
Just checked in again and boy am I impressed! You look great! Things stay about the same here. Mike does what he can and I do the rest, plus all the driving. Sidney and I share CatBox duty ….. she poops, I clean! It is possible that we may head to AZ in Oct/Nov for a friends wedding. If we do can we stop and say hello? No serious plans yet, but we’ll be in touch. Luv………. Bonnie