Share. Connect. Love.
Luella Emswiler
Rob, Frank and I so enjoyed reading your very inspiring posts. I especially loved the arrows metaphor. Why wouldn’t one “wallow a bit from time to time “? After you, you are mortal, although a very special one! I have always admired your zest for living which still shines through despite your daily struggles. Blessings to you and Nancy.
Dennis Rohrer
Rob, the challenges and self doubt that you describe are understandable. What impresses me is your ability to refuse to be trapped in the "shadow land" but to also recognize and appreciate the positive experiences that you have and that you have the confidence and grace to share your journey, including its triumphs and struggles, with us. You are a remarkable person, appreciated and loved by many.
Deborah Ritchie
Rob, I read your post last night and wanted so badly to be able say something profound that would make "things" better but I didn't know what that would be. I just read Frank Gearing's post and right away I knew I had to say "what Frank Gearing said"! I so appreciate your sometimes heart wrenching honesty and my being able to be part of your journey if only through words.
Debby Ritchie
Frank Gearing
Rob, Your most recent post is filled with self assessment and of the difficulty adhering to the principles you taught in your stress reduction classes. One of my favorite books by Scott Peck, MD is The Road Less Traveled which I suspect you have read. The very first line in the book is "Life is difficult." The first section of the book is about accepting that assertion, and the peace and calm that come with that acceptance, allowing us to be happy. While most of us will agree that life is difficult, most of us have not had challenges that impact one's being as you have. Recognition is the first step in healing the "second arrow" wound and you are clearly doing a remarkable job at that. Your gifts to family, friends, and patients, as well as to colleagues are extremely valuable. Keep writing as it clarifies the emotional recognition, and serves the remainder of us with the need to persevere and deal with our circumstances and emotional reactions. Thanks for your candor and sharing your journey.
Frank Gearing
Jane Dekle
Love reading your posts! You are awesome! Keep strong!
Jane Deke
Kenneth Sweigart
Dr Kyler, I have been receiving all of your posts, and although, I tried writing to you I don’t think any messages got to you. Through my career, certain colleagues have left a large impact for me and you were one of those people. I think of you often. Keep good spirits. Your colleague and friend, ken Sweigart
Ken Roth
Rob,
I'm not on Facebook but my wife Terri is, and she saw your Shepherd video and called me over to the computer. She said, "You need to see this". That was yesterday and was also the first time I had heard of your accident. I wish I could have been a part of your support system before now but it looks like you have been well covered. I would love to get together with you sometime and catch up. I thought about you when I read the real estate transfer of your mother's house (just a short walk from ours). I was sorry to learn that your Mom had died.
I had a serious motorcycle accident in 1974 (before I met you), and sometimes I wonder why I didn't end up in a wheelchair (or worse). My survivor's guilt makes me want to apologize to you, but I'm still not willing to trade places with you :-). I really appreciated your video, and I mean it when I say that I'd like to get together for a beer or something.
Take care,
Ken Roth
Frank Gearing
Rob, I have just finished Charles Krauthammer's THE POINT OF IT ALL, and learned he spent his last 10 months at Shepherd. To say I am a fan and admire this brilliant beautiful person is an understatement. His acceptance of what life dealt him and determination to remain uninhibited led me to think of you. You share many of his attributes among which include your curiosity, kindness, and caring supported by intellect. As he found his love of writing, perhaps you will as well. Wishing you, Nancy, Alex and Jordan the best of 2019 and beyond.
Frank Gearing
Kennon Bowen
Hi Rob,
Kennon here. Roger and I have read your postings and marvel at your positive spirit and optimism as you prepare for your next adventure at work. I hope you can move back into your home soon; I’m sure you miss being in your own place. We are out of the country at our island home for most of the winter and early spring. We’ll look forward to seeing you bike by with you jazzy new wheels when we return.
On another note, a younger friend of ours, Wendy Brown, is undergoing chemo therapy at Augusta. She is wheel chair bound but very independent. If you happen to see her just mention our names.
All the best, Kennon and Roger
Lauren Jones
Rob, it's always great to read your posts. Your positivity and determination are truly inspiring (and I'm sure there are times when you must use all your determination just to remain positive). You've probably already heard this or already been made aware of it, but when I listened to this story on NPR, I of course thought of you. Happy New Year to you and your family. https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/12/25/paralyzed-doctor-wheelchair
Sandra Tram
Honey Merry Christmas to you and you family God Bless you all! Jesus is the reason for the Season!
Helen Henderson
Mary Mitchell
Rob, Good to hear that you are home - as the old saying goes, "There's no place...." It sounds to me that you are really doing A LOT by yourself already, and I'm sure that once you begin driving, you will feel great. You're determination and positive attitude are very inspiring - Both Steve and I wish you, Nancy, and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Jean Howard
Rob, your posts are always so good to read and I love your sense of humor. Please get the golden cadillac of hand cycles.....you deserve the best, especially since your friends are chipping in! Give my best to Nancy and here's to happy cycling in 2019 from a fellow cyclist (although only on the back of a tandem).
Gary tebor
Rob. Happy to hear you are thinking of hand cycle. Don’t want to push Ken in Clymer but he is great with teaching things like getting on and off and care of your body. He does 24mph on flats. Will help with fixing which a lot of good bike shops don’t quite get. He runs a summer week in Findly Lake that people from all over country come too and told me to come. Little did I know there was no one over 40 and several paraolympic people. After I had gone one mile the Sag van following me said the group was 3 miles ahead. They did not want me to drop out and was willing to drive me till I was 3 miles ahead and do it again if needed. Nice group.
LornaBeth Shantz
Thanks for keeping us updated. I think of you and yours often. Best wishes.
