Posts on this blog henceforth will be from Rob’s family.
Rob took a turn for the worse on Saturday, May 1. After yet another 103 degree fever in the morning, he was basically unresponsive for the rest of the day. He awoke around 8 pm demanding a calzone and a bowl of strawberries which were promptly furnished and he stayed awake and alert long enough to watch Tropic Thunder with his mom, dad, and (favorite) sib. Sunday was a long day of blood product infusions that didn’t give him the hoped-for energy boost. Monday, the Hospice nurse confirmed that he is showing signs of severe liver failure. His energy level and strength have decreased rapidly since then.
He is not in pain; he only wants to sleep. He still tries to take his pills and wants to keep up the fight. He’s been so strong and so optimistic throughout this period and we are very thankful for the time we have had with him. He is unable to respond to messages/texts/facebook/etc; please feel free to post your thoughts here.
Thank you all for the cards and packages and calls and thoughts and prayers; as the next changes happen, this is where the information will be.
for Robert Harder by his sister, Erika
He is not in pain; he only wants to sleep. He still tries to take his pills and wants to keep up the fight. He’s been so strong and so optimistic throughout this period and we are very thankful for the time we have had with him. He is unable to respond to messages/texts/facebook/etc; please feel free to post your thoughts here.
Thank you all for the cards and packages and calls and thoughts and prayers; as the next changes happen, this is where the information will be.
for Robert Harder by his sister, Erika
posted by rob | 1:52 PM
36 Comments:
thinking of you Rob. And your family. Warm thoughts of the Kenworthy, One World, and your quippy sense of humor.
Hey, Rob; it's been five years, I think, since we had Core with Mark and Sociology together, but I still remember those classes fondly. I couldn't have asked for better people to start my college career around, and you were a big part of that for me. I'll be thinking about you and praying. And thanks, Rob's Family.
A day in studio was always a bright one with you Rob. Praying for you and yours.
We're keeping our thoughts with you man. Glad to know you're surrounded by people who love you and care for you, and I hope you know that everyone you've known is sending you their prayers and support right now. Keep that smile going :)
Rob, I can't tell you how much your continued friendship has meant to me since we first met in college, even if it hasn't been face-to-face in some time. Your sense of humor, listening ear and imagination were always apperciated though, whether over the phone or talking in the dorm! My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Rob, you are one of my favorite and most memorable students. Thanks for being part of WSP and our crazy adventure in Rome! Be at peace.
Rob,
You were my very first ever "college friend." I was so lucky to meet you on Vandal Friday, and even more lucky to have been able to forge the relationship we did throughout our career at UI, from living in Targhee together Freshman year, to sharing a house Senior year. You are one of the very best people I've ever known, and I hope you know the effect you have had on me.
Being your friend has made me a better person. I cannot thank you enough for the coffee dates, the way you have always been willing to listen, all the ice cream we ate together, all the Eddie Izzard we watched, and most of all for your friendship, which I will cherish forever.
You are an astonishing human being, and I will continue to think about you and send love to you and your family. I speak for Dan too when I say that you have made a massive impact on your lives, and no matter what happens, we love you.
Thanks to the Harder family for passing along these messages.
Rob,
Even if you can't read this, maybe the spirit will reach you. You have always had an amazing ability to forge relationships and weave people together with your sheer excitement at the world and imaginary worlds.
You got me involved in the youth group and that experience was a life highlight for me.
I feel at peace with your family after my visit in December. I send my love to them.
Getting to see a little of your awesome circle of friends through the (ahem) 'social media' has been a treat, in spite of the circumstances.
You have been an inspiration. You always have been and always will be larger than life.
Rob you don't know me (I'm a Facebook friend) but you, your family and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob,
like stef, I can't thank you enough for being a part of my life. Living with you has made me such a different person, a better person, and I'll always thank you for it. I simply can't imagine a world without you in it. Your steady stream of pictures through the years has always inspired me to see what only you could see. I look at the world in a completely different filter. Thank you. And I hope you know a glass will always be raised in Robtober, the best month of the year.
-Dan.
Hey Erika! This is Amanda, Phil and Josh's older sis. Tell Rob Hi for me and that I am praying for him!
Musically Yours in Christ,
Amanda
Rob,
We all love you so much. You have brought so much joy into so many lives, even with an illness that no one should have to endure. Your constant fight and attitude leaves me truly in awe. If I can eventually and be half the man you are now, I'll be happy. My thoughts are with you buddy!
Andrew Bodenstein
Hey Robby its Stacie-
Yeah you get two awesome posts because you're pretty keen and I kind of dig you. Hahaha
Anyway, thinking about you always my friend. Also, what the hell with you being an art major and i had no flipping clue? SERIOUSLY.
And your work is so interesting too... You need to feel better so we can talk processing/color wheels/other art bullshit.
But now seriously... I know I already gushed once already, but I really can't express what an impact you and your family had on my life. I have such fond memories of everyone all together watching anime in your living room and you informing me "what the hell world of warcraft is". You're always in my heart, man... and remember we're all with you wherever you are. <3
Rob, you are one of the truest friends a person could ever have. I have been so blessed to have you in my life. Your constant energy and positive outlook have always astounded me.
I can't think of a better friend, Karobushka partner, or fellow nerd than you. Love you Rob!
Erika, Rob, John, and Gretchen,
I know that Rob has taken a turn for the worse, and that visitors might be more draining than energizing, but I was wondering if I might stop by for a little while in the next week. My number's 208-301-3330. Sending all of you love and big hugs.
Diana
You're in my thoughts, Rob. I've always remembered the coffees at one world and the wonderful conversation with smiles.
Rob-O!
Nathan and I were just talking, and we couldn't escape how much energy and excitement you brought to everything we ever saw you do. We will not forget that, we can never repay you for it.
You have fought hard. We love you.
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A while ago Scott and I were visiting with Rob, Erika and Gretchen, talking as we are apt to do about the state of things.
Rob said, "I gotta beat this cancer because I can't leave saving the planet to you guys!"
Whether this side of the veil or the other, I am glad to have Rob in my life and on my side looking after things.
We hold you in our love as you go, as you.
We hold you in our love as you go.
To nuture the spark of your precious life.
We hold you in our love as you go.
(Song by Kathleen Tracy)
Rob, I have my chalice lit and am holding you in light. I wish you a safe and glorious journey. When you transition into the Great Mystic, where shall we look for you?
I love you and take your spirit with me in my ministry. We'll continue that way together, okay?
In faith, Tandi
Rob,
It's been years since I've seen you, and yet the impression you've made is indelible.
I don't have words to express my sorrow. All I can say is that I will tell stories about you, and that you will be remembered.
Rob, you are on my mind because you are in my heart. Thank you for the privilege of your friendship, and the delight of your leadership. You made a huge difference on our UUA District Board - during a time when we needed to find our way and turn the right corner, you were there to show us a good, faithful path. Thank you for supporting me when I was just starting out as D.E. You helped me more than you might suspect. Through you, I came to know your family, too - they are truly special. You have blessed us all, well and deeply, and we have learned a great deal about love and constancy and fun from you. Thank you for sharing the Meaning of Life with all of us - I will miss you, dear one, but I will always know your good soul as a fine companion. Love to you, always and forever! You've made a beautiful difference in this world; thank you for your artful life!
- Janine
Oh Rob. Tears run down my face as I write this. Thank you for your friendship these many years. It was great to see you still had the red fuzzy "hair" hat in your photos and that it brought you as much joy and comfort now as it did when I made if for you in 2002. Your phone call early this year was a welcome surprise and meant a lot to me. May this next period be one of peace and comfort. You were a blessing in this life and reminded so many of us to smile and see the light in the darkest of times.
Sending you and your family lots of LOVE!
~Leanne
I knew Rob briefly as our roles on the PNWD board overlapped...bright, fun, funny, insightful...on the cusp of some kind of wonderful life. I will think of you all as you travel the next stages. Marcia Shaw
Rob - you have been such a wonderful part of my life, ever since the day we met at Satori. I'm so happy that you were my wonderful, amazing boyfriend for 2 years, and I'm SO lucky that we stayed friends as we moved on in life. You have been so dear to my heart, and I am thinking of you every day for quite some time now. I love you!
Rob, I remember you as a bright-eyed camper. You have such a contagious smile and laugh. I have been incredibly blessed to have known you as a kid and then as the awesome young man you've become. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts and I hope that I get to see you again.
Blessed be, Rob.
Thanks for all you have done in the Pacific Northwest. Your reputation extends throughout the movement. I wish you comfort and peace.
Dear Rob,
I was just remembering the other day the first time that I met you at Satori. You were eating alone in Tawanka, your first year. Well, as you know, nobody eats alone at Satori. I came over to do my duty as a staff member, and have never been happier to meet somebody new in my entire life. I remember being struck by an amazingly energetic, positive, excited and mature young man--not the insecure boy I had expected to find in the corner. You were intensely interested, and fascinatingly interesting.
Ever since that day you have epitomized for me the spirit of our camp and of our Satori family. In our annual snapshots of a relationship, I got to see you grow up, and grow up with you. I was so thrilled when you remained active, and so proud when you took on a leadership role. Satori wouldn’t have been the same without you, and neither would I.
Dammit I wish I was as cool as you! Or as smart, or engaging, or fun to be around, or even good looking!
I’m glad that we are friends. I don’t say it enough. You are a bright star in the universe of everyone who knows you, Rob. I am sorry that you are suffering now, but am again impressed by your bravery, positivity, and light.
My thoughts and prayers join those of your thousands of well-earned admirers who wish you the absolute best--because you deserve nothing less.
-F. Tyler Burnet
Rob you have always been able to bring a smile to my face, and I have many fond memories of you. I love you and my thoughts are with you and your family. Be strong.
Rob,
I think i spent more time with you online then actually in person, because of the distance, but for the few times i was able to make it up to moscow i took note of a few things about you that i cant help but smile about.
Ever since the first time i walked into your room and you had things pilled from floor to ceiling with nic-nacks, books, cds, and a bed with no box spring i knew you were a odd one. It seemed you had acquired a sense of who you truly were years before some even began down the path of finding ones self.
You had a style that set you apart and defined yourself as a unique individual that radiated confidence. Ive never seen a man wear a Hawaiian shirt with such pride lol.
Every party we ever had you were running around taking hundreds of photos. Getting the best angle, the best lighting, the best pose. As if you were trying to seize the moment and steal every ounce of beauty from every second. You had a natural talent for seizing the perfect shot and helping us capture some of our best memories.
To this day you were the one who caught one of my favorite photos of me fire spitting.
You have a positive outlook on life that is almost non existence in todays world. Ive never seen another individual that can face such obstacles and come out smiling while cracking jokes.
If everyone in this world could have half the attitude/spirit you do the evils of the world would recede into the shadows and nothing would be impossible.
Thinking about you bud and wishing you the best
Kellan
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
-Walt Emerson
Rob~
You are a beautiful bright light. I met you at a rather dark time in my in my life, but no matter what kind of mood or bad day I might have had... the moment I would see your smile everything bad just melted away.
I loved bringing movies to the Kenworthy after hours to watch them on the big screen with you. I loved being able to call you at anytime I needed a friend. I love that you introduced me to my favorite kind of tea.
I love you. I love you very much indeed. I wish I could see you so I could tell you face to face what you mean to me.
promise me when you cross over... if/when you decided to haunt myself and others (because I bet you couldn't pass up that kind of opportunity) please be nice...and dont scare me.
once again...I love you much.
Hey it's Pyles. I was looking through some books at Barns and Noble the other day and I came across 'The Once a Future King' and thumbed through it. I began thinking about Arthur's Quest to create a utopia in Camelot, and I recalled a conversation we once had about creating a real world utopia. I argued that it could not be done and your response was simply that weather or not it could be done it should be attempted as it would improve upon what was already here. I believe that is something you have lived everyday and I thank you. You certainly have improved my life and I just wanted to say thank you.
Rob, I do not believe we have ever met but your reputation as a passionate leader for justice and beloved community precedes you. Your leadership ripples throughout our faith movement. Thank you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob, I don't know if you even remember me, but I definitely remember you. We were at Satori together, and I was just an insecure little teenage girl who felt like a total outsider who was missing some big inside joke and would never be a part of th group, and you were this really cool older guy whom everybody loved, yet somehow you weren't too cool to talk to me and listen to me and make me feel welcome and equal and loved as well. I know we haven't talked in years but I want you to know that I remember you, and I cherish our fun, wacky, brief times together, and our sporadic IM conversations later on, and you made a difference in my life. I will never forget you. Thank you for lighting up the world, Rob.
One more thing I want you to know:
Again, I doubt you remember this, but years ago - probably four or five - we talked on AIM or something, and I was complaining about how I had really wanted to go to this one rock concert that Ok Go was playing at with some other bands I really liked. I found out about it like the day before, and all I wanted to do was be spontaneous and drive up to Milwaukee and scalp tickets and see it, but instead I was the good girl and I stayed home for my orchestra rehearsal. You told me that I didn't necessarily have to be the good girl all the time, and that later in my life, the times I would remember fondly wouldn't be my orchestra rehearsals, but the days when I "carpe diem'd" and did something fun and exciting and random. Well, I'm in the middle of final exams, but tonight Ok Go is playing in Boston, and I'm going to finally hear them live for the first time. I just wanted you to know that I meant it when I said you'd changed me and I wouldn't forget you. Thanks for making me stronger and cooler, Rob.
Dear Rob:
You were a terrific upstairs neighbor and I always enjoyed those standing-in-the-threshold conversations that we shoehorned into our busy days. I'll do your laundry again anytime. In those in-between years (2007-2009), whenever I returned to Moscow, thinking I was "just visiting," I'd run into you and it'd feel like home. Now that I've decided to plant my roots here, I wish you were here to help water them.
Love to you and to the family who made you such a fine and elegant gentleman,
Laurene
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