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REFERENCE ... ... JOHN and GAVIN
Messages from Geoff and Brenton
Monday 5th February 2018
Brenton
You okay up there?
Geoff
Yeh, All Good
Gotta ask why you wrote this ?? ... what might be going on ??
Brenton
I have just heard that eldest brother John has possibly passed away
Geoff
OH FUCK ... I'll ring his number right now !! ... Back Soon !!
Brenton
Johns number ?? ... I don't know his number
Are you there ??
Geoff
0412 113 774
Geoff
John's number above but ... ...
Just spoke to Terry for a while ... has heard but has no details
Is going to the doctor re his leg and said he might ring you then
JOHN ... " R I P "
Brenton
Terry had a fight with his recliner chair ... hence the sore leg ... but I think it is getting better
He might visit after the doctor visit ... he has some washing to collect
Dylan leaves for his family visit on Friday ... will be away for a month for Chinese New Year
Certainly RIP JOHN ... but the details are sketchy
Geoff
Thanks for what you have been able to pass on
As you said, sketchy
It's very unlikely but if ( by chance ) we hear of any single thing, we will pass it on immediately
Safe Trip To You, Dylan, and Enjoy Family Time
Brenton
We sure will
Dylan is visiting his family alone ... I will be here to look after the cat !!
Wednesday 7th February 2018
Brenton
Just had a call from Gavin ... he is going to access Facebook and will probably contact you
This was a BIG day with lots of information and emotions to process ... but a good day
Hope Gavin's medical tests will prove fine
Geoff
A REAL GREAT DAY !! ... and we hope the first of many !! ... but not quite under these circumstances
And yes, we Roneberg's up here have prayers going to Tanya Mary for Our Little Brother !!
She knows God and they will look after him !!
Speak Soon !!
Thursday 8th February 2018
Brenton
Be strong and take care .... I will do all I can for Terry
Geoff
... and de udder yunga brudda !!
REFERENCE ... ... JOHN and GAVIN
Messages from Terry and Geoff and Brenton and Gavin
with "seen but no replies" from Rodney
Wednesday 7th February 2018
Geoff
Sent to Terry via phone + Brenton + Rodney / Sue + Gavin
John, Our Brother, Has Gone
We do not know any details and are asking you all to please pass on what you know
Please !!
I had spoken to him a couple of times over the last few months ... and it was nice
Sharon, however, had lots of long and interesting and funny conversations with him
We knew he wasn't well ... if you want more details, please ask Sharon
Is anyone Facebook Friends with Amanda and/or Andrew ?? ... any contact or notes from them ??
One thing that John and Sharon talked about was his "very close and good friends" at the Greenock Post Office
Naturally this came about because The Wife happens to be "One of The Australia Post Bosses" here in Cairns
On behalf of all of us, Sharon said she would feel comfortable to ring John's Friends and have a talk, details, etc
BUT - she will only do this if you all agree to her acting and speaking "For The Ronebergs"
Geoff to John
Yep, I was a bloody awful little prick to you sometimes ... and you know why
But, brother, I was also very proud of you !!
I played a lot of tennis at Sacred Heart College
While on the courts I remember watching you a number of times, marching past and leading the Cadet Band
You were damn good at waving that stick / staff around !!
"" R . I . P ""
Hear from you all soon ... but if you "leave the conversation" that is okay too
Brenton
Hi, and I haven't heard anything
There is an Andrew Roneberg account on Facebook but doesn't look active
And I don't know Amanda's married name
I am not sure about Post Office friends but will keep an eye on Barossa local papers for any updates
Gavin
This is such sad news
VALE John Roneberg and Rest In Peace
Geoff
Thanks, Brenton
But can I ask everyone a favour ?? ... No "Secrets" Anymore
Can I ask that we put all our notes about John on this page for all to see
Message from Gavin to Brenton to Geoff = "Just had a call from Gavin .... he is going to access Facebook and will probably contact you"
Brenton
There are NO intentional secrets
Geoff
Just saw your notes, Gavin
Good Looking Guy he was, eh !! ... like us all !!
And one more photo ... someone was turning "21" in 1984 !!
Brenton
Big Brother is Watching you - 1984 - George Orwell
Gavin
I have just rung Colleen
I'll collect my thoughts and write some notes shortly on the information obtained from that conversation
Geoff
Thank You!!
Brenton
Okay ... look forward to your information
Gavin
Okay ... here goes
Just spoke with Colleen about John’s passing and she shared the following news
He had been in hospital recently with ongoing and significant liver problems and died on Saturday 3rd February 2018 around 5.00am
Colleen had neither seen or spoken with John for twenty two years and using her words "…basically lived as a recluse…"
The kids over the last weeks had been visiting him
At John’s request he is not having a funeral
There will be the kids and a priest at John's home for a service (my word?) followed by a scattering of his Ashes
The date and time of that event was not shared ... I am unsure if it was unknown
I passed on my sympathies and condolences and asked Colleen to pass that onto the children
I ended the phone call by asking Colleen to share my contact details with the kids and ask them to call me if they felt they could
Might give Terry a call now too
Geoff
Reading now ... back soon !!
Brenton
Thanks Gavin ... it might give a little closure
The service is to be at his home ??
Gavin
Yes, at his home ... sorry if I didn’t make that clear
Brenton
It was clear ... just seemed unusual
Geoff
Writing !!
Gavin
I have passed the same information onto Rodney via text and am trying to ring Terry to share same but his line is busy at the moment
Brenton
Give Terry about ninety minutes ... his cleaning lady is there now
Gavin
Okay ... will do
Brenton
He has assistance from Southern Cross ... wish I could get my house cleaned for the same rate !!
And he will visit here tomorrow as he wants to see Dylan before Dylan leaves for overseas
Gavin
Understood !!
Geoff
Thanks, Gavin
We know he had this "fucking cancer shit" and it was really knocking him around
Sad, eh, but it doesn't sound like there was much contact with his own family ... except for the recent visits from his kids
I drink sherry by the flagon
I remember sitting on the back patio and listening to Sharon laughing her bloody head off as she spoke to John
Lots of little things ... including sending us some Genuine South Australian Fritz !!
These conversations mean so, so, so much now !!
KEEP - MARCHING - JOHN !!
Brenton
Keep and enjoy those memories
Gavin
Just all sad ... the circumstances all sad as well
And it really is only the good memories to cherish
Brenton
Exactly right
Geoff
Hey, Rodney ... "hello" to you mob from Cairns !!
Gavin
In the spirit of all this sharing ( a somewhat of a new thing for the Roneberg Family ) I might get some words together about my own current health status
Brenton
Oh My God ... you looked fit and heathy when we shared a meal in Adelaide and you visited Terry later at the Lyell Mac Hospital !!
Geoff
#01 - Received this email from Terry
"Good morning ... I haven't heard any more as yet ... will be ringing Rodney about midday ... talk to you after that ... keep smiling"
#02 - My Reply just now ... 10.10am
Lots and Lots of News !! !! !!
Ring Brenton or Gavin or Sue now if you can
And to you Gavin ... we are here !! ... tell us when you are ready !!
Gavin
Just speaking with Terry right at this time
Wednesday 7th February 2018
Gavin
Medical Tests and Results
On Monday 29th January I was asked to see my GP that day
I was to find out that following plummeting haemoglobin levels and red blood cell count, which had been monitored over the last few months, that I was triaged to see a Haemato-Oncologist the very next day
I was further advised that following the consult, a same day hospital admission could be anticipated for the purpose of a blood transfusion
This occurred on Tuesday 30th January with further transfusions on the Wednesday ... combined with heaps of blood tests
Following all this I had a review appointment with the Haemato-Oncologist Monday last
After all the huge amount of blood tests many things have been eliminated apparently amongst other things, including leukaemia and fast onset HIV or AIDS !!
Didn't even know they were being tested ... lol !!
However the current situation is that I am still making lots of red blood cells ... which is good ... but they remain under constant attack from something and that something remains unknown
The specialist confirmed that my situation and general good health vs the blood numbers they are seeing is a very, very and extremely rare situation
Apparently my good fitness had been masking the symptoms ... tired, lethargic and constantly out of breath ... which I am not by the way !! ... biking and walking and gym !!
In the short term, I will need constant monitoring and blood transfusions until diagnosis or resolution is made
The numbers ... normal haemoglobin levels should be 135-175 ... ine has dropped to 71
He is aiming with the transfusions to stabilise around 95-100 until diagnosis is made
Red blood cell count is meant to be between 4.5-6.5 with mine at 1.6
Seemingly numbers that got everyone very excited
But at least people have stopped asking me if I’m tired, lethargic and out of breathe !!
The specialist though did comment ... "you must be pretty damn fit ... I won’t say healthy ... but fit"
Think that was his attempt at a joke ... I would not give him 10 out of 10 for jokes
The future ... next Monday 12th February I am being admitted to day hospital again
Bone marrow biopsy and blood transfusions will be the fun events for the day
The bone marrow biopsy being used to (hopefully) eliminate a number of other very rare blood diseases ... but they have to be eliminated or otherwise
Apparently the bone marrow can be linked to keeping haemoglobin and red blood cell numbers low
In my layman understanding the bone marrow, whilst meant to produce red blood cells (and mine sure is !!), can also in fact be the culprit in attacking them as well
I frankly shared with him that I was "pretty shit scared" about everything
He advised that things weren’t at the "shit scared / panic stage" at this time !!
I also shared that I am very (fucking) concerned and utterly confused about it all happening ... given that I feel absolutely fine
He then shared that "concerned and confused" would be good emotions for now
Counting the days ... and waiting
Amongst all this ... I feel fine, absolutely bloody fine
Signing off ... a "concerned and confused" Gavin !!
Brenton
Gavin, you will be in Dylan an my thoughts and prayers ... be strong
Your diagnosis is certainly confusing but we hope the prognosis will give a great outcome
The spinal tap may give some better information ... it is more exact than blood profiles ... we will be praying
Gavin
Thanks Brenton and Dylan
Apparently from the hip this time ... not spine ??
Geoff
Hey there, Gavin ... and I gotta be honest ... got a bit lost in this
However all is Okay and Good
As you know, Sharon is an Australia Post Manager
What you don't know is that she is also 98% Doctor
She will understand what these Facts and Figures might mean and then explain it all to me
Gavin ... her advice to you will be --- "Do what those other Doctors tell you to do and then confirm it with me" !!
Without really having to write it, you know that we will be thinking of you
My opinion ?? ... For better health and longer lives, I think everyone should eat more Hungry Jacks and Maccas and KFC !!
Gavin
Geoff ... current status is really wait and see ... with sooo much unknown
Not sure about your dietary advice !!
Geoff
Okay ... Understand ... Just Behave !!
Gavin
Just shared the news of John with Judy Brookman (nee Sunman)
She was devastated
Apparently John taught her to drive, amongst other things !!
Brenton
Okay ... John taught Judy to drive in Uncle Colin's grey Austin A40
And now my memory is hazy
We had to go to a funeral up north and then be back in Adelaide for a night time funeral
Dad took the black Dodge through a "ford" on the road that was flowing with water ... he got through
John was following in the Austin A40 ... it got stuck and died n the middle !!
I will always remember Dad's grin at that !!
So those who needed to be at the funeral were transferred to the black Dodge and we others waited by the side of the road for the British Austin A40 to dry out
I wonder if Judy remembers the Austin A40 ??
And if she remembers Uncle Colin asking Uncle Bill to dig a hole by the carport at the back of the Bank House on South Road ??
And it was a very very big hole !!
Then when Uncle Bill had finished, Uncle Colin said he didn't want the hole anymore and gave Uncle Bill the job of filling it in again !!
Poor bugger !!
Gavin
Brenton ... I will check with Judy when I am next speaking with her !!
Saturday 10th February 2018
Geoff
Here is a message from Brenton
"I have not heard anything about service for John ... beginning to doubt I will ... not much closure"
Hi ya, Brenton, and I reckon you may be right about The Band Leader's Service !!
My answer
Just the way things go sometimes
Sharon is going to ring John's Australia Post Friend's on Monday
And yes, I will post here what they pass on to her
We know that Sue/Rodney have seen all these notes
It is their choice to respond ... has anyone heard from them ??
And they can tell me to mind my own bloody business if they want
Gavin Daniel ... you were such a cute little kid, eh !! ... as per the following photo !!
Have you heard anything as per Brenton's note re the Service ??
Plus ... continue to pass on any details on Your Unique Medical Diagnosis !!
Gavin
Heard nothing further regarding John
Geoff
Thanks ... have as good a weekend as possible ... whatever you're doing !!
Sunday 11th February 2018
Brenton
Have you heard about John's service ??
Sunday 11th February 2018
Brenton to Sharon ... Notes from Phone Call
Monday 12th February 2018
Brenton
SAD SAD effing day !!
Geoff
Send a Note / Details to us all ... BUT ... not until YOU are ready to write about it ... couple of days is fine
Brenton
Just to you at this time
I went to Greenock this morning
I had heard the Service for John was to be at his home at 11.00am
I saw a person working in the garden so I approached and said was there to be a service for my brother today ??
Turned out to be Andrew
And he said it was a private service ... I said okay and went back to wait in the car
I parked across the road from John's house
About thirty minutes later Andrew walked to the car and said he couldn't stop me from parking there ... "but why was I there ??"
I said to get some closure for me and the four remaining brothers
I stayed parked there
Later another car turned up and Andrew came across to my car and asked if I wanted to say goodbye to John's Ashes
They had come with Amanda and her husband
Yeah ... I went to their back garden and cried a lot looking over the fence at the house I built
Then I went back to the car and waited quietly
About thirty minutes later Amanda and Andrew approached the car and "thanked me for respecting their fathers wishes" and virtually told me ... "not welcome - piss off"
I hadn't encroached on their space ... was just parked on the roadway opposite the house until invited in to see John's tribute box
Andrew seemed more worried about the people from the nursery comng
So ... a shit of a day
That was my morning ... but at least I saw his Ashes Box and have some closure
Wanted to take a picture ... but afraid it would be disrespectful
Wish my Dyls was here
Geoff
Thanks for these notes ... and I can understand every little comment you made
Tough fucking thing to do, but THANKS for doing it for the Rest Of Us
Go now and have Lots of Alcohol ... I will be somewhere in the middle of a Flagon of Sweet Sherry !!
Brenton
Yes, was tough
Monday 12th February 2018
Geoff
And hello to Gavin and here is part of your note
"The future ... next Monday 12th February I am being admitted to day hospital again
Bone marrow biopsy and blood transfusions will be the fun events for the day"
Did all go okay ?? ... and most importantly, was the day Full Of Fun Events ??
Thinking of you !!
Sharon
Hope all goes well today, Gavin
Thinking of you and our good thoughts are winging their way to you
Don't give the nurses a hard time !!
Gavin
Medical Tests and Results
Yay !!
That's all done and on the way home now
Bone marrow biopsy complete and the first set of results from it will be reviewed next week on the Monday
Other results from bone marrow take up to three weeks from lab
Transfusions were then cancelled today as haemoglobin number is back up at 120
And red blood cell count is at 3.6
"Your such a very unusual case with interesting and amazing blood numbers" ... the doc mentioned today !!
Nothing more now until Monday next week at 12.30
Still confused and still concerned !!
Geoff
You should be getting paid millions for being "A Medical Discovery" !!
You sound happier even though "confused" and "concerned" !! ... thanks for this news !!
Sharon
The body is an amazing machine
Just because yours is being different doesn't mean it's a cause for concern !!
Keep on keeping fit and eating well
Brenton
Life happens ... have to take the punches
Friday 16th February 2018
Geoff
Good Morning
I have tried to "make a bit of sense" of all of the above notes / details
Below there is a Web Page Link which lists it all in date order, etc, etc
It is up to yourselves whether you scroll down the page or not
However ... there are "New Posts" on Sunday 11th and Monday 12th February which you would not have seen
Read these if you can
And I personally would like to thank Brother Brenton for doing his best to represent us at John's Service and Ashes
Gavin ... will "annoy" you again after your 12.30pm appointment on Monday 19th February 2018 !! ... Good Luck !!
Everyone --- HAVEAGOODWEEKEND !!
http://www.ronebergcairns.com/2018onwards/geofffamily_001.html
Gavin
Thanks ... and I'll definately have a look
Saturday 17th February 2018
Gavin
Hey, Geoff
Hope you're going okay
Got to say ... not really that keen on my messages about my current health situation being in the public domain on your internet pages
Could you please remove same ??
Many thanks
Geoff
12.55pm ... as requested, the above Link / Page has been deleted
It may still show on your machines via your Internet History Folder
But the information cannot be Newly Accessed or Refreshed
Gavin
Thanks
Wednesday 21st February 2018
Geoff
Gavin
Interesting pic ... and sooo many life journeys since !!
I'll give you a call in the next few days
Brenton
Okay sounds good
But I expect in the next few weeks I will travel to Jordan (Amman)
Life journeys can be great and at times devastating
Geoff
Hate Phone Calls !!
Write the notes here when you are ready !!
REFERENCE ... GEOFF and SHARON and BRETT
Messages from Geoff
Tuesday 27th February 2018
Geoff
Well, as you know, Gavin gave a "health report" above
Here is some more from Trinity Beach in Cairns North Queensland
Geoff's Health Report
Sixty eight years old ... soon that will be sixty nine !!
Smoked for fifty of those years ... and yep, paying for it now
!! !! -- emphysema -- !! !!
[ i think terrence james has a dose of this too ... correct ?? ]
I gave up smoking on Sunday 21st August 2016 ... and feeling a hell of a lot better for it
My lungs are a bit f*ck*d and there is shortness of breath and the other symptoms
However, the doctor has actually done a terrific job with various sprays and tablets, etc
So long as I don't try anything stupid, life is "sorta like normal"
There are Good Days and there are Bad Days ... and Sharon is an "AAA+++" Nurse !!
Photos ?? ... far, far Too Old and Too Ugly !!
Sharon's Health Report
Coming up to sixty four years old ... BUT ... she looks like she's in her thirties !!
A Beautiful Girl !! ... and I am so very proud of her
Fit = yes !! ... works out up to five times per week including weights, running, bike, etc
Healthy = yes !! ... eats all that Paleo Stuff !! ... but sometimes she'll come with me when I swallow down a couple of Big Macs and Fries !!
Click on this link to see photos taken on the 11th February:-
http://www.ronebergcairns.com/2018onwards/sharon2018_005.html
Brett's Health Report
What can I say ??
Young and Fit and Healthy and Wealthy !!
Going on a Trekking Holiday soon ... which includes climbing to The Mount Everest Base Camp !!
My Brothers ... I hope you are all okay
I had heard that Terry was going to give Facebook a try ... any updates on that ??
That's all
... and yes, you are allowed to Reply or make a Comment !!
Wednesday 28th February 2018
Geoff
Yep, mystified why we as Brothers cannot Talk or Joke or Laugh or Cry
Have tried our best ... but Sharon and I are going to be "out of here"
Best Wishes To You All ... including Terry aka "Soon To Be Facebook Groupie"
Thursday 1st March 2018
Geoff
"Left This Group" ... 12.09pm Queensland Time
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