The Alex and Ronni Show: On the End of Life
Friday, 19 October 2018
Before we get to this week's Alex and Ronni Show, let's decide on a name for the boat we are all on during what I now know is the final voyage of my life.
On Monday, reader Genie commented in reference to my choice to continue writing and publishing this blog for as long as I can during the weeks and/or (hopefully) months remaining in my life. ”This morning I imagine you as the captain for this journey,” she wrote.
Then, Tarzana suggested a contest to name the boat:
”I can already think of many possibilities,” she wrote. “Courageous, Hope, Gratitude, Fortitude, Journey's End and so forth. Your loving readers are much cleverer than I so I'd expect some real stunning, even humorous entries.”
More readers left their suggestions and I chose five of them for us to vote on. In alphabetical order, they are:
Ark de Triomphe
Curiosity
Ronni's Ark
Ronni's Ship of Friends
This End Up
There were a lot of other good ones but choices need to be made so here we are.
You may vote by leaving the name you like in the comments below (do not send email; they will not be counted). You don't need to say anything else but you certainly may if you want. Voting ends at midnight Pacific Time on Sunday 21 October and I'll announce the winner on 24 Wednesday 2018.
(Or, you can just count in the comments to figure out the winner for yourself.)
THE ALEX AND RONNI SHOW
On Tuesday, my former husband and I recorded another episode of The Alex and Ronni Show. We spent most of the time discussing my new life predicament. There is a lot of laughing. Which is a good thing.
If you would like to see Alex's entire two-hour show with other guests following our chat, you can do that at Facebook or Gabnet on Facebook or on YouTube.
"This End Up" has my vote. "Furthur" is my final voyage vessel.
Posted by: Sandpile51 | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 06:44 AM
When I first read your "Into the the Great Unknown" post last Friday, a tidal wave of sadness and loss washed of me for a long time. You, along with your 'crew', have been a literal lifeboat to me, Ronni, since January of this year, and I am daily thankful.
When other reader's suggested we come up with a name for your craft, what came quickly to my mind was only one word..."INSIGHT".
The British way of HMS prefacing each ship's name seems to add a certain flavor to any name, yet other than RGS (Ronni's Good Ship) is all that came to mind for me. Perhaps simplicity, as always, is a better idea.
With admiration, Charlene.
Posted by: Charlene Drewry | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:01 AM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Posted by: Colleen | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:06 AM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Love from Hilary in England x
Posted by: Hilary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:28 AM
I love both Ark de Triomphe and This End Up. <3
Posted by: Christina | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:44 AM
Ronni’s Ship of Friends
💕
Posted by: Gillian | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:45 AM
(Ronni's) Ark de Triomphe...
Really, I love them all... You are our teacher now, and I thank you from the depths of my heart! ✨💙✨
Posted by: SusanL | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:53 AM
I like Ronni's Ark, because it's general enough to contain......everything. Some ancient culture used to wrap up the deceased, place them in a lightly built boat, and release them to the river or ocean. Sounds good to me. Travelling into this world is a worthy endeavor, and so is travelling on from here.
Posted by: Salinda Dahl | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:54 AM
This End Up.
Posted by: Redstone Gail | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:55 AM
Curiosity. Always my stance in life
Posted by: Rosetta bartels | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:56 AM
This End Up
Posted by: Marcie | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:58 AM
I'm ignoring those choices. I go for "My Redemption"
Posted by: Yellowstone | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:58 AM
'Curiosity' sounds like a good name for a ship.
Posted by: Arleen from NJ | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:03 AM
Ark de Triomphe! (How many times can I vote?)
Posted by: Marcia | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:08 AM
Curiosity! That’s you. Because you never stop being curious, you will live forever - sort of. All my love from Switzerland: Hanspeter
Posted by: Hanspeter Spörri | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:12 AM
Time Goes By
Posted by: Wendl | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:12 AM
Honestly, I think you already have the perfect name for your ship: Time Goes Bye.
Posted by: Kathryn | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:12 AM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Posted by: Anne Wasciuk | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:13 AM
This End Up is perfect.
Posted by: Tina Hvitfeldt | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:22 AM
The Good Ship “Curiosity” gets my vote.
Posted by: Janet | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:27 AM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
I’ve kept track of you over the years through this blog, Ronni. We haven’t seen one another in a number of years. I enjoyed our time “working” together and your blog has been my continued connection to you. You have a full ship of interesting friends here. Thank you to you for providing the platform for all that I learn here. It’s a lasting gift. XO
Posted by: D Rodway | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:33 AM
Roni’s Ship of Friends
Because we all are friends.....
Posted by: Lynn | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:36 AM
Ark de Triomphe.
Or having been through this with my Beloved last year, or at least as far as we could go together, Ronnie’s Ark de Triomphe.
Heartfelt wishes for strength, some laughter and always, love.
Mariev
Canadian Traveller
Posted by: M. Wade | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:37 AM
Ronni's Ark
Posted by: Jan Heigh | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:38 AM
Curiosity
Posted by: Rubye | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:39 AM
This End Up. I like "Ark de Triomphe", but I'm not sure I could remember how to spell it properly ;-)
Posted by: Angela Platt | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:39 AM
I like This End Up, for a lot of reasons but mostly because it includes humor, a necessary ingredient as far as I am concerned.
Posted by: Lola Sorensen | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:41 AM
First choice Roni’s Ship of Friends. Second choice Curiosity. I found you just before your cancer diagnosis when you were looking for answers and then found one ( but not a good one it turns out) I have read all your previous posts through the past year and gained tons of insight through them in this my 72 nd year with one cancer scare 7 years ago. May whatever God we have guide you on a gentle voyage with fair winds and calm seas to your final port. It’s what all sailors hope for.
Posted by: Francine | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:45 AM
Should have been Ronni’s Ship of Friends. ( fingers faster than brain) Second choice Curiosity
Posted by: Francine | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:48 AM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Love the visual of a ship full of friends, laughing, singing, hugging, having fun as we honor your journey.
Posted by: Susan W | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:50 AM
How many times can I vote? Today I vote for Ronni's ARK.
Posted by: millie garfield` | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:50 AM
Curiosity. It's why we keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Posted by: Susan R (Pied Type) | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:56 AM
Of those choices, I like 'Curiosity' best. It fits with the single names of ships of the past...Enterprise, Discovery, etc. and I think it well fits your approach to life and death. Thanks for the new Alex and Ronni show, but Alex, you need to let Ronni finish her thoughts! ☺ Thank you, also, for discussing the 'Death With Dignity' possibility. Living in Washington, I am relieved that I may have that option when the time comes. I am relieved for you that it will be an option for you, too, and I appreciate that you are willing to talk about it. Thank you for being you, Ronni, and thank you for sharing yourself so openly and honestly with us.
Posted by: Ali | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:57 AM
This End Up
Posted by: Antonia Albany | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:04 AM
I, like some others, think Time Goes By is still very appropriate. But if we’re looking at this as your final journey…but wait...it’s not final because as your former husband said, your writing will be out there forever, encouraging those who know you now and those you have yet to discover your honesty, genuineness, and heart. These are things that we all long for in our lives and as such are so drawn to you. How about “No matter what the future brings“ as Time Goes By. I suppose it doesn’t really fit but I’m sure many of us have thought all along even before last year’s diagnosis that no matter what the future brings we would be here with you. Carol 💛
Posted by: Carol | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:08 AM
I like Ronnie's Ark or ship of friends. I absolutely love the relationship you have with your ex-husband. Many women don't even have it that good with their current hubby!
Ronni, you will definitely be missed when the time comes - and I hope it is far from now.
Posted by: kenju | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:09 AM
Ronni's ship of friends
Curiosity
A bit grey here in Portland, but sunshine on it's way.
Have a happy day.
love from
o/
Posted by: Odette | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:13 AM
yikes
on ITS way!
Posted by: Odette | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:14 AM
Ark de Triomphe
Posted by: Marilyn | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:19 AM
Well, I was going to suggest Scheherazade, the princess who wove a story for 1001 nights to a "prince" who had been in the habit of bedding a woman a night and then having her offed the next day. But I love some of the other suggestions.
Time Goes Bye, as harsh as the title may seem, is probably the one that seems to fit the best.
Are you passing your mantle to someone else?
Ronni, I was very sorry to hear the news but also not surprised. I am so happy that 1) you had an extension (probably the only positive side, as far as I am concerned regarding chemo is that it does, sometimes, permit an extension which, in turn, permits acceptance of one's destiny) and 2) that you feel really healthy right now.
Although it is not any of my business, I strongly urge you to forego doing chemo. Did you know that most doctors do not choose to do chemo when diagnosed with cancer? It is because they know the side effects and that it does not eradicate. In fact, and I am sure you know this, in the process of destroying cancer cells (which grow much more rapidly than our regular cells) it kills off everything in our immune system.
I write this only because I have seen too many loved ones choose chemo and it is not a pretty choice. Death is a scary thing to confront, the ultimate unknown, but it can be peaceful. You have many choices besides chemo.
Posted by: yvonne behrens | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:20 AM
#1 - Ronni's Ark.
#2 - Time Goes By.
Whatever it is named, I know that I will be among friends. :)
Posted by: Tara Lee | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:24 AM
Like many others, the choice of just one name is really hard. The names that we are to choose from are all good.
Ronni’s Ship of Friends is lovely. ARK de Triomphe is witty and I like it, reminds me of your wonderful wit. Curiosity makes me think of you— maybe of all of us — this blog is rich in curiosity, probing topics that get raised, exploring everything!
Ok, I’ve listed too many——
Ruth-Ellen (who, as always, enjoyed the most recent Alex and Ronni Show. And who appreciated all the laughter. )
Posted by: Ruth-Ellen B. Joeres | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:39 AM
Ronni, very touched by your show above. I so appreciate and admire your forthrightness and honesty about your health, thoughts and feelings, especially in a current cultural climate where outright lying and obfuscation are so prevalent.
Even in my own home, when I ask my seriously ill 74-year old husband "how he is" (in as many ways as I can think of), the answer is generally "good". Frustrating and even a bit counter-productive.
You continually help and inform so many of us. You give and give some more. If there is any way any of us can give back, please say. xoxo
I vote for "Onward". No way is this your final journey.
Posted by: Priscilla | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:49 AM
Ark de Triomphe
Posted by: Barbara H | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:55 AM
of the choices you've made, _Curiosity_ gets my vote. I would have gone for _Journey_ had it been on the list.
You are and have been an inspirational skipper for all of us on this voyage into age and the unknown. Bravo Zulu, and thanks, Ronni.
Fair winds and following seas.
Posted by: Kim | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:57 AM
Curiosity.
Posted by: Rosemary Woodel | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:58 AM
Ronni's ship of friends! Bless you so much for sharing your life and experiences. I love your blog and your honesty.
Posted by: Suzanne S. | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 10:01 AM
Curiosity !
Posted by: Deanne aime | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 10:16 AM
Ronni's Ark ...
Curiousity ...
It's great to read end of life blogs - or listen as in your case ... we can all learn so much ...
Good to be here - and all the best to you both ... Hilary
Posted by: Hilary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 10:27 AM
Ronnie's Ark! Love that it brings to mind many different and splendid creatures along for the ride.
Posted by: diane d | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 10:55 AM
Ronni’s Ark de Triomph
Posted by: Janet | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 11:12 AM
This End Up.
It's clever and good humored.
Posted by: Mary McCarthy | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 11:13 AM
Ronnie's Ship of Friends.
Posted by: ann shaw | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 11:46 AM
I have always loved--and still love--Time Goes By. Truth and grace.
Posted by: Linda | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:00 PM
Curiosity. Maybe Times Goes By could be your theme/anthem.
Posted by: Denny | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:05 PM
"Ronni's Ark Angels"
Who says we're not?
Posted by: doctafill | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:07 PM
1. Time Goes Bye - even though it wasn't a choice
2. Ronni's Ship of Friends
I am sad that your cancer has returned. Even knowing better, I expect people and things I care about to go on forever. You are helping all of us by sharing your journey.
Posted by: mia mccabe | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:11 PM
Ronnie's ship of Friends
Posted by: Lyndia | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:12 PM
Ronni's Ark
Posted by: Anne | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:31 PM
Curiosity
or maybe second choice Time Goes Bye
Posted by: Cindy | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:38 PM
This End Up
Ronni, you have been an inspiration to me.
Posted by: Mary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:42 PM
The Good Ship Curiosity
as I think you are as curious as I about what comes 'after' !!
Posted by: Miki Davis | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 12:48 PM
Curiosity
Posted by: Robin Morrison | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:05 PM
This End Up or Time Goes Bye. . .
Posted by: Elizabeth Rogers | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:07 PM
Ronnie ship of friends
Posted by: Kate R | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:18 PM
Curiosity!
Posted by: Janice | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:44 PM
This End Up because it's funny and I hear you and see you laughing when I read it.
Posted by: Marie Breault | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:45 PM
The cabin boy votes for Ark de Triomphe.
Posted by: Peter Tibbles | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 01:59 PM
Time Goes Bye is perfect but of the 5 I like This End Up!
You might as well dance! Hugs.
Posted by: Meg Manderson | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 02:06 PM
This End Up.
I feel it captures your attitude.
Posted by: Mary Schaefer | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 02:16 PM
Ark de Triomphe has my vote! After a lifetime in the jungles of Time and Space every human rides Triumph into the next dimension in my opinion. Tom Kenyon has a song called "The Boatman" which I consider an adult lullaby. Part of the lyrics invite you to leave your past on the shore and go with the Boatman into the Land of Dream "to see the more that we can see, and be the more that we can be." May you and your Boatman have one heckuva glorious journey!
Posted by: Marguerite Holmes | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 02:31 PM
I vote for Ark de Triomphe because “Ark” connotes a new beginning, and the rain-bow is always a sign of hope and promise. And “ Triomphe” defines your triumph over an original diagnosis of a premature end of life.
Posted by: Pamela Ramsden | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 02:43 PM
I vote for Time Goes Bye too.
Posted by: Carol Roupenian | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 02:45 PM
Curiosity - we are curious about life and the end of the journey always.
Posted by: Rosemary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:09 PM
All good names but I force ranked This End Up, because of the humor. I felt overwhelmed with sadness when I read this, even though I only know you through this blog. I’ve been actively involved in kith and kin end of life a half dozen times already. I am so grateful to everyone for the practicality and positivity.
Posted by: Megan | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:14 PM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Posted by: Irma | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:25 PM
Ronni’s Ship of Friends
Posted by: Erika | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:31 PM
Ronni’s Ship of Friends
Posted by: Jenn | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:39 PM
Hey Ronni, Have you considered traveling to NYC in the near future? You could go to the theatre and museums, feel the hustle and bustle. You seem to have such a fondness for the city.
Posted by: Megan | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:46 PM
I'll go with This End Up mainly for the irony. I'm honored that you took me seriously on the boat name thing. I lived on a cruising sailboat for 9 yrs and saw many, many clever and not so clever names. Ours was Laura Lee, hubby's Mom's nom de plume, so we informally called the boat Mom.
I eavesdropped on you and Alex which I usually skip, but I was hoping you'd talk about what's next and you did. I don't know if I'll get any forewarning of my time left, but I hope I can control the timing of my exit . You are lucky to live in Oregon. Whatever you decide, I'm sure all of your blog friends will be with you.
Posted by: Tarzana | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 03:58 PM
This End Up, I wish we could all go out with a laugh.
Posted by: macmsue | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:19 PM
Would it be gauche to vote for the name I suggested. Being a selfish creature at times, I will do so. I go with Ronni's Ship of Friends because that's what it is. The other names are wonderful so if one of them is the winner I will be happy.
I liked this episode of the Ronnie and Alex show very much. I only wish you had more time to expand on your feelings of death. We must all be thinking about that now and the realization that we will be no more is daunting to me.
Thank you for your honesty and courageous view of the knowledge that you may not know the day, but you do have a time frame. Please remember, doctors can be wrong. My friend in NYC is also dying of cancer and when it was first diagnosed he was given only 3 or 4 months to live. He is still alive one year later even though he declined heroic measures and is just on palliative care using Home Hospice care.
Posted by: Darlene Costner | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:31 PM
From the beginning , Ronni's unquenchable desire to know and learn
fuels her life journeys...no less now toward the great unknown.
It has been said , "The end is not the end, but the whole purpose of the beginning."
As Time Goes By, we sail on with Ronni !
All aboard the Friend Ship CURIOSITY!
Posted by: Midori Barstow | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:36 PM
Curiosity!!
Posted by: Kathy Zachary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:39 PM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Posted by: Carol Foster | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:40 PM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Posted by: Phyllis Schmitz | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 04:52 PM
This End is Up, because it is my way, go out but cause a grin while going.
Posted by: Ken Pyburn | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 05:07 PM
Ronni's Ship of Friends
Thanks for including us
Posted by: Mary | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 05:59 PM
My vote: Ronni's Ship of Friends.
Posted by: officerripley | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 06:01 PM
Ark de Triomphe
Posted by: Gail | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 06:51 PM
Ronni's ship of friends
Posted by: Marilyn Dalton | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 06:56 PM
Ark de Triomphe
Posted by: Jane | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:17 PM
Curiosity
Posted by: Andy B | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:35 PM
Good ship Ark de Triomphe.
Posted by: Charlotte Dahl | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:39 PM
Ark de Triomphe
Posted by: Gen | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 07:49 PM
This end up!
Posted by: Sue Elam | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 08:21 PM
Oh Ronni, it's so good to see you and hear you laugh in that video. I'm scheming to try to figure out how/when to come visit you pretty soon. (Yep, got others to visit out there too.)
I am torn between "curiosity" and "Ronni's Ark." I like the personal quality of the latter. But "curiosity" says so much. Of course, it is already the name of a Mars rover. (Ronni's Rover?) I know it is too late to make new suggestions, but mine would have been:
At the end of one of the best original "Star Trek" episodes, Chekhov the Russian navigator says to Kirk, "Vitch say, Kyeptain?" And Kirk sort of shrugs, gestures expansively, and says, "Out there. ... Thataway!"
My suggestion would've been "Thataway."
But wait, I have to vote. OK, "Curiosity."
Posted by: Annie Gottlieb | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:22 PM
Dammit, I didn't preview, and autocorrect sneaked up and nailed me. That would be "Vitch vay," as in "which way, Captain?"
Posted by: Annie Gottlieb | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:23 PM
Curiosity
Posted by: Frank | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:37 PM
Ronni’s Ark.
Posted by: Sarah | Friday, 19 October 2018 at 09:44 PM