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Re: “A good death: Like Sue Otterbourg, more people are taking control of the end

This article brough back so many memories. I didn't know the Otterbourgs, but I did know Bob and Mary. Bob and Mary were the elderly couple who our young family moved in next door to. We got to know them slowly, as it was clear there were things we both needed from one another. My children's Grandparents were in Pennsylvania, and Mary's story telling was just what they needed. Bob taught them the beauty of a gorgeous yard in a modest neighborhood and the work you need to put into it. Mary had terminal cancer, and Bob refused to leave her alone. At times, we would go sit with her while he went to pick up meds, or other times, we piggybacked their grocery shopping with ours. Their romance was something for Nicholas Sparks and they were beautiful beautiful people. One night, the ambulance arrived. We knew Mary would be leaving us any day. And, knowing what was likely happening next door, I went over to lend any help I could, in any way that Bob needed me. A ride, a conversation, coffee, someone to just sit and grieve with, or simply a hug and go home. I got there, and was amazed that it was Bob in the ambulance. He'd had a heart attack, and Mary had somehow mustered the strength to call 911. This was a lady who hadn't stood in months, or further, hadn't even been able to hold the book when she read to my daughter. Bob was taken to the hospital 20 minutes away, and was a handful because they wouldn't let him go home. Mary passed 2 days later. Bob stayed in the hospital terrorizing the staff for 2 weeks before he was taken to a nursing home. I was there visting Bob when his son came and told him that Mary had passed away- I hadn't had the heart to do it. I want a love like that. My dear friend Bob is gone as well now, and I know he and Mary are living the happy healthy lifes they were missing. Mr. Bob Otterbourg, I'm sure you and your lady Sue touched so many hearts, that you'll never even realize how many people drew strength and inspiration from you. Please think of her with a smile - even if there is a tear in your eye :) I know I did today.

2 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Theresa Spincic Lord on 06/18/2013 at 2:09 PM

Re: “More on Randy Voller: Raleigh's Nina Szlosberg-Landis, 1st vice chair, resigns in protest

Over the past 100 years in North Carolina we have had 12 years of GOP Governors and 88 years of Democratic Governors. Democrats made this state a great place, but Randy Voller is single handedly putting an end to that history. If the NCDP doesn’t find a way to get rid of Randy Voller soon, plan on at least 88 years of GOP Governors in the next 100 years.

2 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Ed Williams on 06/18/2013 at 8:00 AM

Re: “Bulls rally falls short, lose to Indians in extras

What's up? This is from a game played a couple of days ago, June 14.

Posted by Chris on 06/18/2013 at 7:52 AM

Re: “Better than the Senate version, the House budget is still bad

Is the goal to create a migration out of North Carolina to an area where the welfare of the public should be a prime concern? The ideas brought forward are cruel, unjust, and an attack on North Carolina citizens. Only the wealthy, rich political Art Pope followers will benefit from any House or Senate proposals for North Carolina. Perhaps an exit North Carolina agenda is what these criminals truly want. What a shame for this State.

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Honz on 06/17/2013 at 9:35 AM

Re: “The West Memphis Three are free ... what about the real killer?

What I dont understand is why the courts did not look at Hobbs he was see with them babys its not fair those boys might as well lost there lifes too well most of it there is not justice for them babys and probably never will

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Kelly Samons on 06/16/2013 at 6:27 AM

Re: “A good death: Like Sue Otterbourg, more people are taking control of the end

Excellent piece on a very prevalent subject. You explain with such care the ins and outs of a life threatening disease and our society's usual response. Good to hear about someone who was able to take charge of her own end of life, and her family's acceptance of her choice. Thank you!

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Susie Zuntini on 06/15/2013 at 4:14 PM

Re: “More on Randy Voller: Raleigh's Nina Szlosberg-Landis, 1st vice chair, resigns in protest

So, who put the Republicans in charge of the NC Democratic party?

Because if this isn't the case, then someone somewhere has a heck of a lot of 'splainin' to do.

And it can't be the Republicans as they are making asses out of themselves in the General Assembly every day without any help from the Democrats.

Is this what the dumbing down of education has already brought us?

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by CriticalDem on 06/14/2013 at 6:26 PM

Re: “John Zorn's Acoustic Masada; Joanna Newsom

That photo is really disgusting. A coyote? Is that what it is? Shameful.

Posted by Amelia McGeeson on 06/14/2013 at 10:06 AM

Re: “Harmful If Inhaled

Better caption: Obama embraces "Hope" and "Change."

Posted by ProudlyUnaffiliated on 06/14/2013 at 9:28 AM

Re: “A good death: Like Sue Otterbourg, more people are taking control of the end

extraordinary story Barry- perfect blend of personal story and socio-political context. just great! Made me think a couple times, too (always a plus ;) )

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Betsy MacMichael on 06/13/2013 at 9:25 PM

Re: “The week in music: June 12-19, 2013

Gee. I guess you don't like Donna the Buffalo too much, eh? Why waste space to trash any band that way? What is the point?

3 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Steve Storms on 06/13/2013 at 5:33 PM

Re: “A good death: Like Sue Otterbourg, more people are taking control of the end

Dear IndyWeek,
It took me a couple of days to read this magnificent piece, because my eyes would periodically fill with tears (w/out my permission!). After reading the article in full, I want to honor you, Barry Yeoman, for your respect, your sensitivity, your care, your concern, and last-but-not-least your writing talents/skills/dedication-to-your-art as you assisted the Otterbourg family and all those who care for them to tell their truly meaningful story.
Thank You,
Diana Anderson-Goetz
Lifespan Human Development Specialist
Charlotte, NC

2 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Diana Anderson-Goetz on 06/13/2013 at 4:31 PM

Re: “The Lumineers' anthemic single "Ho Hey" is a hit made mostly of other hits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qw5QD6nuC…
I doubt they have heard this - but the chants are pretty similar

2 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Ben Davis on 06/13/2013 at 2:39 PM

Re: “More on Randy Voller: Raleigh's Nina Szlosberg-Landis, 1st vice chair, resigns in protest

@gregflynn

where does it state that Solomon Davidson is a known pseudonym of Michael Carmichael? do you have references for this or are you just blowing hot air trying to discredit solid information that he provided?

0 likes, 2 dislikes
Posted by Vince Esposito on 06/13/2013 at 1:29 PM

Re: “Who's the moron? Sen. Thom Goolsby on the protests he calls "Moron Mondays"

Making insulting remarks about the citizens you represent isn't the best way to stay in office there Thom.

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Vince Esposito on 06/13/2013 at 1:20 PM

Re: “Bologna burgers hit the blacktop at Orange County and South Boston speedways

This was a really well written article Emily. I love your writing style.

1 like, 0 dislikes
Posted by Vince Esposito on 06/13/2013 at 12:58 PM

Re: “610 Magnolia Chef Edward Lee brings Smoke & Pickles to Fearrington Village

@MahaaFoodie: You can also borrow it from your local library, which is free and doesn't involve shilling for corporations.

Posted by Denise Prickett, INDY Editorial Web Director on 06/13/2013 at 10:37 AM

Re: “The West Memphis Three are free ... what about the real killer?

This is so fucked up the state fucked over three young men and the killer is walking around free they need to have they live turned up side down and 18yeas taken from them and let see how they like it it took them no time to send these kids to jail because of the way they looked and the music they liked so What the fuck is the hold up on the real motherfucker that took these sweet kids life so young this is bull shit the justice system sucks and they know it

1 like, 2 dislikes
Posted by marie storks on 06/13/2013 at 10:00 AM

Re: “Addressing the problem of food waste

Thanks for writing this article. NC has been a leader in food diversion the country for a long time, thanks to Brooks Contractors and Orange County Soild Waste Dept. For more information about composting in NC check out the NC Compost Councils web site - http://carolinacompost.com/

Compost for the Health of the Planet,

Brian, Organic Recycling Specialist
NC DENR, Division of Environmental Assistance & Outreach
brian.rosa@ncdenr.gov
p - 919.707.8123
c - 810.252.8303
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/deao/recyclin…
www.recyclenc.org

Posted by Brian Rosa on 06/13/2013 at 9:47 AM

Re: “A good death: Like Sue Otterbourg, more people are taking control of the end

@ForeThoughts: This story was originally slated for a national publication but it was held for nearly a year before the rights to it were released; it was never published in that publication . So Barry and I agreed that the INDY would be an excellent fit for the piece.

2 likes, 0 dislikes
Posted by Lisa Sorg, INDY Editor on 06/13/2013 at 8:21 AM

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