Rough times at Response Audio - the latest round

Bill Baker · « **on:** 11 Feb 2008, 03:08 pm »

There have been many who have contacted me via phone, email and/or PM over the last 10 days or so and have not received a response. Our family (my wife and I) have been experiencing quite a few family medical emergencies the past 10 days. We had 3 family members in the hospital all at the same time for serious issues. One with cancer, one with blocked blood vessels and the third with a heart attack with all three requiring surgery all within a 3 day period. Late last week, we had a 4th family member that passed away. It was overwhelming to say the least.

You may have noticed that I received and completed a pair of GR Research speakers last week. The timing on these could not have been better as the time I spent on these was my way of getting my mind occupied and off of everything that was going on. I did try to go through my emails and PM's but I did not get to them all. I even turned the phone off towards the end of last week. My brain simply needed some down time.

This week I am back on track and working at my benches once again. I am also trying to go through and reply to all the emails and PM's and returning phone calls but there are quite a few. If you have contacted me and don't get a reply shortly, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

My apologies to those I missed. I promise you I was not ignoring anyone and I do hope to hear from you again.

woodsyi · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 03:23 pm »

Sorry to hear that Bill. My sympathies and best wishes on those recovering. Take care.

arthurs · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 03:23 pm »

Bill, sorry to hear that news and an apology seems unwarranted for putting your family first, particularly given the events of the week. That's just an incredible burden for any family. Taking care of your own frame of mind is an important part of that as well.

Let us know if there's anything Kathy and I can do to help in any way. You and all of yours are in our thoughts and hearts..... peace brother.

Daygloworange · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 03:38 pm »

Bill,

Everyone who has family, understands. Family is the number one priority.

My thoughts are with you and yours.

Cheers

MaxCast · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 04:17 pm »

WOW, Bill, that's a lot to handle.
Best wishes and prayers for you and your family.
Let us know if you need some moral support.

Scott F. · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 05:29 pm »

Sorry to hear that Bill. We'll keep you and your family in our thoughts. I pray this isn't another episode like you had just a few short years ago.

Zero · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 05:49 pm »

Hang in there Bill, there's gotta be good karma coming your way..

Dmason · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 05:52 pm »

Hang in, Bill, take life one hour, one minute, one breath at a time if you have to...the storm will pass..

TONEPUB · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 06:15 pm »

Been in the same boat myself, only one family member, but it's still tough.
Hang in there!

Last year when we lost two family members on my wife's side, I had a
similar falling off the Earth. A customer called and said: "why aren't
you answering the phone, is someone dead over there?"

And I said, "as a matter of fact two people died in my family this month..."

Big silence on the phone.

Again hang in there, this stuff really drains all of your energy!

Best regards and the best to your family..

Kevin Haskins · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 06:23 pm »

My prayers are with you and your family Bill.

I know how it feels to have customers hounding you though. It nags at you when you cannot please everyone but priorities are priorities. You have a long enough record of taking care of people that a few late responses isn't going to change anything.

Keep your head up.

TomS · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 06:59 pm »

Bill,

We've all been there. Continue to do whatever keeps your own head and your family straight. We'll keep you all in our prayers here too.

Tom

zybar · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 07:11 pm »

Bill,

Sorry to hear about the family issues.

Hang in there, and do whatever you need to do in order to make sure that you keep your family first (as well as your sanity).

Your family and friends here at AC will most certainly understand and support you.

George

mgalusha · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Feb 2008, 07:16 pm »

Sorry to hear this Bill, the family always comes first. I pray that everyone gets well and am saddened by your loss.

mike

Bill Baker · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Feb 2008, 12:20 am »

Thank you EVERYONE for the kind words, thoughts, prayers and understanding.

I agree most are very understanding of such situations but if they are not aware of it, they may simply think one is trying to avoid them. I have always tried to be responsive to emails, PM's and phone calls but like anyone else, some do slip by. If it was only a day or two of not being around, it would be a different story as that's not too hardto catch up on but 10 days piles up a lot of emails.

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Taking care of your own frame of mind is an important part of that as well.

My frame of mind? That was a lost cause a long time ago.

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I pray this isn't another episode like you had just a few short years ago.

Oh, you remember that? Yes, that was a bad year. Not sure I could handle another year like that anytime soon. I think it was 14 or 15 funerals in a 12 month period. Too many younger people as well. I got to the point where I felt like I was wearing a black suit all the time.

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Your family and friends here at AC will most certainly understand and support you.

Long time AC members have always been like family. We all seem to be there for support for one's sorrow times as well as share in the good times in our lives. I recall a few excited new fathers, our children's accomplishments (our own accomplishments), new cars, new businesses, etc. AC is definitely a place to share.

I am back on track now and working hard trying not to worry about the things I have no control over.

Thanks again for all your support and understanding.

Nels Ferre · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Feb 2008, 02:19 am »

Wow, Bill....it seems like it never stops. If you ever want an ear to bend, you have my number. Leslie and I will keep your family in our prayers.

finsup · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Feb 2008, 04:44 am »

Bill,

So sorry to read about this. I am sure your family values you very much for taking care of things on the home front. And your AC family thanks you for taking care of things on the home front.

God bless you.
--Michael

Bill Baker · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Feb 2008, 10:40 pm »

Hi Everyone,
When it rains, it pours around here. Things have not gotten any better and in fact, we have two more people not doing so well.

My wife just got word today that her grandfather is not doing well so she just left to go check on him and on the way home will be stopping to see her father that is in the hositpal for major surgery tomorrow.

My family member that went in for surgery last week came out with the news that he has an aggressive form of cancer so we are now awaiting an appointment for a trip to Sloan-Kettering in NYC to see what can be done.

For those who have custom products on order or product(s) here for upgrades, I am still on schedule for promised delivery dates.

I will be putting in as many hours as possible at the benches to try to get caught up (I still have to pay teh bills). With no school all this week, I have my little ones while my wife is making her rounds but regardless if I am in the shop or not, I will still be available by phone during my normal hours of 9AM-9PM.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 03:09 pm »

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When it rains, it pours around here. Things have not gotten any better and in fact, we have two more people not doing so well.

My wife just got word today that her grandfather is not doing well................

It has been an overwhelming past couple weeks. We just received another one of those 'phone calls' a few hours ago so contact will be limited the next few days. We have family coming in from around the country with the viewing and funeral on Tuesday.

For the next three days, Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th and Wed. 5th, I will be shutting the phones off at 2:30PM. Unfortunately, I do still have to pay the bills and take care of my customers so I will be at the shop these three days from 10AM - 2:30PM EST and will be working and accepting phone calls as normal during these hours. You can also leave me a message 24 hours and I will return your call the following day. Emails are a bit harder to keep up with when they pile up on me but I will do my best to return them within a day or two.

For those Audio Circle members that currently have products on order, in for upgrades or in communication about ordering custom products, please do not hesitate to keep in touch with me during these three days.

gbeard · « **Reply #18 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 10:33 pm »

Dear Bill,

Sorry to read of your difficulties.

Try to stay clear headed and do what you must do for your family.

One day at a time...

Sincerely yours,
Gary

Geardaddy · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Mar 2008, 12:22 am »

Bill, I pray for that peace that transcends understanding.....for you and your family...