A year ago, 81-year-old Rob De Negus’ life was still hanging by a thread, but his health is now reasonably stable. The former singer is living at home again with his wife Jett (55) and son Julius and enjoying his family. However, his wife Geet has to admit that she worries every morning about her husband’s death. In De Telegraaf she talks about her morning confrontation ritual.
“Then I looked at Rob in his wheelchair from the kitchen and thought: ‘He’s sitting weird.’
The fear after being admitted to the hospital still remains. “Because what you know is coming,” Jett explains. “When I wake up every morning, I have to look next to me to see if he’s still alive. To see if his chest is still rising and falling.” Sometimes you check it several times a day. “Then I look from the kitchen at Rob in his wheelchair and think: How strange he is sitting. And after a few steps I see him breathing, but it’s very difficult. But he’s still breathing!”
Although his health had been stable for some time, Rob had to adjust his life. He was no longer able to read a book, which he had always enjoyed. Jett says Rob still very much enjoys watching documentaries. “He watches some documentaries every day. So, after the drama that happened in April last year, we still have another year to go. He relies heavily on existence.” According to Jett, this is mainly due to their son Julius who “puts his arms around him every morning.”
Jett is thankful that Rob is doing so well under the circumstances. “No one would have dared to think that a year ago. He is now reasonably settled and looking forward to the musical about his life, which is now being received with great enthusiasm. And if the miracles have not yet finished, he may see it.” Same next year. I can see that too. That would be something, wouldn’t it?”
A while ago, Rob made himself heard through a video message:
“Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Freelance organizer. Avid analyst. Friendly troublemaker. Bacon junkie.”