Rusty’s in Taunton up for sale

The Rhymer family was looking forward to a big year in 2017: for Paula to remain in remission, the birth of their second grandchild, and Paula’s birthday announcement that after nearly 30 years Rusty would begin his 2018 farewell tour as owner of Rusty’s Corner Cafe in Taunton.

But, life doesn’t always go as planned.

Rusty Rhymer lost his wife, Paula, on Aug. 8 at the age of 57, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

And he learned some things about his way of life during that time.

“I’ve been pretty up front about my blurred line between work and home,” he said.

“I’ve neglected my family, and it’s caused some heartache.”

“Paula never doubted my love for her, but there were times that she never felt loved. I’ve learned not to worry so much about the small things now. I don’t want to make that same mistake again. I want to be able to spend more time with my children and grandchildren and be a better person to everyone now.”

Paula was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and then diagnosed with leukemia on Halloween 2014. It was an ongoing battle ever since, with constant trips to medical facilities for chemotherapy, stem cell and DLI transplants, and much more.

She relapsed in early 2016 and again this past July 18. Rusty, 57, admits that Paula’s passing has left a huge void in his life.

He has endured many sleepless nights since his wife’s passing. “I got used to waking up next to a 750-degree menopausal, hot-flashing woman,” he said.

“I would trade everything I have to not wake up alone and cold without her.” I also wish I could have traded places with her when she was going through her illness, but life doesn’t work that way.

"Nights are the toughest. When I go home after work and I’m alone, it’s tough because you’re so used to her always being there.”

Rusty keeps a reminder of his late wife next to him when he goes to sleep. “Paula left her nightgown on the bed by her pillow when she left for the hospital, and it’s still there,” he said.

“And if I have a particularly tough day, I’ll hold it and sleep with it. “I still listen to the voice message on her phone too. It says something like, ‘You’ve reached Paula. I must be having too much fun to answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and I’ll call you back.’”

In reference to being asked about remarrying, Rusty said, “Paula was my dream girl. My idea of heaven is being together with her there. I want my grandchildren to only have one Grandma Rhymer,” pausing as he begins to choke up.

“Her name is Paula.” What would have been Paula’s 58th birthday happens to fall on Thanksgiving this year.

Generally, the Rhymers would host family members at the restaurant for the holiday, and Rusty would cook turkey and all the fixings. This year, family members will gather for the traditional meal, as well as to celebrate Paula’s birthday and her life.

That will include Rusty and Paula’s son, Dustin, who has been helping out at the restaurant, as well as their daughter, Ashley Hanson, her husband, Jeremy, and grandson, Evan, who will make the trip from their home in South Dakota.

“Thanksgiving is often overlooked, but it was always our favorite holiday,” said Rusty. Ashley is expecting a second child in late December.

“We don’t know the gender of this child because we like the surprise,” she said.

“Life doesn’t offer many good surprises, and this is one of the good ones.”

“Evan is ‘our gift from Heaven,” and this baby will be our ‘rainbow after the storm’.”

Evan turned two on Oct. 27, which was also Ashley and Jeremy’s fifth wedding anniversary. In honoring Paula’s memory, Ashley carried on the tradition by making and decorating Evan’s birthday cake.

Rusty said business has been good and his establishment is making money, which could entice a possible buyer.

He would like to stay until the end of 2018, whether or not he sells it. “I’ve got a lot of catering jobs already lined up for 2018,” he said.

“So I would like to honor those jobs.” The restaurant has been a second home to Rusty and his family.

“It’s bittersweet since for the majority of my life, it’s been a major part of our life,” said Ashley.

“But I’m looking forward to Dad finding a job that he can be done with at the end of the work day. I’m looking forward to him getting more time to enjoy being a grandpa.”

When his restaurant and catering business is eventually sold, Rusty is unsure what the next step will be for him in the working world, although he does have a business degree to fall back on.

He does, however, know what is next for him from a personal standpoint.

“I’m going to be a grandpa. I’m going to be a better person,” he says, with full confidence.