I've not posted for the last several days, because I've been suffering from shell shock. One of my earliest cycling partners (he was the best man at my wedding) lost his wife this week. She didn't feel well and had a hard time breathing. He took her to the hospital emergency room and three days later she is gone from lung cancer at age 55. No one saw this coming. She had fought breast cancer eight years ago and was deemed "cancer free" three years ago. My wife and I truly enjoyed the company of this couple. Yet, we live 150 miles away. So, for both couples it was always, "We'll try to get out to see you soon and ride together", but we just didn't do it often enough. We kept putting the visits off. There was always something else that took it's place, and we really believed we'd get together "later". Well, today's planned ride will not take place, because I'm driving the 150 miles to say goodbye to a dear, sweet, intelligent woman with a sense of humor and heart of gold. Sorry to spill so much of this on a public forum, but it's such a strong reminder that we only have the time we have, and we sure has hell can't waste it putting the important things off till later. I can't even begin to imagine what my best friend is going through. I'm sure he, as I would so much sooner ride today, but we have one final obligation that can't be put off.
John E
03-29-08, 08:19 AM
Thanks for the reminder not to put off getting together with family and friends. I am glad my father started a tradition of annual extended family reunions, and we do indeed need to do more with our friends who live outside the neighborhood.
Best wishes to your friend at this time of tragic loss. The best man at my wedding lost his wife (by far the best thing that ever came into his life) to ovarian cancer right on his 50th birthday, so I honestly do understand your situation.
TruF
03-29-08, 08:58 AM
So sorry for your loss, BSLeVan. Thanks for the sobering reminder that all we have for certain is "now" and not to squander the present by assuming there will always be tomorrow.
Floyd
03-29-08, 09:25 AM
Yes, condolences, ... we always 'say' that we need to live now and not put things off but how many of us really 'do' that... again, thanks for the reminder that there is not time like the present to do those things that we know are important.
TruF
03-29-08, 09:29 AM
Today I'm driving to the Eastbay to see my 87 year-old stepfather and take him out to lunch! Thanks for the nudge.
BengeBoy
03-29-08, 10:13 AM
Sorry to hear about your loss.
There was a thread here in the 50+ forum last weekend (I think) about "what is a good day." It was interesting to me that most of the "good days" involved simple pleasures -- bike rides, seeing friends, dinner with family, taking a nap. These threads are good reminders about keeping a proper perspective.
Artkansas
03-29-08, 03:01 PM
Sorry for your loss. A good reminder to us all of how precious living is.
My best friend died suddenly 4 years ago. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I bought one of my bikes from him many years ago in a swap for lumber I had left over from a broken love affair. So it's meaningful not only for the tens of thousands of miles I've put on it, but as a memory of him as well.
Catweazle
03-29-08, 03:32 PM
Condolences.
And yes. We all too often forget that the most enjoyable and important things to do are the simplest to do.
tntom
03-29-08, 03:54 PM
Sorry for your loss. You are so right. Spent all day today with my best friend. We don't see each outher near enough. Friends are one of God's gifts we should take more time for them.
geofitz13
03-29-08, 06:38 PM
Sorry for you loss.
Add my thanks for the reminder that we only have the time we have.
Cancer sucks.
DnvrFox
03-29-08, 06:45 PM
My wife and I sing weekly at an Alzheimer's home.
Last week, the manager told us that a gentleman we had come to know had died. Her remark, "Here today, gone tomorrow," struck me. A few weeks ago 3 folks had died in one week.
Thursday, my men's singing group sang at a Hospice. Only a few came out their rooms to hear us. I think our strong voices were too much for the situation.
It reminds me that death is the most certain part of our lives, but unexpected death is hard to take.
Kerlenbach
03-29-08, 06:59 PM
Cancer sucks.
Big time, bro.
Part of the wisdom you gain when you get older comes from the knowledge that your friends and family are mortal, and death is closer than you think.
We should all take B's story as another reminder to always stay close.