Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Fallen Flag

I just received word that someone I've known for a long time in the world of chess passed away. Aside from my sense of loss, for I was friends with this man for several years, I have both feelings of regret and anger. Regret that I'd lost touch with him when I decided to drop a sedentary, obesity-prone lifestyle, because I might have been able to help him turn around his life. And anger that he chose to live such a sedentary lifestyle. At the last tournament I worked at with him he had the hotel's kitchen deliver his dinner to the tournament registration table in the lobby rather than walk the few hundred feet into the resturant.

Incidentally, the cause of death was a heart attack. It was a suspected heart attack that brought about my changed lifestyle four years ago. Another parallel that is causing me to think about things. We have only so much time on our clock, and sooner or later our flag must fall, regardless of the moves we make. I wish my friend had made better moves.

Thanks again for letting me share this here.

Neil B.

Thanks for sharing!

He lived life the only way it should be lived. The way he wanted to. Being healthy or unhealthy is a personal choice.

Sorry for your loss.

Neil - thanks for sharing... 5 years ago I lost my best friend to a heart attack. He rode his bike faithfully, was a strong rider but he neglected his health (so just because you move doesn't mean you aren't sick). He had diabetes and high blood pressure and didn't seek proper treatment. Shortly after a ride, we said our good byes, parted and on his way home he suffered the attack. I still miss him today and wonder if I nagged and complained more if he would still be alive but... we can only be good friends. Each of us are responsible for our own actions and taking care of ourselves. Never regret you decided to start moving. Just think of the comfort you give to your loved ones because you care enough of yourself to get in shape.

Although I know this is of no comfort, we all die someday. Don't focus on your regret, focus on what he meant to you and the good times you had. If he has family, try to be a comfort to them. Please take care...

Neil,

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, it's never easy to take.

Deeply sorry to hear of your loss of a freind Neil.

It's a strange facet of life that we move though phases of our lives and sometimes the friends we make along the way sometimes fall out of touch. I have no doubt that if either you or he had called on the other in the middle of the night the other would have been there.

Tomorrow is not a certainty, only a hope. It's what makes each day such a gift.

I'm sorry for your loss as well Neil. I lost a close friend of mine a few years ago, very unexpectedly. He was only in his early fortys. Realy drives home the fact that we are only here a short time. I will pray for you bro.

funny you mentioned it. I just lost a friend from work last week...he was only 52 I believe and left a wife and 2 HS age daugthers. Very sudden for someone so energetic, but large. Though I am less than half his age it is certainly a wake up call.

My condolences on your friend, Neil....

Neil - thanks for sharing... 5 years ago I lost my best friend to a heart attack. He rode his bike faithfully, was a strong rider but he neglected his health (so just because you move doesn't mean you aren't sick). He had diabetes and high blood pressure and didn't seek proper treatment. Shortly after a ride, we said our good byes, parted and on his way home he suffered the attack. I still miss him today and wonder if I nagged and complained more if he would still be alive but... we can only be good friends. Each of us are responsible for our own actions and taking care of ourselves. Never regret you decided to start moving. Just think of the comfort you give to your loved ones because you care enough of yourself to get in shape.

Although I know this is of no comfort, we all die someday. Don't focus on your regret, focus on what he meant to you and the good times you had. If he has family, try to be a comfort to them. Please take care...

Thank you, Pam, and other friends here.

I'll be attending the funeral service this Friday. It will be odd to see folks who I haven't seen since I lost weight.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, take care.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, take care.

Thanks, friends. The service was nicely done. Many people spoke about my friend's numerous activities in his eclectic series of interests. It's amazing how busy a sedentary fellow can be.

I'm off for my second funeral in 24 hours this morning. Sort of puts the damper on the weekend. :) After this one I'll probably go to my gym and then perhaps for a hike. I'm holding off riding until the new Brooks saddle is here - Monday or Tuesday.