Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: idahorider on October 29, 2015, 11:56:44 PM

Title: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: idahorider on October 29, 2015, 11:56:44 PM: I thought some in the Guzzi community would like to know I lost my wife of 46 years last week.
I wish I could say it was quick and painless. It wasn't. She battled systemic vasculitis for 35 years. The disease was terrible and the treatment almost as bad as the steroids she needed to stay alive destroyed her bones.
We married young and soon after spent money we didn't have on a Suzuki X6 Hustler. When we moved up to a Suzuki 500 Titan, she'd ride behind me on the way to the next town and I'd ride pillon on the way home.
She owned the family's first Guzzi, a brand new 1980 V50 II, and kept that when she bought an R80. We toured throughout the Northwest and she rode until too ill to continue. Even then she pored over motorcycle magazines and insisted I buy a California Special and then my B1100.
I know every time I ride in the future, I will think of her.
Sorry for the melodramatic tone, but I wanted to share this with the good folks on this board.
Paul Emerson
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: LowRyter on October 30, 2015, 12:01:32 AM: Paul, so sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: davedel44 on October 30, 2015, 12:03:08 AM: I'm so sorry Paul.
God bless you. You both will be in my prayers tonight.
Dave
Galveston
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: oldbike54 on October 30, 2015, 12:04:15 AM: Paul , I am so sorry , damn , this is tough . Thanks for allowing us to share , please know you can lean on the good folks here .

Condolences from Oklahoma

Dusty
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Shorty on October 30, 2015, 12:12:18 AM: You picked a keeper. Sorry that she left before you. It ain't supposed to happen that way. Thank you for sharing this. I don't know where some folks get their strength, but it is inspiring. May God comfort you and yours.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: krglorioso on October 30, 2015, 12:17:43 AM: Paul: Karen and I have been together for over 43 years; inseparable, really. On our first date, to SoCal's Laguna Beach, I saw a Bell "Shorty" helmet in her car. "What's that for?", I asked. "Oh, if I meet a guy with a motorcycle I like to go riding with him". That may not have been the sum and substance of our total attraction to one another, but it was a large part of it. Now 73, Karen still climbs on the pillion of the Cali Stone and we motor off together.

I cannot imagine life without Karen, so I have a good sense of what desolation you are feeling and will feel for a very long time. Please lean on your friends, both local and on this forum, and we will hope to give you all the support we can.

God bless you.

Ralph
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: johnr on October 30, 2015, 12:25:41 AM: Sad news Paul. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Demar on October 30, 2015, 12:33:27 AM: Sorry to hear about your loss Paul. From the way you describe it, your first riding partner will always be riding with you.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Guzzistajohn on October 30, 2015, 12:49:03 AM: So sorry for your loss, I hope posting here eases your pain in some way. Sounds like you two had some wonderful experiences together. May she rest in peace. God bless.

John Schurke
Springfield, mo.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: SteveAZ on October 30, 2015, 01:30:33 AM: Never had the pleasure of meeting you or your wife but your story is very moving and a reminder to cherish our days.

Godspeed to your riding and life partner.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: ITSec on October 30, 2015, 01:39:13 AM: Very sorry for your loss, Paul - and unfortunately, I know very much what you are going through.

My wife Yvonne died on the 20th; we had been together nearly 40 years. While her health challenges were more brief, they were equally difficult (stage 3b melanoma 8 years ago, followed by a recent series of strokes). Helping her through that was hard - and not being able to help was worse.

My thoughts are with you - know that you are not alone.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Carlo DeSantis on October 30, 2015, 03:07:50 AM: So sorry to hear the news, Paul.

She will obviously live on in you.

God's peace to you.

Best,

Carlo
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Nic in Western NYS on October 30, 2015, 03:52:41 AM: Oh my goodness. I don't have any words to comfort but I hope you can fill your mind with all the most wonderful memories.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Vince in Milwaukee on October 30, 2015, 04:07:33 AM: I'm very sorry to hear this. We will be thinking of you here in Wisconsin. God Bless.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on October 30, 2015, 04:08:20 AM: I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Paul
Don't forget to leave the pegs down for her next time you ride

She will live on in your heart.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Muzz on October 30, 2015, 05:03:42 AM: Paul, my sincere condolences on your loss. May the good times you have shared together stay with you and ultimately help to ease your grief. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your soul mate.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: elvisboy77 on October 30, 2015, 05:25:30 AM: Thank you for sharing those memories. Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Rough Edge racing on October 30, 2015, 05:27:22 AM: Paul, Hope you find peace....
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on October 30, 2015, 05:56:14 AM: Paul, there's nothing I can say that hasn't been said before on this thread. Just know that we care, and are thinking of you. She'll live on in your memory..and all her trials are now over. Sorry.
C&D
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Aaron D. on October 30, 2015, 05:58:27 AM: Paul I am so sorry for your loss.

Mu wife and I have been riding together in a similar story and my heart aches for you.

Thank you for sharing.

Aaron
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Texas Turnip on October 30, 2015, 06:05:39 AM: Paul,
Hope all the notes from Guzzi riders worldwide help you through this rough time.
Yes, you had a keeper if the two of you could ride a Suzki 500 Titan. I had one and can still remember the terrible seat.

Tex
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: nunzio on October 30, 2015, 06:13:08 AM: Prayers sent....Alan
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Bonafide Bob on October 30, 2015, 06:33:21 AM: Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Testarossa on October 30, 2015, 06:36:34 AM: Take good care of yourself now. Our thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: menzies on October 30, 2015, 06:38:01 AM: So sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: mjptexas on October 30, 2015, 06:43:46 AM: Paul,

I'll keep you in my prayers, and my partner (37 yrs.) gets an extra hug tonight.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Markcarovilli on October 30, 2015, 06:48:17 AM: Paul

My condolences and do take comfort that she is enjoying the time you spent together.

Mark
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: radguzzi on October 30, 2015, 06:51:28 AM: Quote from: idahorider on October 29, 2015, 11:56:44 PM

I know every time I ride in the future, I will think of her.

Paul,
Our most sincere condolences for your loss. She sounded to be a wonderful woman. You will indeed think of her often and the good times you both shared.

Peace,
Rob & Sue
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Lannis on October 30, 2015, 07:03:53 AM: Thanks for sharing. The part about sharing pillion/pilot duties is rare - I know your memories are special ones.

Lannis
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: HDGoose on October 30, 2015, 08:05:38 AM: Remember her life. Celebrate her life.

Best wishes to you.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: ritratto on October 30, 2015, 08:28:24 AM: Sorry for your loss Paul. I'm sure she has a cloud waiting for you up there.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Bill Havins on October 30, 2015, 08:38:34 AM: You're in our thoughts, Paul.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: 56Pan on October 30, 2015, 08:41:03 AM: Sincerest condolences from here, Paul. Thanks for sharing such a fine remembrance. And a sad ending. Sending good thoughts your way.

Garrett
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: lucydad on October 30, 2015, 08:48:04 AM: Paul,

You and your family are in my prayers. Cherish your memories.

blessings
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Britishbangers on October 30, 2015, 08:56:17 AM: Mr. Paul,

I'm really sorry to hear about the loss.

I'll remember both of you in my prayers tonight.

Take care and stay well.

Joji Kurian
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Gian4 on October 30, 2015, 11:36:34 AM: So Sorry. Thoughts and prayers.
Gian4
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Zoom Zoom on October 30, 2015, 11:48:41 AM: Paul, I'm sorry to hear about your wife. It sounds like she was quite a lady. You and your family are in our thoughts.

John Henry
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Joe A. on October 30, 2015, 11:56:37 AM: I can't even imagine. She sounds like a strong and wonderful person. god bless you and your family.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Cross-tie Walker on October 30, 2015, 11:57:23 AM: Thanks for sharing those memories with the board Paul. So sorry to learn this.
Please take care of yourself.

Kevin in Seattle
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: biking sailor on October 30, 2015, 11:57:41 AM: Paul, you have been blessed with some wonderful memories. Your feelings now are a huge testament to what a wonderful person you got to spend your life with. Wishing you much peace.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: PJPR01 on October 30, 2015, 12:05:08 PM: Sincere condolences for your loss...may you two eventually ride together again in another space and time!
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Gliderjohn on October 30, 2015, 01:10:45 PM: All I can add is that I too am sorry for your loss. I have also lost a spouse and still do not really know what to say to others who have suffered that loss. It is a very private thing. Take care and keep on living.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Dharma Bum on October 30, 2015, 01:31:56 PM: Very sorry to hear of your loss. While I a am still blessed with my life partner of 40 years, she can no longer ride with me due to physical issues. She was the one who picked out my Guzzi and it hurts a bit that she can no longer enjoy riding.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Waltr on October 30, 2015, 01:38:13 PM: Condolences and blessings.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: jbell on October 30, 2015, 03:26:00 PM: Paul, so sorry to hear of your loss. So happy for you for all the good rides and times you shared. Your memory will know which to keep in the forefront.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: travelingbyguzzi on October 30, 2015, 04:09:12 PM: Oh, Paul...Gail and I are so sorry to hear this.

Bill and Gail Lovelady.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: SmithSwede on October 30, 2015, 04:14:21 PM: Paul:

Very sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Bob Wegman on October 30, 2015, 04:18:31 PM: To have that many years together I'd say you both found the love of your lives. Prayers to you.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: bigbikerrick on October 30, 2015, 04:36:22 PM: Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you ,and give you strength. You are lucky to have shared your life with such a wonderful woman. I cant even imagine how you must feel right now, Paul. I will pray for you to have peace, and consolation.
Sincerely.
Rick.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on October 30, 2015, 04:50:28 PM: You were rich while it lasted. Now you are rich with memories. I was only rich that way for less than three years. What few memories I still have are still with me 40 years later.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: drums4money on October 30, 2015, 05:42:13 PM: Condolences from out East. Sorry to hear of your loss. Sincere wishes for peace & comfort to you and your family.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: LowRyter on October 30, 2015, 06:33:20 PM: Quote from: ITSec on October 30, 2015, 01:39:13 AM
Very sorry for your loss, Paul - and unfortunately, I know very much what you are going through.

My wife Yvonne died on the 20th; we had been together nearly 40 years. While her health challenges were more brief, they were equally difficult (stage 3b melanoma 8 years ago, followed by a recent series of strokes). Helping her through that was hard - and not being able to help was worse.

My thoughts are with you - know that you are not alone.

Sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Beaver on October 30, 2015, 07:25:58 PM: I am so sorry for your loss. She will ride on in your heart.

Georganne/Beaver
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: John Ulrich on October 30, 2015, 07:26:30 PM: God be you and your family!
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: mwrenn on October 30, 2015, 08:23:49 PM: My heart goes out to you Paul.
I hope you know that she is at peace, and you are blessed with so many memories.
Be at peace brother, think of her while you ride...
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: groundhog105 on October 30, 2015, 08:42:04 PM: Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. I could not imagine losing my wife of 45 years.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: idahorider on October 30, 2015, 09:23:30 PM: Thank you all for all the kind words and encouragement. I hope to see some of you at Guzzi gatherings next riding season.
Paul Emerson
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: NWrider on October 31, 2015, 08:02:56 AM: Paul,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that there will be a hole in your life without her. I had the pleasure of meeting Lois when she came to one of the Idaho MGNOC chapter meetings there in Lewiston some years ago now. Take care and I hope to see you again at the BAR this coming year.

John Warren
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: hooah54 on October 31, 2015, 09:01:55 AM: condolences
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: sincolita on October 31, 2015, 09:27:43 AM: Paul, I'm so very sorry for your loss. As one half of a riding couple who've been together a mere 14 years, I can only imagine how painful it must be to lose your other half after so many years and miles and amazing adventures. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts. Take good care of yourself.

Kim
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Moto on October 31, 2015, 09:36:45 AM: Paul, I am sorry for your loss. I remember X6 Hustlers and Idaho too from back in the day, and I can picture the adventures you must have shared. Be thankful for them, and be strong. John
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Rich A on October 31, 2015, 10:13:54 AM: It must have been a close and loving relationship--my condolences.

Rich A
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Oldrat on October 31, 2015, 05:16:54 PM: Distance is no barrier, memories although painful will help you be strong. I hope that you can focus on the time that you spent with each other rather than the absence, as had been said, celebrate what you had.

My thoughts are with you. There for the grace of god go I.

Kindest regards from over the pond
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Steph on October 31, 2015, 05:35:10 PM: Sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing these special memories.
Take care
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: tazio on October 31, 2015, 07:25:38 PM: One more road one more mile that is all I ask
When weather's fortune smiled you were always up to task
Miles piled on and your battle begun but we faced pain together for two became one
When the road called out it's siren song we would take turns at pillion the Northwest we won!
But now all is changed a new battle rages to fight off my emptiness as life turns its pages
So I ride and ride on as your examples have shown
you tucked in behind me I am never alone
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: 80CX100 on October 31, 2015, 08:18:45 PM: Be thankful that your paths crossed,,, you paint an idyllic picture of your time together,,,I feel for you

sincerely, Kelly
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: twowheeladdict on October 31, 2015, 09:12:44 PM: Thank you for sharing a portion of your wonderful life with her. I am praying for strength as you continue on.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: bikeridertim on October 31, 2015, 09:15:05 PM: So sorry for your loss, Godspeed to you sir.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Stephen on October 31, 2015, 10:03:26 PM: Prayers for GOD's healing and comfort and peace.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: oldbike54 on October 31, 2015, 10:13:26 PM: Quote from: tazio on October 31, 2015, 07:25:38 PM
One more road one more mile that is all I ask
When weather's fortune smiled you were always up to task
Miles piled on and your battle begun but we faced pain together for two became one
When the road called out it's siren song we would take turns at pillion the Northwest we won!
But now all is changed a new battle rages to fight off my emptiness as life turns its pages
So I ride and ride on as your examples have shown
you tucked in behind me I am never alone

That is beautiful Taz :bow:

Dusty
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: steveford on October 31, 2015, 11:16:58 PM: Paul, I'm so sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to you and your family. It sounds like you had a wonderful life together, and that's whats important. Looking forward to seeing you in the coming year. Take care, Steve
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Farmer Dan on November 01, 2015, 01:41:34 AM: Sorry for you lose Paul, my heart goes out to you. I lost my wife of 20 years on Mother's Day 2014. Now I ride alone, just ain't the same. But then nothing in life is the same anymore.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on November 01, 2015, 06:44:58 AM: Quote from: oldbike54 on October 31, 2015, 10:13:26 PM
That is beautiful Taz :bow:

Dusty

Yep..
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: lschultz on November 01, 2015, 07:50:54 PM: Paul you still got her. You will have a angel riding with you the rest of your life.
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: guzzi4me on November 01, 2015, 11:38:03 PM: What a great loss...but memories will be with you forever.
I gave my best friend a very special long hug tonight. Could
not imagine being without her.
The board is here for you....we care....

Jeff
Title: Re: Lost my first riding partner
Post by: CapitalGoose on November 02, 2015, 09:03:41 AM: My most sincere condolences to you and yours, sir.