When riding buddies go on up ahead...

[oldmxdog61u]

My long time friend and riding buddy won his 3 year battle with cancer and twisted the throttle once more and went on ahead.
As hus style, he went his own way at the place if his choosing, surrounded by family and friends. Several of us long time riding buddies lapsed into that biker comradery around his  bed and shared again those stories and bonds made special by the open road, a few bikes, and shared experiences. I prefer to keep my belief that until it is my turn he will always be up around the next bend, waiting for me on his bike with his funny smile, ready for the journey.

[oldbike54]

 Good philosophy 

 Dusty

[swmckinley54]

Well said and I send my condolences.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Well said and I send my condolences.

Yeah, me, too..

[kirkemon]

My condolences as well.

I lost my closest riding companion 2 weeks ago. We had a 35 year relationship and so many good times together.
Unfortunately, and a complete shock, he took his own life. I went through so many emotions and I'll never know why. He was loved and admired by many. It sucks.

[davedel44]

Always hurts to lose a friend.  My condolences to you guys!

dave

[HardAspie]

I think he's riding in a better place than this, but nonetheless sadness is for those still here. My condolences as well.

[RayB]

My condolences too. Its not a good feeling losing a long time friend.
My riding buddy that I've known for 36 years developed alzheimers 4 years ago. Hung ul his helmet 3 years ago and is now in a home...barely knows his wife...doesn't know me

[Tom]

Condolences here too.

[Zinfan]

Condolences from me as well, I need to go out and sling a leg over the V7 even if for a short ride in tribute.

[PJPR01]

I think he's riding in a better place than this

I never understand why people say this - what could be better than living now, here, on this earth, unless one is in severe pain and it's just overwhelmingly difficult and there is no hope of recovery.  Unless you want your life to end by natural causes or other, who actually wants to leave the pleasures of this earth behind and the friendships and activities we enjoy on this planet.   I was a little puzzled by the OP post who said his buddy had won his battle against cancer, but had actually passed on...condolences for the loss of a great friend.

[M0T0Geezer]

Always hard to lose a friend, loved, one, parent, child, brother, sister.  I have lost all but the last two of these.

Often have I wondered if would have been better if it had been me to 'ride on ahead' ...

This pretty well sums up how I feel:



'Geezer

[oldbike54]

 After losing one of my riding buddies a couple of years back to cancer , every ride , every memory , every chance to meet up with some of my Guzzi friends has become more precious . It is not long we have on this mortal coil , live everyday like it might be the last , love your family and friends , don't sweat the small stuff . 

 Dusty

[oldmxdog61u]

After losing one of my riding buddies a couple of years back to cancer , every ride , every memory , every chance to meet up with some of my Guzzi friends has become more precious . It is not long we have on this mortal coil , live everyday like it might be the last , love your family and friends , don't sweat the small stuff . 

 Dusty

Indeed. Indeed. Thanks.

[rboe]

We handle it differently. In any event, we have to go on because we don't really know how much time we have left.

Sorry about your buddy.

[lucian]

Sorry for the loss of your friend.  We owe it to all that go before us to live what we have left to the fullest. 

[LowRyter]

may the golden road be ahead for your friend and us all.

 

[ITSec]

Treasure the memories, enjoy the ride, and don't be in any hurry to make that curve up ahead.

Your buddy won't mind the wait...

[azguzzirep]

I am sorry for your loss.

I HATE CANCER !

It has taken family and friends of mine . As a mortician, I see it'it's devastating effects nearly daily .

It would affect my livelihood greatly but I want to see a cure for this sh*t. SOON.

Tom

[Zoom Zoom]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. There has been too much of this lately.

My condolences.

John Henry

[Stevex]

I never understand why people say this - what could be better than living now, here, on this earth, unless one is in severe pain and it's just overwhelmingly difficult and there is no hope of recovery.  Unless you want your life to end by natural causes or other, who actually wants to leave the pleasures of this earth behind and the friendships and activities we enjoy on this planet.   I was a little puzzled by the OP post who said his buddy had won his battle against cancer, but had actually passed on...condolences for the loss of a great friend.

 :1:

[Daleroso]

I understand the concept of beating cancer by riding ahead. I like it. My mother took 1 1/2 yrs to die from cancer with the (in most cases) false hope of a remission before her passing. I think/hope the medical field learn from the prolonging of a life that would have passed more quickly without the incremental advancements. "They" say there's a lot to gain from the grace one displays during a long passing....I learned one thing. When Dr's offices pestered my father for relatively small balances left after Mom's passing & significant insurance pymts, I started handling the accounts. When I explained to the practice mgrs that I felt that if a product failed, a refund usually settled any dis-satisfaction & since their efforts had failed, any balance after insurance pymts should be canceled. Each one graciously agreed which benefited my father......Didn't diminish our sense of loss though.

[canuguzzi]

My condolences too. Its not a good feeling losing a long time friend.
My riding buddy that I've known for 36 years developed alzheimers 4 years ago. Hung ul his helmet 3 years ago and is now in a home...barely knows his wife...doesn't know me

Perhaps, but you know him. While he might have gone somewhere you can't go, he didn't take what he gave you with him, you still have that.

[Sasquatch Jim]

 Yesterday I got an email from a long time fellow sidecar pilot and friend.
 He has received his notice of termination from the great PoohBah.  His doctor has just identified an end stage cancer in his pancreas and liver. How it got all the way to end stage without being noticed is just one of the unknown mysteries of medical science.  I have lost a lot of friends along the way and most of my old shipmates too.  I can only wonder why I am not among them.  It is certainly not for lack of opportunity.
 I have been close to deaths' door a few times and in 2009 even stepped one foot through but was unexpectedly dragged back by some well meaning and skilled EMTs and ER crew.  I now wear a dog tag
 that says in essence, "Please don't do that again".  I have signed a paper with the VA to that effect also.

[MotoG5]

I never understand why people say this - what could be better than living now, here, on this earth, unless one is in severe pain and it's just overwhelmingly difficult and there is no hope of recovery.  Unless you want your life to end by natural causes or other, who actually wants to leave the pleasures of this earth behind and the friendships and activities we enjoy on this planet.   I was a little puzzled by the OP post who said his buddy had won his battle against cancer, but had actually passed on...condolences for the loss of a great friend.

What if the one who is suffering a slow and difficult decline is the light of your life. Your life long love and the one who has stood by you through everything. While you are healthy and have to deal with loosing them. Rebuilding your life living every day with the soul wrenching loss this is. If you are ever unfortunately placed in this situation I would be interested in finding out if you still wonder why people say this.

[PJPR01]

What if the one who is suffering a slow and difficult decline is the light of your life. Your life long love and the one who has stood by you through everything. While you are healthy and have to deal with loosing them. Rebuilding your life living every day with the soul wrenching loss this is. If you are ever unfortunately placed in this situation I would be interested in finding out if you still wonder why people say this.

Yes...agreed...that's why I put there in my initial statement "unless one is in severe pain and it's just overwhelmingly difficult and there is no hope of recovery", the 2nd part of the sentence.  Since your assumption seems to imply that I haven't been exposed to such a situation, let me say I have some experience with this as my father went thru a very tough last 6 months of his life...no further details required. 

[MotoG5]

Yes...agreed...that's why I put there in my initial statement "unless one is in severe pain and it's just overwhelmingly difficult and there is no hope of recovery", the 2nd part of the sentence.  Since your assumption seems to imply that I haven't been exposed to such a situation, let me say I have some experience with this as my father went thru a very tough last 6 months of his life...no further details required.

Fair enough PJPRO1. I see your point. And indeed no further details required. Just between a rock and hard place right now.

[PJPR01]

I hear you...and my sympathies as well...it's never easy.  I apologize if my comment came across the wrong way...certainly not meant to be unsympathetic to anyone's situation.  Perhaps not a great choice of words...was just writing what came to mind.

All the best!

[jbell]

We call it being on "Eternal Patrol".  Wishing calm seas, following winds and Godspeed.

[kidsmoke]

Perhaps, but you know him. While he might have gone somewhere you can't go, he didn't take what he gave you with him, you still have that.

Well put.

To the OP, sorry for your loss and I appreciate your view on it all. Honors him. Everyones comments show thoughtful consideration, on the only thing we're  all assured of experiencing.

My Dad has Alzheimer's. Has battled valiantly for 11 years, but it's gaining ground rapidly now. Looked my mom straight in the eye a couple weeks back and asked, "have you seen my wife?" Hearing how ya'll choose to digest this kind of loss is good thing, regardless of how varied our experiences or theology.

Cheers to the assembled.  And shit, Norge Pilot.  That sentence has traction. Thanks.