Oh crud

[Bugnatr]

Usually I don't get into losing a friend or loved one on the internet but I just felt a need to post. Greg was 59 and the big C took him today at 4:20.

I had only been in California a few months. It was a real low time for me going through a divorce, trying to find employment- things were just ******. Then we met on July 4th, 1979. Greg and his group of friends got to know me and we were good friends for years but for reasons that don't matter anymore we hadn't talked over the last 10 years. However my brother in Sacramento who lives nearby still had contact with him and kept me in the loop when Greg started to battle the cancer. Wednesday evening I went to the hospital to visit him. I was apprehensive on the hour drive to see him about what to say and would he be able to communicate in his advanced stage of illness.

We had a wonderful conversation for over an hour discussing family, old friends and the good times we had. At the end when I was leaving he unhooked a few items, stood up and we had a good hug. I knew on the way home it would be the last time we would talk but also felt such relief and actual joy that our visit went so well. I am glad that I went to see him, had I not that would have been a regret I would have carried for a long time.

Hoist a beverage of choice when you can just for Greg-he would like that. Peace friends.

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Condolences for your loss of a friend and the family's loss.

Endured a very identical scenario with a long life friend who was lost at 44yrs old.

It's good to have had those last conversations; peace is good for the soul.

 

[Tyler]

I'm glad you got that time with him, Bugger... it matters to both of you. Sending love and condolences....

 

[07FJRVegas]

Sincere condolences on the loss of a friend.

 

[Old Michael]

Thanks, Dougie.

Sometimes one wonders why it's someone else, and not us.

A fellow hopes that when it's his turn, he'll handle it with dignity and a bit of grace,

...and that there'll be humans like you who'll help imbue our last hours with a sense of brotherhood.

Most of the time, everyone is doing the best they can.

Peace, for sure.

Hoisting.

 

[steveoreno]

I'm sure it made him feel good knowing that your friendship mattered enough for you to visit. I lost my brother 3 year's ago and don't believe I will ever "get over it," You just find a new normal. Rest easy knowing his pain is over now.

 

[LKLD]

That's the definition of a good friend. Where you can go months, or even years, without talking to one another, and still, when you finally do, it's as if it had only been a couple of weeks.

I'm glad you went and saw him....he knows you were truly his friend. My condolences.

 

[NightShine]

The bonds we form with others, forged in shared experience, are truly the only things we have that endure any span of time or distance, through whatever series of circumstance. Perhaps they are the only things of lasting value.

Glad you were able to reconnect...

 

[BikerGeek99]

Condolences for the loss of your friend, Doug.

Cancer sucks. It took a friend of mine 9 1/2 years ago at the age of 42. I still miss that hippy.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Doug,

Sorry about you losing your friend to cancer. I'm glad that you got a chance to see him and didn't let awkwardness keep you away from him. He obviously was your friend in a hard time in your life, so I can see how hard it is to lose that kind of friend that helped you in your crappy time.

Just sorry...

Mark/wheaton

 

[lonerider]

Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I'm glad you had a chance to say goodbye; hopefully that will make it a bit easier to bear.

 

[BkerChuck]

Sorry for your loss yet glad you had the chance for a last goodbye. Will toast your friend tonight by the campfire and wish him godspeed on this next ride.

 

[Bugnatr]

Thanks for the kind words folks, it really helps fill the void of this loss.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Doug. Definitely one of the things that are never easy to deal with. Keep the good memories close.

 

[gregory]

Prayers and condolences Doug.

Glad you made the trip.

Greg

 

[Khunajawdge]

Good on you Doug for seeing it within your time schedule to say goodbye to your good buddy.

Condolences and Peace Out.

 

[rogdeb]

We reiterate all that's been said above. With ya Doug.

RogDeb

 

[bigjohnsd]

Glad you got to say goodbye and relive some moments while he was still here. Big C is not discretionary.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I'm very sorry for your loss Doug. Losing friends is never a good thing. I'm glad you had the opportunity to talk with him before he passed. It's always good to be able so say the things you want them to know.