GFMPH Summit #3 (reporting Live, from New York!)

I am anxiously awaiting daily updates on the annual GFMPH events. Please post so those of us who couldn't attend can experience it vicariously. Thank you.

(subject edited by 142)

Post Edited By Moderator (142) : 9/25/2011 9:39:48 AM (GMT-6)

Sorry I am missing all of the fun. I am sure you (worried guy) are a perfect host and keeping everyone entertained.

Part of the reason you haven't heard much from the guys here, is because it is indescribable. How do you put in words what it means to meet up with guys who you have become closer to than your own family. Men who understand what it means to have PC, and how to deal with it.

We have a fraternity going here. All are welcome, and I would encourage you to start thinking about next April in Baton Rouge. Make plans now. I promise you , you will not forget it, and you probably won't be the same afterwards.

Goodlife

1. The Pomegranate Wine was not in jest AND neither was the Pomegranate Liquer.

2. I strongly echo Goodlife's words. I have been to 3 GFMPH gatherings now and they have certainly enhanced my life. Not only in the way I approach life with PCa but the fact that I have been enriched with so many new TRUE friends. These are friends that will last throughout my lifetime.

In general, much of what happened here is camaraderie at the absolute highest level. There are just no words to describe it. Many of the things that happen at GFMPH stay at GFMPH. Laughter is the word of the day, all day. Fantastic food is always present. Anytime we gather there are regional things to see and do. Yesterday was no different. A trip to a local winery proved excellent. Great fun and coming away with some really good wines to take home. At least taking home those that did not get consumed at last nights campfire gathering. Clam bake, roasted chicken prepared par excellance by Goodlife and accompanied by grilled corn and new potatoes.

Today started off with breakfast prepared by Paul, a fantastic cook with many years experience operating his own B&B.

Sad times followed with the saying of goodbye to old and new friends. We all have lives to return to and they call each of us to different directions.

However, Mickey and I have decided to prolong the agony of departure. We have informed Jeff and Barbara we are not leaving until the first snow. Actually we are getting an early start tomorrow morning. I don't really want to start a 1300 mile journey in the middle of the day.

There were some serious discussions about PCa, side effects and maybe a little life coaching thrown in. Every body got something out of this time together no matter how long ago their journey started.

And in no way do I minimize the nighttime live visual demonstration of the speed of sound.

Jeff and Barb have opened their house and their hearts to us once again and we are all better people for it.

Thank you Jeff and Barb for your generosity,

Sonny

Place and date are yet to to be determined. There is not a formal plan from meeting to meeting. You'll see us start to post about it.

I finally had some time to sit down and look at the forum. I got about half way down the thread and started to tear up.
It's all true.... all of it... and more.

Thank goodness Sonny and Mikey are hanging around for another day (or so). They are softening the departure.

Guys, What can I say... Thank you for coming from so far away. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Thank you for validating all the feelings I keep inside. Thank you for finding as much value in the experience as I. Thank you for giving me the confidence to cry without embarrassment.
Thank you for making me a better man.

See you next year!
Jeff in NY

_{I'll write more later when my eyes are clear...}

We just landed in Dayton OH headed back home. Will be in St Louis MO tomorrow.

Worried Guy: How can we thank you enough! You and your wife are just wonderful host!

To the new guys that attended. It was Great getting to know each of you face to face.

For the guys that have not attended, words can not adequately describe the event. Friendships are deeply seated and really appreciated. by the guys that attend and the fraternity bond is very strong.

The Food was GREAT, Conversations were even better! The comfort of being able to just sit back and be yourself with or without you PCa in mind can not be measured.

Thanks to each of you that attended I have enjoyed being with you so very much.

Will post a bit more later. But I wanted to make a quick post today.

Cajun Jeff

Ditto to all the comments and feelings expressed above by the other GFMPH participants, and thanks to our gracious hosts, Jeff and Barb. As a first year participant I was unsure of what to expect. The squirel and roadkill talk was a little concerning, be the experience was fantastic, the food was great and the comradery better. Looking forward to April. And thanks to Corvetteman, there wil lbe a big pot of jambalaya on the stove for supper tonight. BB

Mike and Sonny just pulled out and are on their way to other worlds.
In the backyard a few blades of grass are wondering where that salt water came from.
The only sounds I hear are the water pump refilling in the basement, the refrigerator in the kitchen, and the flight simulator controller in the garage. The house is too empty.
I'll write up some minutes in a bit - after I pull my thoughts together.
"Wonderful", while true, is probably not a detailed enough explanation for the IRS.

Wow!
Jeff

Sounds like a great time for all. Those are the kind of things that you hate to see come to an end. I remain respectively envious, but happy for you all. Safe journey home and happy trails.

Michael

Just got home...and with more good memories.

Jeff and Barb, thank you so much for being the great people you are and hosting the weekend. I was really glad to see the guys/gals I've met before and the ones I hadn't met.

I pulled out just before Sonny. I stopped to gas up my RV and then get down on the I-90 NY State Thruway to head home.

I was driving along I-90 thinking about the weekend and the fun, when in my left mirror I saw a familiar brown coach starting to pass. It was Sonny. We travelled about 10 miles together and Sonny took an exit for his way home and I continued on my way.

GFMPH... 

Mike

Goodlife and Paul...great job on the chicken and breakfast. 

 

Post Edited (mikey1955) : 9/26/2011 1:48:31 PM (GMT-6)

was nice reading about how surpreme the NY meet was, though not surprised. sorry i couldn't make it, but with the reports and the skype session, felt like i was still part of it. hopefully, next time will be the charm for me.

david in sc

and for those still on the road, i.e. sonny, safe driving back to orlando

....or south carolina?