I lost a good friend today.

A friend of my wife and I were sad to hear of the news of our good friend's passing today. He was diagnosed shortly after me with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. We had known him for over 24 years and was always such a great guy, it is hard to believe that he is now gone. I mean, we knew this day would come but it's still sad. Because my wife and I moved a small distance away we did not stay in close contact with each other but when asked he would always be willing to help. When my wife and I moved he helped us move, and, when, his dad got sick, we helped him move in with his dad so he could be close. It wasn't until about a year a half ago that we connected again and started taking small trips to different events in Southern California and I am grateful that we had the time to spend with each other. We would share treatment stories knowing that we both were travelling the same path and he did well for a very long time, until he didn't. He moved to a different state to be with family and when we heard he took a turn, we jumped on a plane to be with him during the last part of his life. We did our best just to hang around and carry on regular conversation and I think he enjoyed being part of something normal. But there were times when we would break down. I had a chance to let him know how much we appreciated him and we hugged and he prayed. Then we had to leave. He passed a few days later.

Cancer sucks but this guy did not deserve this. None of us do. It is not kind and turns us into a mere shell of who we were ,but, I hope that when my time comes, that I could leave this earth with half the dignity and grace that he did. He will be greatly missed.

A great tribute to what was obviously a respected friend. As it also shows.....that he felt the same about you.

I was able to be with my brother-in-law during his battle with pancreatic cancer, and saw him a lot near the end. The family was evidently too freaked out to be with him, and he was kind of a black sheep anyway. I didn't care, and felt a real burden to be with him. In person, or talking on the phone, we shared a special understanding; if you've spent time with other cancer patients you may have found our mindset tends to be similar. It's no problem to talk about it, since we're already in the same arena. It was meaningful to him, and very much so to me.

Sorry to hear about the loss. No doubt the time you spent with your friend was deeply appreciated by him, and over time you may find it a cherished memory too.

Almost a 10,

So very sorry to of the passing of your good friend. Making good memories is something that can't be taken away and we'll always remember them.

Will keep you and your wife and your friends family in my thoughts and prayers!

Dave

Hello, Almost A 10,

I am mindful of you, in the loss of your friend ...

Friends can become family, over the course of time ...

I hope that you can find a meaningful way to honor the memory of your friend.

I wanted you to know I am thinking of you and I am sorry to hear the news.

Peace to the memory of your friend ...

Caring thoughts,
CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University