Very Hard Indeed
Life I mean. Here we are, mostly a bunch of emotional roller coasters.. In the last week, I heard of not one but six guys, yes SIX that have passed. Here I sit, like some of you wondering why and of course when is my (our) turn.. Last night it was Jim, a gentle giant of a man. But, I must go on... Time for me to say that I truly love all of you.. Please be well...
Ron
Comments
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Hi Ron,
I am sorry to hearHi Ron,
I am sorry to hear about your friend's, no matter what our religious beliefs are, losing friend's and family is never easy. Life is bitter sweet, but when it comes down to it, it is all about memories!
It is strange you being in the same time zone Ron.lol!
Take care!
Djinnie x
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You'll be aroundEims said:ron i am so sorry to hear
ron i am so sorry to hear about your friends that have passed this week.......i know its hard but try to think of the happy times and memories you shared and raise a glass or two to celebrate their lives...
eims x
Because as we know, "only the good die young". Brings out the "Why not me" questions doesn't it. Hang in buddy. We'll talk about this in the coming years.
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When it rains, it pours
Ron,
You are not getting a break in the bad news dept., but go out and have an AWESOME day anyway. Why give cancer any more of your glorious days than you absolutely have to? Give it the old one-two punch or - if you're feeling particularly ornery - spit in it's eye as you sally out the door to be around a bunch of happy and excited folks, super cool cycles and incredible scenery. Have a brewskie and toast those who have passed. You know they'd want you to be having a damn good time. Then have another one on us! We make our own happy daze. Enjoy the Moment, every single one of them. And we want pictures!!! Hope you are taking tons!
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I am sorry
Ron, I too have lost many loved one's over the last few years and I totally understand your pain. The best thing I can tell you, is to think of them & pray. This is what gets me thru those feelings. I lost my mom in 2004, step mom in 2006 & aunt in 2008 all from the same disease (pancreatic cancer) but I went thru so much with death. I had to tap into my own feelings toward death and realize that I wasn't going to go down in an easy fight. I never felt that I had cancer and when I got my result of kidney cancer, I fought it. I never felt as if I had it, so why act like I did now? Yes, I did but I wouldn't let it consume me. Life is all what we make of it and it hurts to lose loved ones. My heart goes out to you and know deep down that you have life to live ahead of you.
Donna
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Ron,
It sounds like yourRon,
It sounds like your week has tipped the top of the suck scale. Sorry to hear about the discontinuation of Votrient. And I’m very sorry to hear about your friends.
But one thing we need to keep in mind in this living vs. dying scenario, is we’re not making the calls. When John was first diagnosed and all the research related to his diagnosis was grim at best, all of us—his friends, his family, and John and me—questioned how long? And during all this, John received an enormous amount of support.
Then two of his cheering section buddies died back to back in really freak accidents. One was in his early 40’s, vacationing with his family, and riding his bike (bicycle). While riding, he made a turn head on into the path of a bus and was killed instantly. The second death was also bike related. The seasoned biker apparently hit a pot hole and lost control of his bike tossing him onto the roadway and oncoming traffic. Both were gone in a spoof! They didn’t have time to reconnect with friends and family who had become distant. They weren’t able to repair wrongs done in the past or sooth away hurt feelings. They had no inclination the end was in sight.
That changed my perception of John’s diagnosis. In a bizarre way, I see that same diagnosis as a gift. It has given him time to make his life better, to tackle regrets, and to undo hurts. He is a better person today than he was the day he was diagnosed. He values today what’s truly important and does not place material wealth where it once was. Does that mean I don’t want the cancer to be gone and for him to be cancer free? Of course not. But it does mean I increasingly value the time we’ve been given. I also choose to believe his diagnosis is not a death sentence but simply a warning signal to remind us tomorrows are not guaranteed.
And Ron, we love you right back.
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This is whyalice124 said:
Ron,
It sounds like yourRon,
It sounds like your week has tipped the top of the suck scale. Sorry to hear about the discontinuation of Votrient. And I’m very sorry to hear about your friends.
But one thing we need to keep in mind in this living vs. dying scenario, is we’re not making the calls. When John was first diagnosed and all the research related to his diagnosis was grim at best, all of us—his friends, his family, and John and me—questioned how long? And during all this, John received an enormous amount of support.
Then two of his cheering section buddies died back to back in really freak accidents. One was in his early 40’s, vacationing with his family, and riding his bike (bicycle). While riding, he made a turn head on into the path of a bus and was killed instantly. The second death was also bike related. The seasoned biker apparently hit a pot hole and lost control of his bike tossing him onto the roadway and oncoming traffic. Both were gone in a spoof! They didn’t have time to reconnect with friends and family who had become distant. They weren’t able to repair wrongs done in the past or sooth away hurt feelings. They had no inclination the end was in sight.
That changed my perception of John’s diagnosis. In a bizarre way, I see that same diagnosis as a gift. It has given him time to make his life better, to tackle regrets, and to undo hurts. He is a better person today than he was the day he was diagnosed. He values today what’s truly important and does not place material wealth where it once was. Does that mean I don’t want the cancer to be gone and for him to be cancer free? Of course not. But it does mean I increasingly value the time we’ve been given. I also choose to believe his diagnosis is not a death sentence but simply a warning signal to remind us tomorrows are not guaranteed.
And Ron, we love you right back.
This is why you all are on my favorite list... thanks for all the kind words..!! Today it rained off and on all day... the evening practice was cancelled. I spent hours getting my bike race ready... got to meet up with a bunch of friends here... and a bunch more I have not run in to yet... This is a very family atmosphere... nice..!
So there is this couple, Bill and Jill... I got them here last year to check it out, and see if Bill was up for racing here this year. I got them special training last year... and here they are, doing it..! But there is more.. a lot more... so they have applied and received temporary citizenshiip... they are now Manx residents... why you ask...? Because you need to be a resident to get married here... yes Bill and Jill will tie the knot here on the IOM... So even with the rain, there was some sunshine today..!
Be Well All..!!
Ron
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GSRon said:
This is why
This is why you all are on my favorite list... thanks for all the kind words..!! Today it rained off and on all day... the evening practice was cancelled. I spent hours getting my bike race ready... got to meet up with a bunch of friends here... and a bunch more I have not run in to yet... This is a very family atmosphere... nice..!
So there is this couple, Bill and Jill... I got them here last year to check it out, and see if Bill was up for racing here this year. I got them special training last year... and here they are, doing it..! But there is more.. a lot more... so they have applied and received temporary citizenshiip... they are now Manx residents... why you ask...? Because you need to be a resident to get married here... yes Bill and Jill will tie the knot here on the IOM... So even with the rain, there was some sunshine today..!
Be Well All..!!
Ron
Hope the sun shines for you today! I loved your story about Bill and Jill, see what effect you have on people Ron!... I am sure you were blown away by that news!! I hope you will be there for the wedding,.. maybe, even best man!
It has been raining here throughout the night, it looks as if it is going to be overcast today. They are not actually forecasting rain, so I hope you get to race, in between catching up with all of your friends.
Keep the updates coming, your posts have a way of bringing the event to life. We can tell you are enjoying every moment! Rain or shine!
Djinnie x
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'Our man on Man'Djinnie said:Hope the sun shines for you today! I loved your story about Bill and Jill, see what effect you have on people Ron!... I am sure you were blown away by that news!! I hope you will be there for the wedding,.. maybe, even best man!
It has been raining here throughout the night, it looks as if it is going to be overcast today. They are not actually forecasting rain, so I hope you get to race, in between catching up with all of your friends.
Keep the updates coming, your posts have a way of bringing the event to life. We can tell you are enjoying every moment! Rain or shine!
Djinnie x
Djinnie! 'Manx' is the adjective - e.g. the Manx TT on the Isle of Man.
Like you, we had some overnight rain but it's a lovely morning now - about 10:30 and we're reasonably close to Man so I'm hopeful it will be fine for the TT. You're right, anyway, Ron will have a fine old time with his biking fraternity there and I'm sure we can expect some appealing reports from our biker corrrespondents, Ron and Fox, over the next few days. It sounds like the annual high spots for both of them, so you have a great time, too, Fox!
I've been tempted to investigate ferry times to Man with a view to finding Ron but I fear it would be too tempting to go a few rounds of Guinness when I'm supposed to be tt for ever now :(
The very idea of Manx TT for "tee-total" makes me shudder, but I suppose getting "tanked-up" before a race is not exactly a good idea either!!
Can't wait for news of great times had by you guys!
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Hi Texas,Texas_wedge said:'Our man on Man'
Djinnie! 'Manx' is the adjective - e.g. the Manx TT on the Isle of Man.
Like you, we had some overnight rain but it's a lovely morning now - about 10:30 and we're reasonably close to Man so I'm hopeful it will be fine for the TT. You're right, anyway, Ron will have a fine old time with his biking fraternity there and I'm sure we can expect some appealing reports from our biker corrrespondents, Ron and Fox, over the next few days. It sounds like the annual high spots for both of them, so you have a great time, too, Fox!
I've been tempted to investigate ferry times to Man with a view to finding Ron but I fear it would be too tempting to go a few rounds of Guinness when I'm supposed to be tt for ever now :(
The very idea of Manx TT for "tee-total" makes me shudder, but I suppose getting "tanked-up" before a race is not exactly a good idea either!!
Can't wait for news of great times had by you guys!
Man Oh Man!Hi Texas,
Man Oh Man! lol!.....I was referring to the Manxnews, which provides the complete news and information coverage from the Isle. There is a news station called Manxnews Radio Station. But Man on Man if you prefer!
My daughter has come over from New York for a holiday, so we are off to the coast while the sun is shining. Have a good one!
Djinnie x
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Touché, Djinnie.Djinnie said:Hi Texas,
Man Oh Man!Hi Texas,
Man Oh Man! lol!.....I was referring to the Manxnews, which provides the complete news and information coverage from the Isle. There is a news station called Manxnews Radio Station. But Man on Man if you prefer!
My daughter has come over from New York for a holiday, so we are off to the coast while the sun is shining. Have a good one!
Djinnie x
Touché, Djinnie.
Unfortunately it's got overcast here now (but no rain so far, so I'm still hopeful for Ron). I hope you're getting the best of it - have a great time at the coast with your Daughter.
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Alice nails itGSRon said:This is why
This is why you all are on my favorite list... thanks for all the kind words..!! Today it rained off and on all day... the evening practice was cancelled. I spent hours getting my bike race ready... got to meet up with a bunch of friends here... and a bunch more I have not run in to yet... This is a very family atmosphere... nice..!
So there is this couple, Bill and Jill... I got them here last year to check it out, and see if Bill was up for racing here this year. I got them special training last year... and here they are, doing it..! But there is more.. a lot more... so they have applied and received temporary citizenshiip... they are now Manx residents... why you ask...? Because you need to be a resident to get married here... yes Bill and Jill will tie the knot here on the IOM... So even with the rain, there was some sunshine today..!
Be Well All..!!
Ron
I haven't been posting, but I have been reading and keeping up. I 2nd Alice's comments. If this doesn't kill me, it could be one of the best things that e her happened to me.
simply put, life is precious, cancer or not.
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No Rain Here EitherTexas_wedge said:Touché, Djinnie.
Touché, Djinnie.
Unfortunately it's got overcast here now (but no rain so far, so I'm still hopeful for Ron). I hope you're getting the best of it - have a great time at the coast with your Daughter.
Thanks, on both counts Texas. We had a great time, we went to Concarneau for Les Filet Bleus (Festival of the Blue Nets) just in case you weren't sure. Lol! Anyway! all the Breton Dance Troops were there, in their costumes, clogs and lace caps, well! you know what I am talking about. Lots of Celtic music, drums and bag pipes. We were all doing the clog dance around the streets, great fun!
We couldn't stay for the parade, as the dog was waiting at home in knots and busting for the loo. So we managed a quick crepe and a jug of cider then headed for home. It was glorious sunshine, so it was a good day for it.
So I hope the sun was shining for Ron too, and he had a successful day racing:)
Djinnie x
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Long taleDarron said:Alice nails it
I haven't been posting, but I have been reading and keeping up. I 2nd Alice's comments. If this doesn't kill me, it could be one of the best things that e her happened to me.
simply put, life is precious, cancer or not.
Hi All..!! This will be long.. First, T.W. if you do come over, I will gladly buy that beer and have one with you..!! For those that do not know, many of the pubs here have their own local brew. Plus they all have at least one hand drawn tap. The island is not yet full of visitors, they will continue to arrive all week, and it should be full by early Saturday. My race is next Saturday, at 12:45 HINT.!! And I am pretty sure I can get you put up where I stay... HINT.
OK, enough of that promotion.. heh..
I may not of mentioned it, but I am THE U.S. Ambassador to the Manx Grand Prix.. today we had our annual meeting. In short, I was well received, again.. I guess I must also add that for some strange reason. many of the people around here know me or know of me.. This place is my extended home and family..! So, if anyone happens to show up here during the races, ask any of the officials or racers and you will easily find me...
OK, so more.. they have a by invite only parade lap of honor. This is to honor past race winners and past special bikes. I know two of the guys... but I do not think the one knows I am here.. And it gets better. The officials use the place where I am staying as their "press spot" so all the special people end up here.. By old room mate may get a nice surprize if he shows up here..!
So, while wandering around the pit area today, I found a racer Davey Morgan... I found him last year too.. Davey raises money for Cancer research, so he sells stickers and small badges and all the profits go to this fund. I gave him 20 quid.. and only asked for the one sticker (decal) for my bike.. it is a pink helmet with the ribbon on it. I now have it on my bike. Davey was trying to educate me about Cancer... and I politely told him I am a survivor.. he instantly asked my story... he wished me well and I left with a smile.
I should also state that many people here know about my Cancer.. and I did not tell many..! In fact one guy asked if we could talk about it, as he wanted to know more. Yes when I went to my Ambassador meeting it came up there as well. My only answer was if they did not see me next year, they would know why.. but I will keep coming as long as I am able. They all hoped to see me for a couple of decades..!
OK, on the racing front. I heard my rider had arrived, but I could not find him, and I texted him and tried to call him.. no luck. Finally, I walked up to him. Whew..!! We got sorted right away.. and although we did not get to any track time today, tomorrow he will try to get two laps in on my bike..! I think we will do just fine..!!
Oh, I did bring a bunch of nice California Napa wine with me... most are gifts.. but one special bottle is for when we get our finish..!!!
I guess in the middle of this crap called Cancer, we all still can have fun in one way or another... I just happen to share my fun with you... not that you have to return your story.. but it sure makes me feel good to know all ouf you are out there... wish we all could meet up and have on big group hug.. or is that group grope..??
Oh one quick funny story... yesterday evening, a guy was seen running in the rain with pink panties on and high heel shoes.. nothing else.. later we saw the panties hanging on a fence... our guess is he lost some bet made after mass consumption of alcohol..!!
Be Well All..!!!!!!!!
Cheers..!!
Ron
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A bit moreGSRon said:Long tale
Hi All..!! This will be long.. First, T.W. if you do come over, I will gladly buy that beer and have one with you..!! For those that do not know, many of the pubs here have their own local brew. Plus they all have at least one hand drawn tap. The island is not yet full of visitors, they will continue to arrive all week, and it should be full by early Saturday. My race is next Saturday, at 12:45 HINT.!! And I am pretty sure I can get you put up where I stay... HINT.
OK, enough of that promotion.. heh..
I may not of mentioned it, but I am THE U.S. Ambassador to the Manx Grand Prix.. today we had our annual meeting. In short, I was well received, again.. I guess I must also add that for some strange reason. many of the people around here know me or know of me.. This place is my extended home and family..! So, if anyone happens to show up here during the races, ask any of the officials or racers and you will easily find me...
OK, so more.. they have a by invite only parade lap of honor. This is to honor past race winners and past special bikes. I know two of the guys... but I do not think the one knows I am here.. And it gets better. The officials use the place where I am staying as their "press spot" so all the special people end up here.. By old room mate may get a nice surprize if he shows up here..!
So, while wandering around the pit area today, I found a racer Davey Morgan... I found him last year too.. Davey raises money for Cancer research, so he sells stickers and small badges and all the profits go to this fund. I gave him 20 quid.. and only asked for the one sticker (decal) for my bike.. it is a pink helmet with the ribbon on it. I now have it on my bike. Davey was trying to educate me about Cancer... and I politely told him I am a survivor.. he instantly asked my story... he wished me well and I left with a smile.
I should also state that many people here know about my Cancer.. and I did not tell many..! In fact one guy asked if we could talk about it, as he wanted to know more. Yes when I went to my Ambassador meeting it came up there as well. My only answer was if they did not see me next year, they would know why.. but I will keep coming as long as I am able. They all hoped to see me for a couple of decades..!
OK, on the racing front. I heard my rider had arrived, but I could not find him, and I texted him and tried to call him.. no luck. Finally, I walked up to him. Whew..!! We got sorted right away.. and although we did not get to any track time today, tomorrow he will try to get two laps in on my bike..! I think we will do just fine..!!
Oh, I did bring a bunch of nice California Napa wine with me... most are gifts.. but one special bottle is for when we get our finish..!!!
I guess in the middle of this crap called Cancer, we all still can have fun in one way or another... I just happen to share my fun with you... not that you have to return your story.. but it sure makes me feel good to know all ouf you are out there... wish we all could meet up and have on big group hug.. or is that group grope..??
Oh one quick funny story... yesterday evening, a guy was seen running in the rain with pink panties on and high heel shoes.. nothing else.. later we saw the panties hanging on a fence... our guess is he lost some bet made after mass consumption of alcohol..!!
Be Well All..!!!!!!!!
Cheers..!!
Ron
I forgot a few things.. where I stay.. well, my Hostess gal pal has a new guy in her life.. I got to meet him tonight. Also there (for now) 2 other guys staying here.. both from Northern Califonia.. They both can talk for hours without breathing.. so those two got put together, while I got my own room..
So these two guys were going on and on, even after I arrived from working on my bike. And I could see they were not letting up... so I asked my Hostess if this was a good time to take her and her new guy to dinner... they eagerly said yes. We left the two guys talking away... and laughed all the way to the restuarant. I let them decide on where to go... Italian place on the Promenade. When we got there the place was half empty, several families with screaming kids. Dinner was good, I had a non-meat pasta dish.. very good. Then I thought I heard my name.. but looked around and did not see anyone familiar. But this place has several rooms.. so you can't see everyone in another room. We go to leave... all the other Americans are at one table, and at another are a bunch of my Irish pals.. Funny of all the places they picked the same restuarant... We again laughed.. the new BF was astonished, as he was born on the IOM and he said he never has run in to that many people at one time that knew him... My Hostess replied... well, you are no Gold Star Ron... Oh yes and I got a big hug from her, in front of the new BF.. No insecurity there..!Even though it is Sunday... had a blast..!! I wish you all can-should do something you love with people you love... and those that love you..!!
Many times today I laughed.. but a few times I also cried.. what a great day..!!
Ron
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A New DayGSRon said:A bit more
I forgot a few things.. where I stay.. well, my Hostess gal pal has a new guy in her life.. I got to meet him tonight. Also there (for now) 2 other guys staying here.. both from Northern Califonia.. They both can talk for hours without breathing.. so those two got put together, while I got my own room..
So these two guys were going on and on, even after I arrived from working on my bike. And I could see they were not letting up... so I asked my Hostess if this was a good time to take her and her new guy to dinner... they eagerly said yes. We left the two guys talking away... and laughed all the way to the restuarant. I let them decide on where to go... Italian place on the Promenade. When we got there the place was half empty, several families with screaming kids. Dinner was good, I had a non-meat pasta dish.. very good. Then I thought I heard my name.. but looked around and did not see anyone familiar. But this place has several rooms.. so you can't see everyone in another room. We go to leave... all the other Americans are at one table, and at another are a bunch of my Irish pals.. Funny of all the places they picked the same restuarant... We again laughed.. the new BF was astonished, as he was born on the IOM and he said he never has run in to that many people at one time that knew him... My Hostess replied... well, you are no Gold Star Ron... Oh yes and I got a big hug from her, in front of the new BF.. No insecurity there..!Even though it is Sunday... had a blast..!! I wish you all can-should do something you love with people you love... and those that love you..!!
Many times today I laughed.. but a few times I also cried.. what a great day..!!
Ron
OK, so this is NOT about me... I read some of your postings and there are times I get a bit sad.. a certain fellow we all know, seems to have treatment issues, based on what is available where he lives. And there are others.. but heck I hope someone here has ideas how to help people with coverage limitations. Here in the states I know that a person can apply for assistance, but I also read that in some countries not so... I sit here wondering... what can I (we) do..?
Be Well All...
Ron
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