Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5232
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« on: May 08, 2019, 05:17:15 AM » |
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Today my mom, sister, and I will be moving my dad into a hospice. Mesothelioma, the cancer people who have been exposed to asbestos get. My dad was a junior high school science teacher, and in 1977 the school where he was the science department head had a bad fire. He had to go in afterwards to assess what supplies needed to be ordered. The school was built in the fifties, and my dad figures there must have been asbestos fibres in the air. His diagnosis a little more than a year ago was a shock to me, as he was still very active at 76, even playing on a seniors slow-pitch softball team, and his father died at 103.
He skied since boyhood in BC, and got us three kids skiing. He got our family to church every Sunday. He was a practical joker. He loved to watch NASCAR and Grand Prix racing on TV, and loved to go "car gazing" on Saturday mornings, visiting car dealerships to look at the new cars, but always telling the salesmen he was only keeping up with what was new. He probably test-drove more cars than anyone not in the business.
At 42, he bought his first motorcycle, an XL200R, riding it on the road and on trails with his buddy, even putting sheet-metal screws in the tires for winter trail riding. He moved on to a CB650 Custom after that, which is what he was riding when I bought my first bike. There was a time when I thought it funny that he rode a motorcycle while I, at 19, drove an Oldsmobile. After that he bought a 1200 Gold Wing Aspencade, which he put many miles on before giving up riding around 4-5 years ago.
It has been difficult, and will continue to be difficult for me for the next little while, as this burden is adding to an already heavy load of responsibilities. I don't know when my Valkyrie will be on the road this spring.
Definitely not looking for advice about cures, treatments, or anything medical.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2019, 05:32:20 AM » |
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Sorry for your troubles Griff.
My dad was also very fit (college pole vaulter scholarship, Marines, sailor, runner, motorcyclist) and smart (engineer), but the C came and took him after a 30 year fight with it, a few years ago.
I wish you both the best of luck, and positive thoughts. All you can do is plan for the worst, and hope for the best.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2019, 05:37:14 AM » |
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Kevin, I’m very sorry to hear this. Your Dad sounds like someone I would enjoy hanging out with. My best to you and your family in this troubled time.  |
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Serk
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« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2019, 05:58:48 AM » |
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You and your family will be in my thoughts, I hope his transition is as peaceful and painless as possible, and sincerely hope you find strength and comfort in your faith.  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2019, 08:18:46 AM » |
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I'm sorry to hear of this life-change going on with your dad and whole family.
Prayers to you all for strength through this transition.
98T
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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GiG
Member
Posts: 2879
"That's just like, your OPINION, Man!"
NEAR the "In 'n' Out Burger"
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« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2019, 09:30:34 AM » |
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We put Dad in hospice Monday, April 29.
The funeral was Monday, May 6.
He, too, had mesothelioma from working in power plants.
Good luck, hope all goes well.
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Everything is - Nothing is .
When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(send it to OSS)
This isn’t Rocket Surgery
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2019, 09:51:00 AM » |
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My FIL passed from the same disease 15 years ago. No advancement in treatment for this disease at all.
Kevin you will be in my prayers to feel God's nearness throughout this ordeal. It's very hard as I know.
Sounds like your Dad was a great father and raised you well.
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 VRCC # 24157 |
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2019, 10:10:02 AM » |
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So sorry to hear this. Hospice eased my Mom's passing but it didn't help with the sadness. My wife's little brother died from that same horrible cancer at 26 years old. Neither he nor any of us ever knew the source of his asbestos exposure.
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964  |
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Westernbiker
Member
Posts: 1464
1st Place Street Kings National Cruiser Class
Phoenix
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« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2019, 11:49:50 AM » |
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Thoughts and prayers sent from Arizona.
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![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/miniStates/language/www/US/AZ/Phoenix.gif") May the Lord always ride two up with you! |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2019, 12:38:26 PM » |
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Kevin,
I'm sorry to learn of your sadness... I'm sure you'll find the strength to carry on... and help others in your family find a way through the valley of loss. My warmest regards and best wishes for you all.
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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old2soon
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« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2019, 01:21:35 PM » |
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Kevin. PRAYERS up from The Missouri Ozarks for your Dad You and All The Family. I Will add You and Your Family to my growing Prayer List. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Big Rig
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« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2019, 02:54:02 PM » |
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GR,
Prayers, Positive Waves and happy memory wishes for you and your family.
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henry 008
Member
Posts: 1538
BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2019, 11:55:52 AM » |
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We put Dad in hospice Monday, April 29.
The funeral was Monday, May 6.
He, too, had mesothelioma from working in power plants.
Good luck, hope all goes well.
so sorry to hear this. prayers for you and yours  |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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97BLKVALK
Member
Posts: 640
VRCC#26021
Detroit Lakes, MN
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« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2019, 06:09:13 PM » |
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Kevin,
Sorry to learn about your family's situation. We just moved my father to memory care on Monday his battle with Alzheimer's carries on outside of his own home.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
God bless.
Michael
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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
1997 GL1500C - Black
1997 GL1500C - Purple
1997 GL1500C - Bumble Bee
1998 GL1500C - Blue and Cream
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2019, 06:21:15 PM » |
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Hospice people are incredible at what they do; it is one of the finest medical services to come along in the past 30 years. Lean on them for whatever you and your family need on behalf of your dad and yourselves. They have strong spirits and shoulders to help you carry the weight. God Bless all. |
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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shortleg
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« Reply #15 on: May 10, 2019, 05:08:14 AM » |
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One thing I did as I could see my dad was going to be with me a short time was
Set with him and have him tell me all his stories of his life.
It will be great because you will see his eyes light up at times as he remembers
Both good and bad times. How he met your mom and the battles he fought in life.
The both of you will have the time of your life. The best thing is you will always have these things
To pass on to the grand kids and others.
Never leave someone with regrets.
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Serk
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« Reply #16 on: May 10, 2019, 05:16:29 AM » |
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One thing I did as I could see my dad was going to be with me a short time was
Set with him and have him tell me all his stories of his life.
If there's time and he's willing, I'd add put a small camcorder on a tripod in the corner and record these conversations. My dad did this with his father in the mid 90's (We lost grandpa in 97) and we still cherish the trove of family history we captured on those videos. |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1687
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #17 on: May 10, 2019, 08:07:48 AM » |
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Kevin, not much to add to what others have said but this does make me think back to both my parents.
If they would be able to speak, I'm positive they would say "thanks for being there" with them as I'm sure it lessens the anxiety they may have. You and your family will do the same for your dad and later on as time passes, you will be able to find a few happy memories wound into a "heavy" time......
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5232
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #18 on: May 11, 2019, 04:55:46 PM » |
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He’s gone.
Thanks for all your responses.
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Ken aka Oil Burner
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« Reply #20 on: May 11, 2019, 06:20:08 PM » |
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Very sorry to hear this GR. Our prayers to you and your family.
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bassman
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« Reply #21 on: May 11, 2019, 06:47:41 PM » |
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So very sorry for your loss GR. Sincere condolences to you, family and friends.
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Bighead
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« Reply #22 on: May 11, 2019, 07:01:20 PM » |
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Kevin sorry to hear this. Hey thankfully I still have my dad but my mother passed way to early. Keep those memories close.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #23 on: May 12, 2019, 04:08:38 AM » |
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You are in my thoughts, my friend. Sorry to hear of this. Cherish the wonderful memories you have.
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!  |
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1687
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #24 on: May 12, 2019, 06:22:49 AM » |
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Sorry Kevin......
I take comfort from Rev. 21:4 ...... it's a promise
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5766
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #25 on: May 12, 2019, 09:57:29 AM » |
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Condolences to your whole family. Prayers for all. For all, I'm glad it was quick.
Lost my father to lung cancer 13 yrs ago, never confirmed what, ex-smoker for 18 yrs, but I suspect asbestos too. Something I'm worried about for myself, as I was those same places he was.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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Pappy!
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« Reply #26 on: May 12, 2019, 05:37:34 PM » |
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Prayers from Central Florida as well.
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