Clarification... (Final Update)

[DDT (12)]

Clarification...

Sometimes we simply don't know what to do. We decide to pause and look a bit more deeply at situations and try to figure an appropriate path forward. Paralysis by analysis is an obvious trap to avoid. Action is likely needed, but... what should we do? Often we don't know whether to flip or fly, and a coin toss seems as good a tool as any to use...

At the conclusion of the 'Quad-State Ride' in Holmen, WI, I'd already decided to stay over an extra night due to forecasted rain in the direction I'd wanted to head... I was thinking a return to Montana, perhaps Idaho, would be our next target, and a ride along the top of the 'lower 48' on US HWY 2 is always a tempting route for us. However, developments while we were at the ride had cropped up and caused me to wonder if maybe we might need to reverse direction...

I'd talked with my landlady a day or two before, and she had seemed fine and had told me to just stay out and do what we do as long as we're able. Then, while in Holmen I got a call from my daughter that my landlady had been taken to the hospital, placed in ICU, and was being given oxygen! The preliminary diagnosis was COVID/pneumonia. My daughter was in contact with the doctor and nurse, but neither she nor I had any contact with my landlady... She became unconscious and was placed on a ventilator... She never came out of it...

In the meantime, I'd decided to stay yet another day at the motel we'd used for the ride. I didn't want to ride off in the wrong direction if... On the other hand, I would be of no immediate use down there either if she did manage to pull out of it; however, it became apparent it would be a good idea for us to move closer to her... should this prove to be as serious as it appeared... We loaded up early the next morning and started towards Florida.

During the day at one of our stops, I noticed I'd received a call from our daughter... My landlady had passed... WOW! Just like that! Half a century of memories had reached their inevitable conclusion. Yes, the memories will continue, but new ones will... you know... I'm still headed for Florida, but the urgency has lessened, so I'll be taking my time waiting for the rain the next several days to end down there when the tropical storm passes... Then, all the adjustments, emotion, and struggle to move on towards the next chapter... whatever that may be... Clarification, this time at least, has brought with it even more unknowns and uncertainty.

DDT

[Valker]

Thanks for sharing, Bruce. My condolences on close one passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Reb]

Hate to hear of the unfortunate events with your land lady. I often ponder myself when following through the proper channels of decision analysis. I've found the coin flip can never leave one a stray, it's putting your trust in the coin to choose the next path, leaving the decision making to chance as some would say.

Safe travel to wherever "chance" may take you my friend.

[Valkorado]

               

[Wizzard]

Sorry for your loss Bruce. I envy your ability to roll with things. A quality in life I have always desired but never seem to get enough of. Seems I am too logical and like to make things work out like it is in my head. I am so good at fixing anything I put my hands on but you can't fix people. My wife often tells me to quite applying logic to people. I always hear it but next time around I do it again.
I am sure your next chapter will play out and you will roll with it and enjoy it just as you have done with many in the past.
Safe winds my friend.

[Serk]

Dang Bruce..... Sorry to hear this... I've never known your landlady, but through you I still feel a great loss...  

[JimC]

Bruce,

My condolences, I hope you continue to handle this situation as well as you seem to be. I know you jest about the "land lady", but it is obvious to this casual observer that you still had a special spot in your heart for her. 

Jim

[..]

Oh Bruce. That's terrible.

Please keep your mind on the road when you are riding. Sometimes it's easy to lose focus.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm at a loss for words. I can't imagine the feelings you are going thru now. I'm very sorry Bruce.

[scooperhsd]

Bruce - sorry for your loss of your landlord. she obviously meant something to you.

While traveling to Florida, keep your focus on the ride - what ever that will need attention can wait until you get there.

[threevalks]

Bruce, We hate hearing of your loss, prayers for you and your daughter. One never knows what each day will bring. See you down the road. Keith And Jane.

[DIGGER]

Sorry for your loss Bruce. 

[old2soon]

         Bruce condolences just don't seem quite the thing to say But I'm Not that good with words. Anywho fair winds and smooth roads and DRY ridin days!  As others have mentioned-keep yer gourd on the RIDE! RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

Hey old friend, this is a tough one to hear. I'm aware of the relationship you had with her, it will take time but the pain of loss will slowly subside.

As for the Quad State gathering, I'm glad we had a chance to sit and chat a few times...just we two. As you said, some of the subjects covered were like peeling an onion...one layer at a time. Take care of yourself and watch the weather, it threw a wet blanket on my plans to attend a family reunion on the trike.

[henry 008]

sorry for your loss, Bruce  

[Charlie McCready]

Bruce, I hate to learn this. I never met your Landlady but felt I knew her through you.  I watched for your posts for a few days before posting my message.  So sorry my friend but remember you're welcome at casa McCready anytime.  Biscuits and gravy included.

[f6john]

Saddened to hear this. Safe travels.

[Ice]

Bruce, our dear friend, there are no words, our deepest condolences to you. 

Take good care, and as always you ever need anything......

[Rams]

Although each of us will at some point come to an end of our travels.   It is more important how we lived than how we pass.   The memories we leave others with are all that's left and maybe, that's all that is important.   I don't have any answers but, I am sorry for your loss.

Rams

[trout dude]

Truly sorry for your loss Bruce  I know what she ment to you   Shelia and myself will keep you and your family in our prayers and if there is anything we can do please let us know   Please be safe and take your time getting there my friend
Dennis & Shelia

[f6gal]

Bruce, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  Prayers up for you and your daughter.

[Skinhead]

Bruce, sorry for your loss.  Ride safe and holler if you need anything.

[Willow]

Bruce, my heart hurts for you and my deepest sympathies are with you.  They say time heals all wounds.  I'm not sure that's correct but it does seem to at least take the sharp edge off them.

[DDT (12)]

My good friends,

(I sent variations of the below in a couple of PMs. Later after reading all of your replies, it occurred to me that I should say those things to all of y'all, as well... here goes...)


Thanks for the thought and well wishes. A tremendous loss for sure, but not one I haven't pondered before and recognized the inevitability of... We are all just temporary passengers aboard spaceship Earth on the trip of life, and a date certain for each of our departures is absolute... She and I knew this and accepted it.

We'd discussed 'end of life' with each other before, so neither of us would be leveled by any 'sudden' blow. There is nothing good here that I can see at present, but there is also nothing here that I wasn't expecting... All that I didn't know were the details and the order of our departures... Frankly, I'd always wanted to make sure she'd be eased through my passing, but... Fate apparently had other plans...

In the meantime, I'm again pleasantly surprised at just how comforting having good friends and their kind words at times like these truly are... Friends just like you are more of a soothing factor than you probably realize, so I thank you all very much for reaching out...

Yes, the sense of loss is huge and the pain is great; however,... we'll get through this just like we all do in time. The silver lining, if there is one, is that one more 'tether' to a sedentary life has been released...

DDT

[Oss]

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

So sad to learn this news, at least you were on good terms with each other which is so much more than many can say about their ex, or landlady

Gonna give the wife an extra long hug when I get home later

Oss

[Beardo]

Sorry for your loss Bruce. Once again, I'm inspired by your take on life...and death.

Take care.

Jason

[larue]

This is indeed a tough one to hear, our condolences to you dear brother, safe travels down to Florida . Hope will cross paths again soon 

[TJ]

Sorry for your lost  Bruce... R.I.P.

[MotoRod]

My condolences Bruce

[Farside]

Bruce, I want you to know how sorry I am that your Landlady for so many years has passed away. I know you will miss her. Prayers for your travel back to FL. RIP

[Flrider]

Bruce, so sorry to hear about your loss, my condolences.
Safe travels back to Florida 

[msb]

Not much else that can be said than what others here already have, Bruce. Condolences from Lisa and me for your loss. Stay safe...our thoughts are with you and your family .

Mike

[flsix]

Sorry for your loss Bruce.

Be safe on your way back home.

[sixlow]

Thoughts and prayers for you all my friend.

[JimmyG]

Bruce, so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be safe my friend.

[Thunderbolt]

Condolences Bruce to you and your daughter.  As someone else said, take your time and pay attention to the task at hand with ALI.

[Hook#3287]

Sorry to hear of your  loss. Take the safe route back to Florida.

[RNFWP]

Ouch... it hurts to hear this! I can't imagine what it's like for you.
Thinking of you often.... Bruce

[Robert]

Sorry for your loss Bruce, my prayers are with you.

[Bronxboy]

Sorry for your loss Brother, condolences to the family