| Author | Message | ||
     Oldog |
I want to share a short story of a friend of mine and his last day here on earth. This is not a sad, or tragic tale. I guess that I should start with an explanation, my friend “Gene” and his wife Iris have been friends of mine for a few years, Actually more like adoptive parents, I am especially great full for their kindness at various times over the years. This past summer Gene was diagnosed with cancer on the brain, at 72+ years of age he had endured and recovered from 3 surgeries that most folks would not have survived, He was TOUGH, the running joke was that he was like one of those punching toys that you smack and it bounces right back up. After the surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain I came in to the ICU to find, him chatting as if he had just wakened from a nap. A few days later he was told that he would have to undergo radiation and kemo, My heart sank thinking of how unpleasant that would be for him, fortunately it was not the usual type of therapy and it caused little or no discomfort. Through his ordeal He suffered no pain, and I have to thank GOD for that! He rode trail bikes some years back and he loved sports and the outdoors. Like a lot of folks from the Midwest he could spin a yarn and have you engrossed. He had an unusual dog named Max, who like his master was rather old about 16 years now, His job as he saw it was to guard the door and patrol the house. One of Maxes distinguishing features is a tuft on the end of his tail much like a lion, that story like the others is a treasure to me. Any way knowing that Gene would be leaving me soon I decided to pass up some Sunday riding opportunities to spend some time with my friend, We started a tradition after Church we would go to the local burger stand “Cubbies” for a cheese burger and football if available. Some times We would run an errand to “Wally-world” Imagine my dread of having lost him when we went just before Christmas and the store is packed and I cant find hide nor hair of him, I am trying to figure out what am I going to say to Iris if Any thing happened to him, It worked out ok As I was returning home last week Iris called me and let me know that his condition was deteriorating. I was in bound from Florida stopping for gas and a bag of oranges for Gene. I spoke to him and to be honest he sounded ok although he said that he was now confined to the house. I told him that I had missed last Sundays cheese burger run and We set up Saturday as the run day this week. Amongst his most favorite things was 'a chocolate shake' I mention this now because he normally made his at home so in addition to the burger and related items I got him a shake, this and the sack of oranges lit him up like a kid at Christmas. Shortly after lunch and Irises return the house was full of family and guests. A special about rodeo clowns and cowboys was on and the group decided to watch the Bull rather than shoot it. Turns out Gene had served with the army with a couple of guys that did the rodeo for extra money, I left after while most of the family and friends had left as well. I was told that after supper he had retired to his room to watch a football game his team won, about 11 pm Iris went to give him his meds and found that he had passed after an excellent day with family and friends.. Some things that I learned from him, Faith is stronger than any thing that the world can throw at you. The simplest things are among the best. In any thing that you do - do your best Through Christ all things are possible for him that believes That GOD answers prayers You see I asked God to let Gene be pain free, and to enjoy life as well , to preserve his dignity and to allow him to pass in peace. I witness that it is what happened, God is faithful … Good by Gene Pegs down…… Jim | ||
| Court |
That is an amazing story. Thank you. It's amazing how much good one person can do in this world. Court | ||
| Jlnance |
Thanks for sharing this story Jim. You're a good guy. I'm sure you will miss your friend. He was lucky to have you, as you were him. | ||
| Jb2 |
Oldog, Great story! I witnessed a similar event with my Grandpa. Some things are worth giving up a little riding time. Gene was one of those. Been trying to catch you at home but no luck. Left a coupla messages but still no connect. Phone tag. You're it!  JB2 | ||
| Rotzaruck |
Thanks Jim, For sharing what you've learned from a dear friend. I hope when my time comes, I have friends like you around, and until then, I can be there for others. I'm sure you'll miss Gene, but it's good to know he's gone home. Ed | ||
| Ebear |
I just could never say it better than Ed just did.... God Speed Gene Thanks Jim...This world could use more folks like you too. | ||
| Ulywife |
God Speed Gene. Peace and prayers to Iris. You are a true friend Jim. |
