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[ChuckB]

My riding buddy and great friend, a brother, Reg, was dealt an unfair hand.

He just turned 64 and retired from the hospital he worked at. He had been riding a ratty old '73 Triumph Tiger, that was actually faster off the line than any of my bikes. To reward himself for all his hard work, he bought a very low milage 2014 Street Glide. He worshiped that bike! We only got to ride together with it a dozen or so rides, because he wanted to fulfill another dream.. to see the country. Him and a buddy Dave started a cross country trip in a diesel truck and travel trailer in July, leaving his beloved Ruby (that's what he named the new bike) in Florida. He had planned to be gone for 4 months. I was bummed that he would be gone so long, but also happy for him.

After 2 1/2 months they were in Wyoming. Dave had notice Reg was not right. He had trouble walking and keeping his balance. Dave made Reg go see a doctor. The bottom line was that Reg flew back to Florida and went to a specialist. Tumors in his brain, on his spine that turned out to be cancer. Ended up back in the hospital he retired from. Doctors gave him months to live.

His wife, Jennifer, died from cancer about seven years ago, so Reg has accepted his fate and knows what he is up against. He is in amazingly good spirits and has shown no pity for himself. He is quite a man! What's so ironic, is that Reg always took care of himself, getting check ups and eating right. He even made sure I took care of myself and was always concerned with my well being.

It's only been five days since all this has unfolded and I can't get it off my mind. It seems unbelievable and unreal.

To summarize: Enjoy life while you can. You never know what the next day will bring.

[RonandJanet]

I am so sorry to hear this and agree with you enjoy life now and don't wait.  My mother passed away just as my dad was retiring. They had saved and done nothing waiting for the retirement and then spending all their time together. It was very eye opening to me! I have know so many people that have had similar situations.  Don't put off what you can do today.

[MIKEYTEE]

So sorry  to hear of your friends condition. As much as it hurts to see him going through this, be there for him. Now is the time to be his friend. All to often we think, I'll go by and see him/her tomorrow and that stretches into next week. All of a sudden they are gone and you feel bad that you put off seeing them. Don't be that person, spend all the time you can with him even if you have to put something else off. You won't be sorry and it will bring joy to your friend.
Mike
 

[2k]

I don't believe that cancer chooses where it lands but instead is a random curse. My 1st cousin(more like a brother) that I grew up with now has this curse with just a matter of weeks left and it is very hard for me to accept........but I must. I say this to let you know I fully understand how crushed you are. Always remember the time y'all spent together and be there for him until this is over.

[RGlideKid]

I too, am sorry for what is happening to your friend and to you and his family. 
If the Lord has His eyes on Reg, to take him home, then I agree with the others here, be his friend until the end.  It will hurt, but you will never regret being there for him and his family.
Cancer is a shameless and cruel disease, and is especially beastly if it can't be fought and won, and even then it is horrible at best.  Hang in there and know that there are people out there lifting you up in prayer.

[Chains]

So sorry to hear about your friend.  I will pray for him and you.  I can tell you this from losing a friend to ALS this year, stay true to him, embrace him and most of all be there when he needs you.  I did and it made the loss of Everett seem more like a lapse in time till we will meet again. 

God Bless

[Streetglide1]

Sorry about your friend, I have seen this happen to about 5 people in the last few years that work with me two were in their forties when they left us. prayers here for you and your friend.

[ChuckB]

Thanks for the support and prayer.

I just got back from seeing him. He is in good spirits. I have went to see him 3 times since his four day stay. He is suppose to be out tomorrow and will stay at with his daughter. He still talks about going riding. I can only be there for him and hope for the best.

[D-N-D]

Wow prayers for him and his family you just never know what's next in your life !!!

[screaminCVO]

So very sad. Just went through a year of treatment for my wife. Cancer is something that seems to be to common. Peace be with you and your friend.

[ChuckB]

Been seeing him everyday. Not the same old Reg, but he's still in there. Reg has declined treatment, knowing the severity of his condition and what his wife, Jennifer, went through seven, or so, years ago. He is fortunate to have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, with whom he is staying with. They are making him comfortable and doing all they can. Not an ounce of self pity from this man. He often will still ask me how I’m feeling during my visits to sit with him. He expressed to me that his shining light at the end of this hellish ride, is that he will soon be with his beloved Jennifer.

He seems to be deteriorating fast.

Reg always wanted to ride to Archie's with me, a cool outdoor eatery that is motorcycle orientated. I convoyed with him and his family yesterday on my Eagle. Riding next to him in the car. Had fun screwing with him on the highway.   This was probably my last ride with my big brother.

He insisted on paying the bill for 30+ family and friends.  It was magical.

Me and his daughter, Lisa.



His Son-in-Law, George in the middle:

[J Heinlein]

Now that I have dried up the tears from my eyes and can type. My prayers are for Reg and all of his family and friends like you.  I keep finding myself coming back to this Post (rider down) to just try and help me understand how we all  can cope with the cards that are given to us each and every day. We all take way too much for granite. You are so correct. Life is way too short. Hang in there Brother, we have all lost family and friends to Cancer.   Life can be cruel for sure at times. Peace be with you, Reg and all who know and love him.

[ChuckB]

Now that I have dried up the tears from my eyes and can type. My prayers are for Reg and all of his family and friends like you.  I keep finding myself coming back to this Post (rider down) to just try and help me understand how we all  can cope with the cards that are given to us each and every day. We all take way too much for granite. You are so correct. Life is way too short. Hang in there Brother, we have all lost family and friends to Cancer.   Life can be cruel for sure at times. Peace be with you, Reg and all who know and love him.

Don't feel too sad for Reg. I saw him tonight and he is resting peacefully, now confined to his bed and on oxygen. I initially was told that the tumors were on his spine, but found out they are in his brain. Despite no pain meds, he is not suffering. He is aware of his fate and has fully accepted it. He has around the clock care from his family and shift nurses. They are taking great care of him. Reg has lived a great life, only darkened by the passing of his wife.

Tonight he demonstrated the same answer as always to my greeting:

Me: " What's happening Reg !! ?? "

Reg: " We are, man!!"