I have already told him just how much his presence in my family's lives has meant to me(us).

I would like to do something special for him and his wife 75/74 yrs old but I have no ideas as to what . Maybe cater a special dinner just for 2?

These people mean more to me than my life itself and I will severely miss him after he is gone. He will most certainly be survived by his wife of over 50yrs and she is an absolute doll so I would really like this to be a night to remember on me!.

Any thoughts?

Rick

 

Sorry to here about your buddy Rick. How about a night for the 2 of them at a Bed and Breakfast were they will be pampered?

 

He is pretty much imobile, as in not going to leave the house , 3 rounds of chemo have done their worst on his stamina, but that was a good thought.


Thanks
Rick

 

Ok then, I like your idea. Catering a speacial meal, maybe go with a theme and have someone come in and sarinate them while they eat. Can you sing and or play something? They would always remember that.

 

Sorry about your pal,
You might check with his wife...I bet she knows something that he'd like.
How 'bout a washtub with a few hungry fish in it and hand him a pole & a beer right there in the house

 

Wow, Rick I dont know what to say. He is answering to a higher power that I Pray I may see someday! I think you should ask him. Some folks have one thing that they wish they could do before they pass. It may be something very simple.
In a simular thought, I was getting laid-off at christmas time. My grandparents live in Flordia, Grandmother(my mothers mother) in a nursing home (she broke her hip 6 mo. earlier) 77 yrs old. I had this overwelming thought that I should go visit. I called my mother and we(myself my son and my Mother)drove to see them the next day. My grandmother passed away 13 days after we returned home. It was a sign!

Sorry for venting.
Go with your feelings.
God Bless You and Your Dear Friend.
Patrick (aka Redneckonthenet)

 

Cant really think of any good ideas on what you could do, but I will remember him in my prayers. Hate to hear this. Cancer is a bad thing.

Eric

 

Thanks for the sentiments guys (much appreciated). Boyd is now on Morphine and the days are ticking away. 2 months is the longest I've seen anyone exist on pain killers of this magnitude. Please keep the suggestions coming

Redneck- I missed my grandfathers passing by 1 day, thank you

Buckshot - I cannot serenade anyone due to severe ear damage( Theirs of course) LOL

Rick

 

Rick,

First of all, my profound sympathies.

Your post reminded me of a book that I haven't had the opportunity to read but have been told about. As I understand it, Tuesdays with Morrie is the story of a dying collage professor and one of his students, 20 years after they were together in the classroom. Here is a link to an excerpt and part of that excerpt:

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/morrie/excerpt.html

The New Year came and went. Although he never said it to anyone, Morrie knew this would be the last year of his life. He was using a wheelchair now, and he was fighting time to say all the things he wanted to say to all the people he loved. When a colleague at Brandeis died suddenly of a heart attack, Morrie went to his funeral. He came home depressed.

"What a waste," he said. "All those people saying all those wonderful things, and Irv never got to hear any of it."

Morrie had a better idea. He made some calls. He chose a date. And on a cold Sunday afternoon, he was joined in his home by a small group of friends and family for a "living funeral." Each of them spoke and paid tribute to my old professor. Some cried. Some laughed. One woman read a poem:

"My dear and loving cousin ...

Your ageless heart

as you move through time, layer on layer,

tender sequoia ..."

Morrie cried and laughed with them. And all the heartfelt things we never get to say to those we love, Morrie said that day. His "living funeral" was a rousing success.

Only Morrie wasn't dead yet. In fact, the most unusual part of his life was about to unfold.


The part that I was reminded of was the "living funeral" that they held for Morrie. Perhaps you could organize a living funeral for your fishing buddy so that he can hear all the nice things that people will say about him. Just a thought to consider. Regardless of anything else, make sure that you spend time with him and that he knows how much you appreciate him.

I don't know your spiritual beliefs (if any) and don't want to start another one of THOSE threads but IMHO, making as sure as you can that he is ready to meet his maker is one of the most important things that you can do now that he knows his days are numbered.

He's fortunate to have a friend like you who cares about him. Good friends are hard to come by. Wish that there was more that we could do but I hope that this helps a little bit.

 

When my father-in-law pasted away we sat and told him stories of the past. As singles then in groups. We all wnjoyed it. Often when I was with him, I'd ask him to squeeze my hand if he wanted me to stay and keep talking. Even when we thought the morphine had him asleep, he would respond!!! The nurse said it was a reflex! I asked him if it was, and said if not give me 2 squeezes, He gave me two! He was in no pain and aware till the last hour or so.

Talk with him.

 

This is always a tough situation and all I can offer is my heartfelt sympathies. I am so sorry you have to watch your friend go like this.

As a paramedic for over 20 years, I've seen a lot of people in their last days. Personally, I think the single most important thing is just to BE there for them. Anything else you do will be a 'bonus', but just staying by their side is a comfort that cannot be put into words.

chaikwa.

 

Dang buddy ... that's a rough one. Someone you can call a true friend is real hard to find and even harder to lose. My heart goes out to you and those he touched.

I like the idea of a bucket of fish and a pole so you guys can fish one last time.
Hang in there and know that you are all in our thoughts.

PISTOL

 

I wish I knew what to say. And I wish I had some good ideas.

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Just being there is the only thing I would want.

Britt

 

Rick, I'm extremely sorry to hear about your dear friend!!! I would talk to his wife, and ask her if she knows of anything that he would want before he passes on..........or maybe she could find out some info for you and make his wish come true.

My prayers are with you guys!!!

~Nick

 

Sorry to hear that runamuk. It’s hard loose a friend, even harder when you have to watch them pass with the pain of a terrible disease. Our heart felt sympathies and prayers go out to you, your friend, and his family.

Since he has been married to the same woman for 50 years I am sure he is more concerned about her welfare than he is his own. I think it would mean a lot to him and her to let them know that you will look in on her after he is gone. A gift of your time and concern is more precious and lasting than anything else.

A good friend sent this to me and I feel it is appropriate to post it here.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

May we all remember to cherish our friends each and everyday.