Been a bit scarce

[Alan H]

Me mate Jim, skipper of the boat "Zapped" has colon cancer. He's within a couple of days of leaving this world. He's someone I've joked with, raced against, helped out, been helped by, had dinner with and downed a few beers with.

He's a mighty fine sailor. And he's all of 52 years old. I've been in touch with his Longtime girlfriend for the last few days.

I'm having a hard time with this one.

I'll be a bit more chipper as I gain perspective. Carry on.

[cormacmacguardhe]

I went through a bout with colon cancer myself about six years ago. I am one of the lucky ones, I made it. Could just as easily not. Hope your friend is not hurting too much. I know that I would not have done well if not for my friends and family standing by my side. Just being there helps. Prayers to you and your friend.

[Eujeankilt]

Alan,

You and your friend are in my thoughts and prayers. I just spent some time with my 90+ year old Grandparents and my wife's folks are not getting on so well. The one positive thing in this is that I am quicker to count my blessings and thank the creator for being alive. When it all comes down to it, the connections we make with others is what really matters in life. Your mate is lucky to have such a good friend.

Dale

[GMan]

Alan,

Both you and Jim are in my heart and thoughts.

[MacConnachie]

Alan,

My best wishes to your friend, Jim, for the most gentle of passings.

I, too, am a cancer survivor, feeling very fortunate to be here. Like Jim, I am 52 years of age. I was trying very hard to stay alive about this time last year, after having been diagnosed earlier in May with Stage IV non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I could just as readily have died as survived this long, but the chemotherapy and adjunct therapies did the job. I am happy to say that my oncologist just gave me another "See you in three more months," send-off a couple of weeks back. I am grateful to have survived, but reading your account about Jim, and that by Graham about his friend with bone marrow cancer really, really affect me strongly. Cancer just plain sucks, and there's no other way for me to express myself on that account (on these boards) that speaks to my feelings so directly.

My prayers go out to all cancer patients, and their families on a ongoing basis. These men are now included in a more personal and specific manner in those heartfelt requests. As are you and Graham.

Mac

[macsim]

Sorry to hear about this Alan. You're a good friend to stand by Jim and his girlfriend during this time. Hang in there mate.

[Alan H]

The Vagabond Sailor cut loose his lines for his final voyage Friday night. According to his longtime partner, Jim just stopped breathing, in his sleep.

There are other things about this, things that have to do with my sailing association that are making all of this pretty hard for me to deal with.

This one is tough. I'll be back when I feel more like it.

BTW, the material for my "practice kilt" came yesterday and it's very nice. I'll have to hem it, but it's nice wool stuff. However, it's a non-symmetrical sett, the pattern repeats every TWO setts. Looks like I'm pleating this one to stripe.

I might have enough for two kilts, if I make one a box-pleat. Or perhaps I'll make a feile-beig for Ren Faire from the 3 yards I'll have left over.

[Archangel]

That's very sad. His suffering is over and he went peacefully, painlessly. There's something to be said for that.

[Bill]

Alan:

I have no words, just prayer for you for Jims' loved one that you find peace, comfort and strength. I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Bill

[cavscout]

Wisdom, Grace and Peace Allen.