I know I don't post much on here and am still a newb in the 2 wheel world, but I am absolutely devastated and have to get this out. I'd post this on the automotive forum I frequent more often, but the person affected is on there and I don't want him to see it and feel bad.
Anyway, this friend of mine recently had some liver issues and he was being treated for them. I thought he was going to be fine, it was a very treatable illness. He had said something about not being able to get out in the spring to various cruise-ins and I was concerned about that remark. I sent him a message, then had to go to some appointments. I was going to go home and see if there were any replies, but something told me to go directly to the cruise-in location instead, despite the bad weather we had this weekend.
Well, he was the only one there. I sat down and he told me the absolute worst news I could ever imagine to hear. It turns out that his liver issues were present due to another problem. He has a tumor on his pancreas.
It was very surreal sitting there listening to everything about the disease, possible treatments, what time he may/may not have left, getting affairs in order, his family, etc. He seemed so calm telling me, yet I just couldn't keep it together and hold it in. I cried, and I am crying now typing this.
Now I've been through this with grandparents, remote family members, etc, but never with a friend. Nothing could have prepared me for this. I can't imagine how much harder it will be with my own parents some day. This whole thing has gotten me to think so much about life. Hearing him talk about life, regrets on not enjoying life more, letting stress get to him, etc, really has opened my eyes. I've been going through my own health issues and feel like a
[email protected] for being upset about them when it is obvious someone else has much worse problems than I.
Although I am still distraught over this, I feel somewhat better having gotten this out, to those of you who made it through my post this far, thank you for reading, and go hug the ones you love.