I just left the home of one of my very best friends.  We were partners in three businesses in a former life, and still remained good friends.

About 5 yrs ago he came down with a rare form of pancreatic cancer that was very aggressive.  It quickly spread to his stomach, and they gave him 5 mos to a year to live.  They tried a radical new surgery in which they removed half of the pancreas and a portion of the stomach.  It required about 3 hours of very intricate work to reroute the plumbing and tie it all back together and make it work.  After 6 months of therapy and treatment he underwent chemo.  It took about a year for him to bounce back, but he went back to work and lived life to the fullest.

About 6 months ago he found a lump on his rib that appeared over a weekend.  The cancer had returned with a vengence after morphing.  Yesterday his wife called me and said hospice had given him 2-3 days.  I talked with him for about 15 mins on the phone last night and was able to maintain a good conversation, but when I went by today to say goodbye he had really gone downhill quickly.  He knew I was there, but that was about all there was to it.

Larry is one of the most brilliant men I know.  He worked as a consulting engineer for most of his career, and has a number of patents for things he developed that he never got a nickel for.  If you ever rode a McDonnel Douglas MD80 or MD90 and it had air conditioning you can thank Larry.  After over a year and several multi-thousand dollar "fixes" for the AC system on the planes he was brought in to trouble shoot it, and fixed it for $1.98! ;D  Everyone else was looking for a complicated fix and he found the problem was simply the lubricant on a valve was gelling at altitude.  He used another off the shelf lube and it worked.

Sorry I'm going on so long about him, but I need to get it out.

Larry is a strong Christian, and knows he is ready to die, so is not afraid.  If anything, I'm jealous!  I have comfort knowing I'll see him again someday, but it sure will be lonely until then.

I'm not looking for sympathy, but if you pray, would you please remember his wife Virginia in the next few days?  I know none of you know them, but you are family and I wanted to share it with you.

Jerry

Sure thing Jerry.

*Hugs*

Quote:

Sorry I'm going on so long about him, but I need to get it out.

You never need to apologize for venting on here. We all need to do that from time to time and we understand.

I will be lifting his family up during this time.

So sorry Jerry :'(

Sorry for the circumstances but a very nice post. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Charlie

Beautiful tribute to your friend Jerry and as I fly around the country on those MD planes I shall surely remember him.

Christy

Sorry for your loss Jerry.  I will pray for Virginia.  

Thank you Jerry..you continually inspire me with your wonderfully worded tributes to the unsung yet vital brothers and sisters we've never met, or even heard of....and you bring them to life.

The news is full of those who are sometimes (sadly) exhalted, while heroes lie forgotten in their graves...

My prayers, ABSOLUTELY...

Best,

Jon

I'm so sorry, Jerry.

Prayers for your friend, his wife, you and all who know and love him.

Much Love,
Jackie

It truly is a blessing when we are afforded the opportunity to say goodbye.

All of Larry's family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Jerry it's comforting that you got to talk to your friend for 15 mins. will definitely keep his wife Virginia in our prayers.



Lefty..

So sorry to hear about your friend Jerry.  :'(  I will keep Virginia in my prayers.