Friends, don't take em for granted

[ole gray]

Today is a sad day for several of us as we head to a funeral for one of our buddies.  One of our regular group found out he had a spot on his liver that turned out to be cancerous a few weeks back.  He said the doctors told him they could treat it and he would be fine.  A week went by and he started to lose strength and his face began to turn pale.  He was once among the longest drivers of the golf ball in our group and his distance dropped off drastically.   We knew something was terribly wrong as he didn't show up at our weekly games.  Three weeks out and we heard the cancer had spread and four weeks out he was on a walker at hospice was called in.   The fifth week he was in a wheelchair and had lost a tremendous amount of weight.  I went to visit my friend and sat down and talked to him for an hour or so while his wife went into town to pick up groceries etc.   Have you ever sat down talked to a man to knows he is dying?  It's a sad and uncomfortable feeling however he told me he had come to terms with the obvious.  We talked about the good times on the course and he was looking forward to the awesome courses in heaven.  He still had his humor and we shared some laughter and some tears.  His wife returned and I said good bye to my friend.  As I was about to leave, his wife came out to my truck and we talked for a bit.  She was a strong woman for her husband however together we shared the moment.  I hugged her and watched the pain come across her face.   Losing close friends ain't no joke so take each day with a grain of salt.  Enjoy your family, your friends on and off the course and treat each day special.  Time is short on this earth so make the most of it.   Today we bury a close friend in our little circle.....

 

[perseveringgolfer]

Sorry to hear this OG, thank you for sharing an emotional time. The speed of decline is quite frightening and I've had a few friends taken this way. One friend ( a fit runner and full of life) cancelled our tee time one morning for a Dr appointment. 5 weeks later he was gone. So sad.

A timely reminder for us all to embrace what we have as it can all go in the blink of an eye.

Be strong for his wife and family.

[TSauer]

So sorry to hear this, OG. You will be in my thoughts, buddy.

[ole gray]

2 minutes ago, perseveringgolfer said:

Sorry to hear this OG, thank you for sharing an emotional time. The speed of decline is quite frightening and I've had a few friends taken this way. One friend ( a fit runner and full of life) cancelled our tee time one morning for a Dr appointment. 5 weeks later he was gone. So sad.

A timely reminder for us all to embrace what we have as it can all go in the blink of an eye.

Be strong for his wife and family.

The viewing and the service is today however there are also plans to honor him in a special way that he would no doubt love.  Since he will be cremated,  there will be a tree planted on the four hole with a granite marker.  His wife will spread his ashes at that location.  Our buddy will be at his favorite place on earth and can look down on us and smile. 

[tony@CIC]

OG, sorry to hear about your friends passing. It's passing's like this that make all of us realize how precious life is - let's hang on for every minute we can. 

Our thoughts are with you! 

[PING Apologist #9]

All my best to your buddy's family and to you and yours OG. Sending thoughts and prayers to all your way on this difficult day. Thank-you for spending the time of sharing this sad news with our little group. You know we'll be behind ya Bud.

[GB13]

I'm so very sorry to hear about this OG. My thoughts and prayers are with y'all. 

[TR1PTIK]

Sorry for your loss. I've had the misfortune of attending the funerals of several friends who died way too young - some while we were still in high school. A few years ago, we lost my mom very suddenly at the age of 52. I know the hurt. Thoughts and prayers to you and everyone else impacted by his passing.

[CarlH]

Condolences.

[MattF]

My condolences to you, his friends and family.

[revkev]

So sorry Ole Gray

And yes I have sat with lots of dying people. It’s a humbling experience. Go hit a long one down the middle for your buddy!


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[ole gray]

13 minutes ago, revkev said:

So sorry Ole Gray

And yes I have sat with lots of dying people. It’s a humbling experience. Go hit a long one down the middle for your buddy!


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Will do partner!

[Kenny B]

So sorry to hear about your good buddy OG.  I know all about this, and as we get older it seems like times like this come more frequently.  Please accept my condolences and my prayers for you, your buddy and his family, and all of your other golfing buddies.  I know what you are going through in the fairway of life.

[Charli]

I’m so sorry. Stories like these always make me appreciate everyone that much more in my life. Anyone’s number can be called at any time so love every moment 

[joen]

On 3/14/2019 at 7:50 AM, ole gray said:

Today is a sad day for several of us as we head to a funeral for one of our buddies.  One of our regular group found out he had a spot on his liver that turned out to be cancerous a few weeks back.  He said the doctors told him they could treat it and he would be fine.  A week went by and he started to lose strength and his face began to turn pale.  He was once among the longest drivers of the golf ball in our group and his distance dropped off drastically.   We knew something was terribly wrong as he didn't show up at our weekly games.  Three weeks out and we heard the cancer had spread and four weeks out he was on a walker at hospice was called in.   The fifth week he was in a wheelchair and had lost a tremendous amount of weight.  I went to visit my friend and sat down and talked to him for an hour or so while his wife went into town to pick up groceries etc.   Have you ever sat down talked to a man to knows he is dying?  It's a sad and uncomfortable feeling however he told me he had come to terms with the obvious.  We talked about the good times on the course and he was looking forward to the awesome courses in heaven.  He still had his humor and we shared some laughter and some tears.  His wife returned and I said good bye to my friend.  As I was about to leave, his wife came out to my truck and we talked for a bit.  She was a strong woman for her husband however together we shared the moment.  I hugged her and watched the pain come across her face.   Losing close friends ain't no joke so take each day with a grain of salt.  Enjoy your family, your friends on and off the course and treat each day special.  Time is short on this earth so make the most of it.   Today we bury a close friend in our little circle.....

 

OG,

Sorry to hear about your friend. I know it is tough. I golfed with my best friend a year and a half ago....and we had a blast. Four days later his son called and told me he passed away.  Always think of him every time I play. I miss him all the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

[palvord]

@Ole Gray thank you for sharing with us and reminding us to not take things for granted.

I’m sorry for your loss. My condolences.


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[ole gray]

1 hour ago, joen said:

OG,

Sorry to hear about your friend. I know it is tough. I golfed with my best friend a year and a half ago....and we had a blast. Four days later his son called and told me he passed away.  Always think of him every time I play. I miss him all the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Thanks buddy.   We don't own tomorrow so we have to make the most of today.

[josmi15]

Sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers


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[ole gray]

This community never ceases to amaze me with your gracious support and thank you for the kind words.

[sirchunksalot]

Ole Gray, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I'm glad you were able to go see him before he passed and reminisce on the good times. I'm sure it meant the world to him. I've lost a lot of family and friends over the past eight years and it's a somber reminder never to take a single moment for granted and to enjoy every moment you have with someone to the fullest.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and to his family during this difficult time.

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[Bosox04]

A sad story, but one we all will be part of someday. I had a heart attack while on vacation in Charleston last October. I feel great, am able to walk 18 with ease, and I'm grateful for every day I wake up. Bumpy greens, slow play,missed putts, the odd hook, shank, or fat shot don't bother me. I'm just glad I'm there. Very sorry to hear about your pal.