Losing Friends

[dadmo]

What a night. Jason stopped by right after his scans and as Nancy and he were talking our phone rang. Our very dear friend Bev is nearing the end of her 3 1/2 year battle with sarcoma. We spent most of the night at a local emergency room with her and her husband. This loss, when it happens will be hard, Nancy and Bev are closer then sisters. As it would turn out she was diagnosed a few weeks after Jason and they were both going thru chemo at the same time. One of my enduring images from that awful time was Jason and Bev sitting in our back yard, just the two of them, talking laughing and crying together. I never did ask what they said and in a sad and wonderful way it was a beautiful moment. This loss will be tough.

[Karen]

Bill, Nancy and Jason,
I am so very sorry for what you are facing with your dear friend Bev. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[TCLEFT]

I can't even express what I'm feeling. If any of you need anything please let us know. We would do anything for you. Nancy, Bill, Jason, I am so sorry.

[Savin16]

Words won't help at a time like this, but I am sorry for what you all are dealing with.

[Margaret]

I am so very sorry. I hope that the Lord will provide you and your family comfort during this very difficult passing.

[Fish]

Dadmo:

My sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to you, Nancy, and Jason.

I'm very sorry.

[Mom]

Oh Bill, Nancy and Jason...I lost my soul mate and dear friend to brain cancer four years ago...I will always miss her...it is going to take a long time for that sick feeling in your stomach to leave and for the comfort of memories to begin. She was there for me when I needed her most, I have tried to be there for her husband and children. I think Tennyson wrote “I hold it true, whate’er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Through all my pain of losing her...it can't take away the joy of having her as my friend. Unfortunately with love, comes pain. I am so sorry you have to go through this, it is the price we pay. Dianne

[boyce]

It's just so strange

We work and pray and laugh and cry and try so much to help others who fight just as hard as we did...and the endings are so varied! And some of them are just so damn sad!

When we lose someone close to us, we wonder why we bother investing so much only to end up feeling this devastating loss!

I don't know, Dadmo. Sadly, all of us here have lost loved ones to this Son of a Bi%ching disease. And we keep educating and caring and loving, and ultimately crying over it.

Why do we do it? I suppose we each have our own reasons. Mine lives with me, sleeps down the hall and calls me "Daddy".

Maybe there's some comfort in Bev knowing that she was as loved by you all as anyone could ever be. Maybe there's just no comfort to be found.

One thing is for sure, though. You and Nancy and Jason made Bev's time here better time. You make everyone that you touch through your outreach better. You've made me better, and you are loved and cared for by a whole lot of people.

We're grieving for you and with you.

And stunningly, "Man in the Mirror" comes on the radio.

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change" You've made it, Bill.

[Margaret]

Gosh, and I promised myself I would not cry today!

[Russell's Mom]

I am so sorry!! This is so sad. Not only for the changes to come, but how familiar the feeling is for all. When I was 26, I took care of my best friend all night and then she died in the morning. I still cry for the friendship, the days together, the caring and understanding. Thank-fully time has helped me to find some balance and the knowing that "something bigger is going on here." It is interesting that Russell was born on the day that she died, several years after. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Words here seem so small, I hope that you can feel the thoughts, the hug!

Please let love keep shining through this transition, to strengthen, hold and guide....

Lovestrong, Sharon

[MRMRSU]

I am numb for you, Moses Family and for your dearest friend Bev and her family. So deeply saddened by your news. I know you will cherish these precious moments holding her hand.

There is not enough darkness in this world to dim the glow of one single light. I'm sure, even now, Bev's halo shines brightly.

[dadmo]

Nancy is absolutely numb. She has called me several times, always in tears. The only bright part of her day has come because of a new friendship between TCLEFT and Jason. I never thought I would see this happen but today Jason registered for the Philly Livestrong Challenge. He and Nancy will walk the 5 mile route and she will get to hand him his survivors rose. Me? I will ride with TCLEFT.

It seems that even in the darkest of times there is sunshine.

[Margaret]

God has so many blessings, big and small, waiting for us all.

[TCLEFT]

Nancy is absolutely numb. She has called me several times, always in tears. The only bright part of her day has come because of a new friendship between TCLEFT and Jason. I never thought I would see this happen but today Jason registered for the Philly Livestrong Challenge. He and Nancy will walk the 5 mile route and she will get to hand him his survivors rose. Me? I will ride with TCLEFT.

It seems that even in the darkest of times there is sunshine.

I was working on this for about two weeks now. The music is there. The words are emerging. A work in progress so far:
Here in the darkness there's a candle still burning bright
Through all of Life's harshness I keep pushing with all my might
Here inside this cage pacing, my plans erasing before my eyes
All I seem to do now is to ask how and ponder why.
If there is a plan here, I'll swallow my fear, try not to fail
I still see that light burning, make sure it won't go out should I exhale.

I am so sorry. I treasure this friendship. I treasure this Family. I am honored. I am humbled. I'm here for whatever I can do for you.
Much Love,
Mark

[DianeE]

Such sadness shouldn't come to wonderful people. I'm so sorry,
Bill, Nancy and Jason.

Diane