colterphoto1 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Share Posted February 21, 2009 We had a great time on Friday, he wants a bunch of cans of tennis balls so he can sign them. He and his son are big tennis fans so he thought that would be a cool thing. Every day is a party now, we bring him cheeseburgers from Steak and Shake cause the food sucks so bad. It's kinda funny to watch this ex-jock stuffing his mouth with french fries and laughing about it. Word is that his remaining kidney is slowly failing and we truly have about a week to enjoy this great guy. It's been a beautiful experience sharing this time with he and his family and our huge circle of friends. It's indeed an honor to visit and spend time with him every couple of days. The kids are spending quality time with Dad and having sleep overs and adjusting very quickly to what's about to happen. If you have kids, give them a good snuggle tonight, mmmk? M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 You're a good man and a good friend Michael[Y] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 You're a good man and a good friend Michael Agreed...tough situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DU73 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 You're a good man and a good friend Michael Agreed...tough situation. I couldn't put it better myself.. a very trying time for everyone involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmikid Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Great Daleisms indeed! Wishing you strength and as much fun and time you can have under the circumstances. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 My best friend Gary passed in the same manner back in 1996. We talked on the phone several times each day spent about every other weekend together with 2 other friends for the better part of 7 years. We hunted and fished together all over the United States. He feared nothing and would not think twice about floating down an icy river in Jan in search of wood ducks or taking a 24 foot grady white out into 6 foot seas in search of Tuna. He never acepted the fact that he was going to die. He fought the cancer with everything he could find including bee polen and shark cartlidge and other alternative treatments. We cut trees in his yard 2 weeks before he passed. two days before he passed even though he could barely walk. The day before he died he was supposed to go back for more tests. Instead we had hooked up his boat the night before to drive to the coast to go offshore for dolphin at his request.We got up the next morning and Gary immeidately drove himself to the hospital. I never saw or spoke to him again. Nobody was able to say goodbye. We all were expecting some last minute miracle to save him.A year later another best friend- the guy who got me to buy my first klipsch stuff put a gun to his head during a nasty divorce.We were supposed to go out of town the next day.I spoke to him that morning and had no idea that anything was wrong..Losing a close friend is a rough deal under anycircumstances. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of them . In one respect you and his family are fortunate. Everybody seems to have come to terms with the situation for a peaceful ending. This is never easy but at least you and the family have been blessed with farwell parties and having a few light moments in view of the circumstances. These moments will be of great comfort after Dale is gone. Hang in there buddy. We are all praying for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myhamish Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 From your posting, Mikey, I see that Dale has strong loving friends and family. A prayer said here for Dale and all of you. Slainte. Hamish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted February 22, 2009 Author Share Posted February 22, 2009 Talked to Dale's wife on the phone tonight. He's actually doing quite well but the kidney numbers aren't looking good. I'm taking a bunch of cans of tennis balls to him tomorrow for him to sign. That should be fun! M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 In one respect you and his family are fortunate. Everybody seems to have come to terms with the situation for a peaceful ending. This is never easy but at least you and the family have been blessed with farwell parties and having a few light moments in view of the circumstances. These moments will be of great comfort after Dale is gone. Hang in there buddy. We are all praying for all of you. Very true. Been through this a couple of times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 Thanks for all your prayers and positive vibes over the past weeks. Dale finally lost his battle with cancer around 4:00 this afternoon. He'd been in hospice care for 3 1/2 weeks. He bypassed every time frame the doctors gave him. We all had plenty of time to say thanks and good bye and being part of this process with a close friend was a blessing in every way. Dale is at peace now. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Michael, I'm sorry that you lost your friend. I'm sure that Dale was just as happy that he had this time to say goodbye to his family & friends too. i hate cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Dale is at peace now Sorry Colter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 This is one of those times when life is just not fair. I know exactly what you are going through becuase I have been there more than once. Try to make a mental scrapbook of the best times you had together and think of those when it starts to hurt. Sorry Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 In thanking his circle of friends for their support, his wife said something very poignant today in an email- 'If love could have saved Dale, he would have lived forever'. ..and of course he will. M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Amen to that Michael. Amen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted March 16, 2009 Moderators Share Posted March 16, 2009 He was very lucky to have all of you around but he can rest now. [W] Live every day [O] the clocks ticking and make it worth it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyKlipschFan Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Amen.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmikid Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Take care Michael, thanks for sharing... Tim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DU73 Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 So sorry to hear the very sad news Michael. He is now at peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLSamuel Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Sorry to hear the sad news Michael but now Dale's at peace and in a far better place. We should all be so fortunate to have the support of such loving friends and family in our final days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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