Lost a high school buddy ... during his chemo

[CRguy]

Just came back from a bit of an emotional roller coaster.
A Celebration of Life for a high school buddy turned into more of a community gathering and Grad reunion.

I don’t generally “do” reunions but with about 300 folks there … about 60 were “right outta my Yearbook ! “

Hadn’t seen most folks probably since Grad.
Good to see and chat with a whole lotta folks including ex-girlfriends ……

The Celebration really was one. He was a great guy involved with lotsa things and with many friends.
As it should be, there were more laughs and smiles thru the day than tears…
BUTT there were also many, many tears.

I posted a bit earlier ( in another topic ) that I had run into my buddy a few months ago at the coffee shop / plaza and all seemed well. A few weeks later I was into the Cancer agency picking up some of my reports and scans ... AND he and his wife were there in the waiting area.

In my mind I am going “ this ain’t right .. I am supposed to be here YOU are not ! “

Long story … made very short : lung cancer primary, rapid progression, recurrent pneumonia, only option was Phase 1 trial ……. and here we were today.
Phase 1 trials are not for everyone
Phase 1 trials are not always …… for lack of a better word… safe.

I spoke at length with his wife (also from our high school group), and this above all, is what sticks with me right now. She asked with my own CRC history and online presence if I was into and would push “advocacy” for patients, research, treatments …….

HELL YEAH sista’ .. if you can talk to me right NOW about pushing forward with advocacy after just losing DH …… YEAH we can talk about advocacy.

Like I said the whole core group there were basically right outta my high school yearbook.
We are all older, but can come into a room and pick up like we just recovered from the last kegger.

AND all is good …..
except there are fewer of us each year to be here, so those who ARE
need to BE HERE in force
ADVOCACY .. every conversation needs to include the energy we all KNOW needs to be out there

so we stop losing friends and family

Yeah reunions are great….
BUTT this time the big guy shoulda’ been there with us
not just in spirit

Sorry
don’t really know what I am trying to say with all this

BUTT I think I may have said it

Harmony to all on the Journey
CR

[NateA]

Great post, thanks for turning a bad situation into a smile on my face.

[BrownBagger]

Bummer, CRG. The Grim Reaper is picking us off one by one.

At least your friend left some good memories.

[AussieAssCancer]

Bummer dude. You should take solace in the fact your friend's partner (and no doubt your friend as well) gained a lot from the time you spent with them.

Always sucks to lose someone

Peace,

GK

[BeansMama]

So sorry for your loss.

[Pita]

Sorry for your loss CR ox

[Nik Colon]

So sorry

[candyjkswift]

I don't regard that as a sad story as long as he's happy while being with friends like you.

[LPL]

CR, So sorry You've lost your friend.
I lost my Dear friend to that same type of cancer. It was in March, at the same time(!) as my hubby was in hospital having his emergency surgery for total Obstruction. (As it turned out that was his first ever symptom of CRC.)
My grief for my friend was 'interrupted'.. I don't have a better word in English to describe it. I guess My mind could only deal with X amount of stress/sorrow at the same time. Later the grief & sorrow for loosing her has hit hard!
Good that You could take part in the Celebration of Life event for Your friend. /LPL