I'm hurting and don't mind admitting I'm crying my eyes out......

[harwood red]

My dear dear fireman, it saddens me to read this thread but yet at the same time I felt my heart soar with knowing there are still true friends like you and dave out there and for that you are blessed.

The pain of watching someone you care so much about suffering and yet holding his dignity must be beyond what most of us can imagine.

But if you can take any positive from this it would be that you were there for him when he needed it most, in your lives as firemen....saving lives together right through to holding his hand at the end and letting him know how much he meant to you...and for that he will find some peace and comfort and I hope you do too.

You're an amazing and compassionate man, please don't let this sad time taint that and remember him when he has passed on for the great friend he has always been to you.

Big hugs for you both xxxxxxxxx

[garinda]

So very sorry to hear that terrible news mate.

There is nothing to say that will console you.

Just take solace that you got to tell him what a great mate he is to you, though I'm sure he'll have known that already.

With love, Gary.

[fireman]

many thanks for all your thoughts and kind words it is very much appreciated. Ian x.

[silvermain]

Im not being nasty but why share a story like that with people on a forum? Cant you talk to your family about it?

[Debbie J]

Because we are all friends on here and will help and support each other in times of need!

[Margaret Pilkington]

Originally Posted by entwisi

Even before things like thiis, those who don't recognise the value of friendship are sorely missing out on such an enormous part of life.

family you are given, friendship you earn....

I would add to that......Friends are the family that you choose for yourself.

[jimmi5bellies]

Originally Posted by silvermain

Im not being nasty but why share a story like that with people on a forum? Cant you talk to your family about it?

Sometimes its not easy talking to family about your problems and worries. I find it easier to talk to people over the internet than face to face.

[silvermain]

True, sometimes it is easier. I suppose that why the samaritans are there really. Like i said before i wasnt being nasty just i just wouldnt feel right posting up my problems.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I didn't see it as posting a problem. I saw it as a sharing of feelings and the response from others on here who have empathised and shown how much they care must surely be uplifting and comforting.

[SPUGGIE J]

Everybody to their own. If it helped fireman feel better in the sense of it being a load of his mind then yes I can se why because of the sort of people on here. A friend in need is a friend indeed I was always being told. Sometimes friends and aquantences are more understanding and helpful than a family that have a view of how you should be and therefore not as constricting.

[shillelagh]

Originally Posted by silvermain

Im not being nasty but why share a story like that with people on a forum? Cant you talk to your family about it?

Sometimes your family is too close to be able to talk to them about something like this. I know - Accyweb my mates on here helped me earlier on this year.

[fireman]

silvermain i dont consider this as my problem .. merely my present thoughts and feelings. myself and my family have talked at great length as they are as close tu Dave as i am they too are sufferring . granted not as Dave is but it still hurts. Hope this explaines and helps you understand.

[Less]

Originally Posted by silvermain

Im not being nasty but why share a story like that with people on a forum? Cant you talk to your family about it?

silvermain=true, sometimes it is easier. I suppose that why the samaritans are there really. Like i said before i wasnt being nasty just i just wouldnt feel right posting up my problems.

Fireman is well known and well liked by many of the members of this site, if he felt comfortable sharing his feelings with us that is o.k. by us, that is one of the better things about our virtual community.

I hope if at any time in your future, you have to suffer the loss of a close friend you are not just left with the choice of only being able to tell the samaritans.

I have been reading this thread from it's first moments, fireman, this is my first reply because I just can't find the words to assist you in you impending loss, but I know you will have the strength to overcome this loss and will soon be talking about the happy memories you shared with a dear friend.

All the best to you, see you soon, Less.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I wish I hadn't used up my karma quota for the day.

[Ernie]

I can relate exactly to the emotion you are feeling at this moment Fireman, and my heart goes out to you. You and Dave have the same bond between you as I had and possibly still have with a pal who crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago (his name is Dave too), there was a song we used to listen to with such lovely lyrics that seem to speak directly to the heart, they seem to be telling the listener to let out the sadness and look towards the future with the memories of the good times. I have clipped the lyrics to this message for you as they say it all.

CARRY ME By Chris De Burgh.

There is an answer, some day we will know,
And you will ask her, why she had to go,
We live and die, we laugh and we cry,
And you must take away the pain,
Before you can begin to live again;

So let it start, my friend, let it start,
Let the tears come rolling from your heart,
And when you need a light in the lonely nights,
Carry me like a fire in your heart,
Carry me like a fire in your heart;

There is a river rolling to the sea,
You will be with her for all eternity,
But we that remain need you here again,
So hold her in your memory
And begin to make the shadows disappear;

Yes let it start, my friend, let it start,
Let the love come rolling from your heart,
And when you need a light in the lonely nights,
Carry me like a fire in your heart,
Carry me like a fire in your heart;