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

fireman · 05-11-2006, 21:16

For the last 4 days I have been visiting my best mate in hospital... \\\\\\he is dying of cancer aged 63. He has fought right to the end , never moaned in spight of terrible problems including 3 bags draining his kidneys and bladder3 weeks ago we went to the theatre in manchester ...we both really enjoyed it, we had a pint first and walked, albeit slowly along Deansgate on a lovely warm evening and life even for him. he said felt good. His wife died this year aged 59.fron leukemia and he has never even moaned or grumbled that he has had the rough end of the stick. Now he lies in Fairfield hospiatal fighting for what bit of life he has left. Today he enjoyed 3 teaspoons of rice pudding and half a cup of beer.... He smiled and licked his lips. He knows he is dying and even though he has no bad word to say. I leaned close to him as i left today (probably for the last time) and told him he was special and a great pal. His reply was "See you pal" and in his eyes ("can you not help me pal") I have never seen dignity like I have seen over the last few days. Dave was a senior officer in Greater Manchester fire service along with myself. he has unselfishly saved more lives than i can count and at his final moment he retains his dignity and privacy. What a man. I hope when my time comes if it is that it is to be dragged out like This. that I can show the dignity and respect that my mate has shown. God bless you pal, and I wish I could have been of some help to you. BUT THE LAW OF THIS BLOODY SILLY COUNTRY WONT LET ME. Love you Dave and everything you did for me and the public of Greater Manchester in General, You will be dearly missed.... Your Pal Ian.

Margaret Pilkington · 05-11-2006, 21:22

Fireman......my heart goes out to you. It is the hardest thing in the world to see someone you care about having to battle like this.
But believe me you have helped him more that you can ever know. How? you ask...well, by being his friend, by listening to him, by taking time to visit him and by your compassion. It isn't always possible to do more than that.

slinky · 05-11-2006, 21:22

OMG!!!!! My eye's are streaming with tears here Fireman.......oh poor man. And you aswell, you must be heart broken. Cruel, so bloody cruel.

jimmi5bellies · 05-11-2006, 21:23

Thats a nice tribute for your friend, i wish i had a friend like you who would stick by me to the end. Dont be scared to cry, it takes more of a man to shed a tear and care than to walk away.

accymel · 05-11-2006, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmi5bellies

Thats a nice tribute for your friend, i wish i had a friend like you who would stick by me to the end. Dont be scared to cry, it takes more of a man to shed a tear and care than to walk away.

Yeh i agree with that completely, your a brave man anyway even braver now im sure your friend will be so proud that he had a great mate, you did everything you could do & (((hugs))) to you. Nice to see you back

fireman · 05-11-2006, 21:35

thanks for that but it still feels bad , or wrong or, well i dont know but it is an awfull and upsetting time if a mate has this effect well i dont lookforward to the future x

entwisi · 05-11-2006, 21:36

small pleasures in life mean so much to those who appreciate it. If only we could all see things the way this poor gentleman is right now, perhaps our daily troubles would seem so small and insignificant.

God rest his soul and I hope he doesn't suffer any more.

My thoughts to you fireman, its hard being a friend sometimes but its all we have. I hope my friends are as good to me as you are to yours

fireman · 05-11-2006, 21:40

thanks pal i take friendship very seriously , in my job your mate was your lifeline .

fireman · 05-11-2006, 21:42

thanks accymell x

lancsdave · 05-11-2006, 21:45

Hard to know what to say but you can't do anymore and his ultimate peace will end his suffering.

Len · 05-11-2006, 21:45

Well I don’t know what to say, only good on ya fireman and respect.

accymel · 05-11-2006, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireman

thanks accymell x

You welcome fireman, dont worry [hard i know] the pain & hurt will ease in time [wont seem like that now] we're all here if u need us, you take care of yourself tho

entwisi · 05-11-2006, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireman

thanks pal i take friendship very seriously , in my job your mate was your lifeline .

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....

accymel · 05-11-2006, 21:50

Quote:

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....

That is so very true even my bestest friends have become family to me

fireman · 05-11-2006, 21:50

Its amazin but it is only at times like this that you realize how much of a part close friends play in your life. i WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO SAVE dAVE BUT i KNOW ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Maybe it is time we all realized that we are only here once and your friends are "your life" money and pocessions mean nothing they are still here when you are not but life is so precious ,,,Yours and your Friends... God life is sometimes a bitch.