The End of the Road

[Ole Joe Clark]

So gentlemen today begins my walk down to the end of the road. Have spent this past weekend until now in the hospital.
My doctors have come to the conclusion there is nothing more that they can do for me so now it’s home for Hospice Care.
We will never get ahead of this cancer and it is spreading. They have now found it in my lower back and leg bones along with it now in my liver. My internal health is too poor right now to accept the use of chemo with the immunization drugs. One wont work without the other and the chemo would do me in right now. Right now I am up and about, running short of breath and low energy. Eating everything I want. They have me taking Morphine for my breathing, pain and stamina. It’s working!
My wife and I have come to terms with everything and our kids have been made aware of everything as well. The hard one to tell will be the granddaughter, she knows I’m sick but not how sick.
Hell of a thing just turning 66 last week plus we just celebrated our 42nd anniversary (married on my birthday as well).
This has been a tough road to start. Neither of us ever figured on checking out this early?
I guess the funeral arrangements will be set, nothing fancy. Cremation to ground and an obit.
Don’t know how long I’m going to be around and of course they can’t tell at this point. Could be a week, a month? but I hope it’s going to just be a quiet night to go to sleep.
I’ll be checking in, might even do some shooting yet as I can. I know I’ll be eating and drinking some of my favorites. Cracked the wife up making the statement about packing my favorite sandwich to go and how Im going to miss it.
I guess by keeping a good sense of humor along with my wheezing has helped with the insanity of all this.
I can’t speak more highly of the staff here at the Cancer Center they have been the greatest.
I will post as long as I can and show the Mrs how to log in to tag my final day.
But again at this point I want to say,,,,a Hey guys it’s been great!

A tough post to read, and I'm sure a tougher post to write. My Dad died in August 1953, at the age of 49, I was almost 10 years old. I still miss him.

God bless you Sir, and your precious family. I will pray that your crossing be easy.

Have a blessed day, today, and every day.

Leon

 

[Igiveup]

My like for your attitude. God Bless, my prayers are with you and your family.

 

[raljr1]

We will be here for you as long as you can stop by. I will miss our many exchanges, especially as one of the regular "drifters." We will keep you in our prayers and hope that you can have your family close by as you prepare to drift into another, heavenly, orbit.

Robert

 

[cherrypointmarine]

You hit me with your message . I'm 62 and we've been married 36 years , so we could be twins from different mothers . I have tears thinking about how brave and graceful you are withe the news . I just hope I am half as brave when it comes time for me to check out .

Prayers are going out to you and your family .

 

[16thVACav]

So sorry to hear about this. Prayers for you and your family.

 

[beaverislander]

You have made a lot of friends here but there are many members waiting to welcome you on the other side. You are a good man, my prayers are with you.

 

[BSA1]

loknload,

Western civilization has us to be believe that death is the end of our existence. Many other cultures and religions (including the Holy Bible) teach and believe that it is just another step in our journey.

Your courage is inspiring and help the big guy up there with the shooting range maintenance.

 

[delcrossv]

So sorry to hear that loknload. Glad you're at peace with this next step in your journey.

Hope you can take some solace in this:

 

[johnbeaver]

Prayers of comfort for you and your family. And a special prayer for the granddaughter.

 

[ddixie884]

Hang in there and do the best you can. Hospice is a good thing. They stopped my Dixie from hurting and I am forever grateful...........

 

[Muddyboot]

I hope we meet in the next world sir, you sound like someone I would like to call a friend.....save a seat for me.

 

[snubbyfan]

I only liked your post because I like you. I've enjoyed you posts over the years 'specially on the "drift thread."
I'm sorry to hear of your issues but at the same time, I find the way you are handling it inspirational.
You'll be in both mine and my wife's thoughts.
Kitatama'sino my friend.

 

[Cellar Hound]

We will follow....

I “Liked” your post because I respect you immensely for your communication to the members of this forum. We will all follow you at some point. I wish you comfort and peace on your journey. God bless you!

CH

 

[Glashaus]

Very sorry to hear, my like was for your fortitude and fine attitude, an example of who I would want to be in the times that you are going through. We all are here for a short time, a blink of an eye. All we can do is try to live a good life and bring joy and love to those around us, life is a simple thing that too many people make complicated, the great adventures come beyond, see you on the other side.......

 

[pmanton]

I couldn't bring myself to like your post. I have tears in my eyes as I write this.
Go with God. We'll see you on the other side.

 

[Stroker468]

You show such grace and dignity.

I hope to meet you on the other side.

 

[Mark8]

Very very sorry to read this. I wish you and your family that there will be time for good, precious moments yet to come. It is said that the most important day is today, and today you are still with us. Great respect for your strenght and all the best.

 

[Coot47]

Godspeed. And may your courage in this journey become a part of your legacy.

 

[hsguy]

I pray you are granted a gentle and comfortable passage to the next life. I also pray for comfort and acceptance for your family. You are an inspiration and example for many here with your grace and dignity.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

 

[Doug627]

God Bless. I appreciate your attitude and acceptance of the situation. However, please take time to grieve for yourself and those you love. They are going to miss you very very much. Showing their grief is a way of showing how much they care. It will help them accept what is happening.