Sorry for your loss TJ.
Take care of yourself.
Sorry for you loss TJ.
Best wishes from Pete, Jackie and Boot the cat.
That post about Julie's passing says so much about you and the bond the pair of you had. Keep plugging away you beautiful ranty shite. As others have said, I hope I have somebody like you helping my passing; sod it, I would even put up with the kissing if you increased my drug load first. if you want anybody to blether to; use the folk on this place.
I don’t mind being difficult but I object to “beautiful” 😉 I have clearly ruined a hard won reputation as an old curmudgeon
That hard won reputation is in tatters, fella. When it comes to cancer, a 'good death' is a precious thing, and I hope that the knowledge that you helped give it to her will bring you a lot of comfort over the coming weeks and months.
Sorry for your loss TJ
I don’t mind being difficult but I object to “beautiful” 😉 I have clearly ruined a hard won reputation as an old curmudgeon
Not with me. We don’t agree on stuff like helmets for example - what in the scheme of things is very minor. What matters is your consistent, quiet, measured support and your humanity.
In this community of largely excellent people, you always come across as one of the most humane and thoughtful.
Take that wannabe curmudgeon! (Said with affection and a hug).
I can imagine few things more devastating that losing a partner like that, but from what I can tell from here you must have had a particularly special bond, which makes it all the more heart-breaking.
Credit to you both for achieving a dignified death for Julie within the law, which I know sometimes seems like an ass in this regard, the issue having come up in my family too.
I hope in time only the good memories remain, and it seems like you made plenty of them. In the meantime, I can only add my condolences and urge you to look after yourself.
I hope that in years to come you can treasure just how much you have done for her in her last weeks.
That post is beautiful about how you cared for her.
Sat here with tears in my eyes.
Keep going with everything, it's clear everyone on here cares so much for you, despite being an argumentative arse sometimes
I have clearly ruined a hard won reputation as an old curmudgeon
If it helps, whilst what you wrote and did was indeed beautiful, I still think you're a miserable bastard 🙂
Sometimes life is particually cruel , and this seems like one of those times. You (both) work hard for decades , scrimp , save , worry , budget , make do , form a plan etc. Then there is the end of the rainbow in sight, you can take your foot off the gas , relax , enjoy what you have effectively earned over the years. Then out of the blue, cancer.
Quick change of plan. Re-evaluate , adapt , crack on .
The outcome is inevitable. The bit in the middle is where you show how caring and respectful you can be . It sounds to me like you did the best you could, given the circumstances. There will be dark days , for sure , but try to remember the best of times. Sorry for your loss TJ.
Sometimes life is particually cruel , and this seems like one of those times. You (both) work hard for decades , scrimp , save , worry , budget , make do , form a plan etc. Then there is the end of the rainbow in sight, you can take your foot off the gas , relax , enjoy what you have effectively earned over the years. Then out of the blue, cancer.
fortunately we spent all our money on adventures rather than saving for our old age 🙂
So sorry to read this TJ.
Remember lots of people on here ready to go for a bike ride with you.
So sorry to hear this TJ. My mum did exactly the same - diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with liver secondaries and chose to forgo treatment. I have some peace knowing we fulfilled her wishes by letting her come home and die as she wished and hopefully you will too.
You’re a good bloke Teej, my thoughts are with you. 👍
thinking of you TJ, stay strong.
Sorry for your loss. Like others I've never met you but value the contributions you make to this place. Never being worried about going against the tide.
My dad also chose to refuse cancer treatment to extend life without quality of life and died at home with his family round him. The MacMillan nurses were brilliant.
So sorry for your loss TJ.
Sorry TJ.
I kissed her good night. she smiled. I settled down to sleep to wake for her last breaths
well that just set me right off.
So sorry for your loss TJ. I can't bear to imagine what it must be like.
So sorry to read this TJ. Take care and all the best.
fortunately we spent all our money on adventures rather than saving for our old age 🙂
Good. A reminder for us all to do what we can, while we can
So sorry to hear of your loss TJ! Julie sounds like such a brave person, choosing to die on her own terms, with dignity, and with the comfort of her lifelong partner being at her side and ensuring her final weeks were as positive as possible surrounded by family and friends. Life kicks us in the teeth at the worst times - I have read many of your previous posts about you retiring and your plans for even more adventures.
I was deeply touched by your second post - how strong you must have been to care for Julie with such tenderness during her final few weeks.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of yourself at this difficult time and cherish the memories of your 42 years together!
Sorry to hear this TJ.
Glad that you were able to spend time together over the last few months on your own terms.
I have to say that all we can hope for TJ is when it's our turn we've managed to pick a partner that's as good and compassionate as you are.
Huge respect.
That is a shittest of shit news.
I hope your memories of your times together help you through your grief.
TJ, really sorry to hear this.
As I said on another thread this forum can be full of petty bickering but when the chips are down pretty much everyone on here is a decent person.
I'm sure I'm not the first to say this but I hope that in a few years you'll smile when you think of her, because the memories you have will be happy. You clearly did exactly the right thing when caring for her at the end. Wishing you all the best.
Sorry for your loss TJ.
TJ - I rarely post nowadays, but I just wanted to send you my heartfelt sympathies. Empathy can be painful, and I have had my own recent losses and grief, but equally it can unify people. Loss is a part of love, and without it our lives would be so much less, despite the pain of grief. If virtual hugs can be shared, then here is another one from the mountains of Wales. Take lots of care of yourself now, and cherish all your wonderful memories of a life well lived with Julie.
Condolences TJ, lovely way to go and knowing you helped her to the end.
42 years of good times from what I've read here. I've enjoyed reading about your adventures over the years and still have the pictures of you two on a tandem or on holiday in my head. I wish you well, TJ.
Sorry TJ, that's shitty shit shit.
Very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to read your news. My wife and I are heading along a similar journey, maybe a bit longer and slower but with the same outcome. Your experience and your handling of it gives me some hope for dealing with the future. Thanks for that.
TJ - I don’t post much these days but it’s been well over 20 years and counting on this forum & one way or another you have always been there, arguing, advising, and perhaps arguing a wee bit more...just because, well, you can.
I think you can see from this thread, and I’m sure you don’t need anyone to tell you, that in this funny old virtual world we share you have found your people, & right now we are all circling around to embrace you as best we can. All the love to you.
Sorry for you loss TJ, take care.
I'm so sorry TJ , That's terrible news . My thoughts are with you . Take care bud.
Desperately sorry to have read this tj.
It sounds like she was loved by many and I hope that as the pain subsides for you over time that only the happy memories and times remain.
Sorry for your loss TJ. The way you described your last days with your wife was beautiful. What a great husband you were, I doff my hat to you sir.
I’m sorry to hear this.
Absolutely heart wrenching to read this TJ.
Sending my condolences and all my positive thoughts to you at this most difficult of times.
As ever the STW forum is brilliant and so supportive in it’s support for anyone suffering loss.
Crewlie - you have a pm
Thinking of you fella.
Really sorry to hear this TJ.
You've reduced me to tears there tj.
See you about.
crewlie - post on here when/if you need to. Big hugs.
Really sorry to hear this TJ - I've been seeing photos of the two of you on here since I can remember there being a singletrackworld and it was always a highlight.
Take good care of yourself.
Very sorry to hear of your loss TJ.
So sorry to read your news. My wife and I are heading along a similar journey, maybe a bit longer and slower but with the same outcome. Your experience and your handling of it gives me some hope for dealing with the future. Thanks for that.
Shit, so had to hear this Mark, cherish every moment fella, need to get that ride in soon mate.
Thanks all, MND is my wife’s diagnosis, but I’ll leave this thread alone for TJ.
I don't know you TJ, but I've read and enjoyed your contributions on here for years, including your many adventures with your partner.
I always thought that you came across as a thoroughly decent man, and your response here has only reinforced this (the "new bike" joke especially).
Love and strength to you and all who knew her.
She decided she wanted no treatment – she wanted to go “home” to spend quality time with friends and to hear birdsong and see trees. With the help of our wonderful friend Iona who gave us use of her ground floor house and garden and a huge supporting cast of friends and family we were able to make her wishes come true.
I nursed her to the end and she died peacefully in my company. We were able to ensure she had a good death and that her final weeks were filled with laughter and love.
At the end she died much as she lived – very much on her own terms
What a lovely way to pass .Thanks for sharing it, and remember you still have all the memories.
Heart breaking Tj, but my goodness, you've done her proud. Thinking of you and others who are coping with ill loved ones and loss.
Oh man that's a hard read.
Like many on here I've never met you but feel like I've known you a long time. I was looking forward to reading about your adventures travelling around in your retirement and I'm so sorry this never happened for you both. You may think of yourself as an argumentative old curmudgeon, but it's clear you are loved and respected on here and I suspect in the real world as well. Take care, and if you find yourself in the Dunkeld area, it would be an honour to meet you and shake your hand.
Really sorry to hear that TJ. Sending hugs your way.
I can barely begin to imagine what that must feel like.
My thoughts are with you x
TJ - heartfelt sympathy to you, so sad to read.
But you've undoubtedly made the best of a horrific situation, I'd settle for slipping away in such a way.
Take care of yourself.
Just seen this TJ. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
I'm sorry to read this, my deepest condolences and sympathies.
Just seen this. Completely awful. Sounds like she was an incredible person.
I am so sorry to hear that TJ. My condolences and best wishes for the future.
Just seen this. Only know you through your years of quality contributions to this group. Thinking of you. Take care.
So sorry to hear this TJ. Thinking of you and your loss. What a dignified end. One can only hope for the same.
Sorry for your loss TJ.
Really sorry to hear of your loss.
S
Thanks for the kind words everyone.
I guess the recovery starts now and I guess that will include plenty of cycling. Looks like a custom shand is in my future and that of course means I need a new bike for now 🙂
I will be shouting out on here for folk to ride with once I am ready for that and a vague plan is being formulated to have a "see how many STWers I can find IRL" tour later in the summer. Be warned!
TJ I think your empathy for other on this thread is a measure of you as a human being. Folk are here for you.
I rather think we'd get along TJ so make sure you come down peebles was for some light xc.
Sorry to read of your loss TJ. Sending my condolences and best wishes for the future.
Sorry for your loss tj.
Nice one TJ,happy to show you the 3 trails around Macc Forest that I know 😂
Sorry for your loss TJ.
Please accept my belated condolences TJ. I rarely look on the chat forum. Your account of Julie's last days was extremely moving. I am currently receiving treatment for cancer and thankfully things are looking very promising but if/when I have to face the end, I can only hope that I will be allowed to go with the peace and dignity that you were able to allow for Julie.
All the best to you TJ!
“see how many STWers I can find IRL” tour later in the summer. Be warned!
You're more than welcome in my corner of of the world. It'd be lovely to met IRL.
Same her mate in Sw Scotland
see how many STWers I can find IRL
I'm in!
“see how many STWers I can find IRL” tour
Off piste Cairngorm plateau, followed by some fresh cut trails a SSSI?? 😆
Bring your trail dogs folks!
a “see how many STWers I can find IRL” tour later in the summer
There's a room here if you want it, and plenty of STWers around these parts
**Edit - and don't worry if you forget your helmet, I have a spare 😉
Only just seen this, but desperately sorry to hear your news TJ, and hope you're coping OK
