A final salute tonight (PAH)

steve gates

you have truly been blessed.

Dave Yates (PAH)

A righteous send off

Gonna need strength tonight. Brian, my past Assistant Scoutmaster, is dying from cancer. His son just made Eagle (we put a rush on the paperwork the second his last blue card was signed off) and the ceremony was to be on May 1st. (We shifted Mike's Eagle ceremony, which had been scheduled for Apr 30th., so we wouldn't steal any of their thunder) We also nominated Brian for a District Award of Merit a number of months ago, the highest honor that can be given at the local level for adult leaders (I received one several years ago) & he's certainly deserving of the honor.

I arrived home from the Comfortech Roadshow to find Brian may not last through the week and has been moved to the hospital. The Council is planning a special awards ceremony tonight to present Brian with the DAoM in his hospital room. Council asked if I'd perform the ceremony, but I doubt I'll be able to talk much, so I declined. Hell, I couldn't even get through the phone call without losing it. Lois & I will be there as will lots of others. Class-A's for one last salute.

Gonna need extra hankies tonight.

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Wayco Wayne

He sounds like

a great guy. It's only right to be upset. It's a hard thing to go through but you will because you're a good caring person. Our turns will all come. I try to imagine how I want people to behave when it is my turn to say good bye, and then turn it around and try to treat the person the same way. I remember when my neighbor died of cancer when I was younger. He was a great guy (and my scoutmaster btw). I didn't want to go visit with him because I didn't want to face it. My Parents talked me into going and I've never regretted it. I learned what it means to people to be there for them and to say goodby. Good luck Dave. I know you'll do fine. WW

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J.C.A._3

Dave,

This is a tough call but PLEASE gather up the will to say something. I'm sure it will mean alot to your dear friend.

If I was in that situation I would feel the same way, but I also know that if you don't say it now, you will regret it for a long time.

Speak about the great times and feel confident that a big chuckle is far more warming than saying nothing.You are a friend, and that's what friends do.

Prayers said and I hope that you will make an attempt to speak. Chris

S Ebels

Dave

I can surely empathize with you. Been there, done that type of thing. I'll say a little prayer for you and everyone else involved right after I'm done typing this, asking for strength and words for you to say. It will be given when and where it's needed. Besides, what can be better than a few shed tears between friends. God's blessing to you tonight.

Dave Yates (PAH)

We should all die with such courage...

I remain forever in Brian's debt. He has set the bar high with regard to facing reality and accepting fate. Tonight, we joked about his ensuring our beers will be cold and waiting our arrival when it's our turn to join him. Morbid humor!

Throughout these past three years, he has never wavered from his staunch in-your-face-death stare that has given him the courage to meet this fate head-on without a whimper or negative thought. Profiles in courage and one hell of an example for the youth (and adults) in Troop 20.

No deceit - no lies - no deception, just brutal reality. I would only hope that I could be half as courageous in such a situation.

During the ceremony tonight, amidst tears being shed by some of us, Brian's youngest son - who is now an Eagle - presented Dad with the Father's Eagle pin and said the most touching speech about not knowing if Dad can be with him in a week when his ceremony is actually scheduled, so he wanted to present him with the pin now and thank him for always being there - that was the water-works moment for me.

But, as we were talking about later as we left..... So many never get an opportunity to say good-by. We need to count our blessings that we had this opportunity.

Brian can't speak and he's bleeding through his neck and mouth while a morphine drip is available at the click of a button (his choice), but all through the evening, he would scribble us notes. Very touching notes that spoke volumes in few words, but connected us to the many years of great experiences we'd had together as we watched our sons rise from tadpoles to men. That common bond will never be broken - not even by the grim reaper. Lives intertwined by fate & blessed by their having been joined in this journey called life. My life would be much worse had our paths never crossed.

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Firedragon_4

Dave,

my heartfelt emotions are with you in this time of sorrow. If I can be a shoulder, just call.

You're right about the good-byes though, although painful you will cherish them and in the end the heart heals.

Darin Cook_3

Dave, you were bestowed quite a honor

to have been friends with a man such as Brian. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family. I must admit I brushed away a few tears this morning reading your post. It was bursting with emotion for your friend. A real tribute to him.









Darin

Mark Hunt

My heart


goes out to you Dave. I know what it's like to watch a loved one go this way.

God will give you the strength and wisdom for this time.

All my best.

Mark H

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jackchips_2

Prayers to Brian

and his family.

Peace to those close to him who have shared his experience.

Perspective to those of us who will follow him in our own time.

Thanks for sharing Pah.

Jack

Mad Dog_2

God bless him

Dave, its sounds like a friend couldn't get a better sendoff. He is going to a better place. Mad Dog

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John Felciano

So sad

I never know what to say in these situations and it's even harder typing with this huge knot in my throat,But I will be thinking about him and his son at our next pack meeting.(pack 82)

It is great he has had the chance to say goodbye.

PJO_6

Dave...

You're a better man because of Brian, and we are all blessed to have this story shared by you.

God Bless Brian in his courage.

Take Care, PJO