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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Wildman on January 27, 2004, at 12:51:42
13 years ago today I lost my best friend, Ted, to Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia. He was 25. He died 100 days after his diagnosis.
Ted was a tremendous positive influence on my life and we were best friends almost from the day we met in 8th grade. Leukemia cut him down less than 1 year after he was married...
I think of him everyday, and his loss still brings tears to my eyes. I can still hear his voice...
I remember talking with him after he was diagnosed and he wanted me to visit him in Houston (I lived in Boston at the time). I just _knew_ he was going to make it, and besides had no money for a plane ticket (lame excuse on my part). We spoke a few more times, and I remember his voice getting weaker and weaker. He wanted me down there to visit, and I (in denial) made excuses.
I don't know how many people have the opportunity to say final goodbyes to people, as death comes unexpectedly in many cases. It's rare to have the chance to say goodbye - and I missed that chance and it is something I will NEVER forgive myself for.
When I got the call that he had passed, my world had ended. I let my best friend down. I hope he forgives me, but I would understand if he didn't.
I named my son after Ted, and get to at least hear that name every day. I try to teach my son about my friend and what kind of friend Ted was to me, in hopes that my son can be that kind of friend to others.
My son Ted is now in kindergarten, and last month, just before Christmas, his teacher gave them an assignment - "what do you wish for?"
Ted, who is 5, responded "that my dad's friend was still alive". He actually _wrote_ that on his paper. I was dumbfounded. When other children were wishing for an XBOX or somesuch, this boy wished for something for me. I think I may have taught him something....
Thanks for reading this.
Posted by Mimi on January 28, 2004, at 19:20:18
In reply to 13 years later and it still hurts..., posted by Wildman on January 27, 2004, at 12:51:42
Awesome story. Thanks for sharing. There is good in the world.
Posted by Wildman on January 30, 2004, at 9:33:27
In reply to Re: 13 years later and it still hurts... » Wildman, posted by Mimi on January 28, 2004, at 19:20:18
> Awesome story. Thanks for sharing. There is good in the world.
Mimi, thank you for your kind words! There certainly is good in the world, even though sometimes it can be tough to see...
Writing my post about Ted was really cathartic for me. I had the first good cry that I've had since I started the Lexapro. I've forgotten how good a cry can help work things out.
Anyway, I think I may visit my friend's grave when things warm up this spring. I've been working on the courage to go there ever since I helped carry his casket to that spot. I hope I can go through with my plan to go there...
Posted by trucker on April 13, 2004, at 23:08:56
In reply to Re: 13 years later and it still hurts... » Mimi, posted by Wildman on January 30, 2004, at 9:33:27
i hope ya get this message.. ihad the same feelings after my father died suddenly. i was running late for school (12 yrs old) dad took us to the bus and i didn't get to kiss him goodby FOR THE DAY or tell him i loved him. he died that day in his sleep. it ate me alive for years. and finally one day i realized that i could pray and tell him i loved him and missed him and was sorry he died with out me saying those things to him... it was like a burden was taken off my shoulders. i know it got thru.. and i could once again go on with life.
i guess what i amm trying to say is talk to him, thru prayer. you can be healed..
trucker//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> > Awesome story. Thanks for sharing. There is good in the world.
>
> Mimi, thank you for your kind words! There certainly is good in the world, even though sometimes it can be tough to see...
>
> Writing my post about Ted was really cathartic for me. I had the first good cry that I've had since I started the Lexapro. I've forgotten how good a cry can help work things out.
>
> Anyway, I think I may visit my friend's grave when things warm up this spring. I've been working on the courage to go there ever since I helped carry his casket to that spot. I hope I can go through with my plan to go there...
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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