I don't think there's anything I can say that won't sound banal or stupid, but if there's anything I can take away from reading all of this, it's that worrying about sounding banal or stupid is probably a waste of time.I have been very guilty of never chiming in with a word of support or engaging in conversations about bad news, online and in real life. I've always felt that it's not my place and that there is nothing I can contribute to such things that wouldn't have a diminishing effect. Call it a lack of self-esteem. Call it a fear of sounding like an asshole no matter what I do. You could probably just call me an asshole. Those would all probably be true.That's exactly why I didn't say much about this when I first read about it. All I could think was: Man, this really sucks. This man is going to die. I have nothing to say of any real importance. It'd be best if I just shut my big stupid mouth and kept out of it.Enter feelings of regret.The more I read about him, the more I feel like I did when Dio died. I wish I knew this guy. If you're out there, John, you were a king among men, if for no other reason than facing death in ways that should make any average person feel (and look) like a total wuss. I can only hope that, when my time comes, I can face the reaper with the same courage.

I am glad this page exists and that it is so easily accessible within the forum. It's a great thing, not only because it's a wonderful tribute to a seriously cool man, but it can act as a powerful message. Everyone knows this life is short, but read this thread and really understand it. Let John's legacy be the thing that finally kicks your ass outta bed to do those things you put off. Read these pages and then go kick the shit out of your fear and indecision. Let a real man show you how to love your life.

I'm listening to the record on Bandcamp right now. I'm only on the second song and feel completely transported - this is something amazing - awesome in the true sense of the word. I've been following John's story since the beginning, always in complete awe. His dogged determination and creative motivation amidst all he was going through leaves me wide-eyed, mouth open, and immensely grateful - grateful for his gift of pure hope.

givemenoughrope wrote:There have been a few people in my life I've lost to cancer. Two of them are now passed on but I think about them quite a bit and how they lived and died. The other wasn't as courageousThis probably isn't the thread to be getting into such a discussion, but how exactly does one un-courageously deal with having cancer?

Not sad. I know what you mean but the one thing it is not is sad. There wasn't a sad moment in the whole enterprise.

Not sad. I know what you mean but the one thing it is not is sad. There wasn't a sad moment in the whole enterprise.

This is sad and amazing. Thanks for sharing this. Listening to The Strain now.

I see your point. It's definitely inspiring. Encouraging even that we might be capable of carrying ourselves in such a way. If it's difficult (or "sad"), it's for the loss of such a strong, admirable person.

HOUSTON\_M wrote:lemur68 wrote:givemenoughrope wrote:There have been a few people in my life I've lost to cancer. Two of them are now passed on but I think about them quite a bit and how they lived and died. The other wasn't as courageousThis probably isn't the thread to be getting into such a discussion, but how exactly does one un-courageously deal with having cancer?One doesn't know for sure until one has it, I'd say. The colleagues and neighbours I've known have dealt with cancer in an admirable way. They all died though.If you go down railing against your nurses and ungrateful family, and equivocating about your life, that's dealing with it in a cowardly fashion.It's a kind of privilege to see someone die well. A lot of strong people die weakly. It's dying, after all. And watching a weak person die is especially unpleasant.

gnangle wrote:i could only hope to be half as brave when my time comes.Very well put Greg. Sorry for your loss. I hope I have good people like you and your wife around me when I go.