I knew Neil from the forum, he was just another forumite until Fri 17 Aug 2007 when he told us on the forum that he had cancer. This hit home very hard, as my Mom had been diagnosed with cancer as well.
It wasn’t until a few months later when I actually spoke to Neil about cancer and how he was fairing. He showed lots of support to my Mom and myself, which, really helped. He asked my Mom if he could run a half marathon for her and this was just after one of the chemo sessions. No one can tell you how it is to be like this and to have the treatment, it is an experience only a cancer patient can understand. Close relatives may understand a bit.
Anyway Neil was a pillar of strength for me and even though he was suffering from this cancer he still had the time to ease my moms suffering with his wisdom and kind words. He helped me through a very difficult stage of my life.
Last year 2008 I was lucky enough to meet Neil and the hug I received from him was truly emotional for both of us.
When my Mom passed away Neil was there for me and helped me deal with the loss, he was really something else, this man who really didn’t know me that well was there for me any time I needed reassurance or a kind word.
I will miss Neil terribly but at least he is at rest now, this Sunday at the 10 km race I will honour you as you did my Mom, I will run for you buddy. I will never forget you, you will live on in my memories.
Everytime i go to that tribute thread on the forum i cry.
ReplyDeleteYeah I know but Lindy he did not want us to cry about him, he wanted us to party and celebrate his life.
ReplyDeleteI will be doing so with that orange ribbon on my running vest.