I'm not a praying person, but I do believe in positive energy.  So however you do things, I'd like to ask you all to remember my friend Dale and please send prayers, good thoughts, and/or positive energy his way.  He's been a constant presence in my life and one of my dearest friends since I was 15 years old.  He saved my life twice; once when I was 17 from a cocaine overdose and once when I was 18 from an abusive relationship.  He's seen me through so many things and even when we were thousands of miles apart, he was just a phone call away and if I had called and said, "I need you," he would have been there.  Truth be told, he's saved my life a lot more than just twice, just by being there when I needed him, whether he knew it or not.

He's a prostate cancer survivor and he told me tonight that in May, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  He's 71 years old and has always looked out for me.  He's not good, he tells me he's spent most of the time since May in hospitals and nursing homes and I just can't fathom his loss of independance.  He's a strong man, always has been and although I knew this day would come, I refused to allow myself ot acknowledge it.

Ron and I are heading out Thursday after I get off work for Illinois.  It's about a 9 hour drive but I have to go.  I haven't seen Dale since June of 2006, but we stay in touch via email and phone.  Ron's never met him, but he's heard a lot about him and I'm glad two of the most important people in my life will have the chance to meet.  Edmond met him when I was pregnant with our son James, who is now 17 (edit, I forgot, he met him when I was pregnant with our daughter Teagan, who is now 18, I"m rather lame tonight) and even though we divorced, Dale always asked how Edmond was getting along.

I don't know how I'm going to handle this, because I know he doesn't have much time left.  Needless to say, I probably won't be on much for awhile.  Thank you all.

If it's his time, it must be so. But, without knowing him, I can see that he did it right. For, it is so obvious that he changed the life of at least one and so he has left a legacy. The fact that you are going to him will settle in his soul and provide him some comfort in his internal query of "was I a good man?" when the moment is upon him.

Thank you Defcon, he's one of the best men I know of that's ever walked the face of this earth. I don't know where he is, I lost his number (he finally got a cell and got rid of his home phone, a number I've known for almost 30 years) when my Blackberry crashed so I have no way to find him, so if he doesn't get back in touch with me before the weekend, to hell with the rest of the world until I do find him.

I was a bounty hunter in a previous life known as my twenties. If you need help tracking him down let me know. I'm not THAT rusty yet.

Thank you, Debra Jo,

He's an amazing man and although I know how strong he is, I also know he's strong enough to let go, just like he taught me to do so many years ago. Hopefully, I'll see him Friday. I know if it wasn't close, he wouldn't have told me.

It's definitely times like this I miss my own bike. Can't just get out on the road and clear my head like I used to. I did locate his business phone number and emailed an employee of his, so perhaps I'll find him without too much trouble after all.

Best of luck to you both, He will be forever grateful for your love & freindship. He helped you & now you are helping him. So be it, in trust!

Beki, Ron will be in our prayers as will you. It is hard to see a loved one suffering. From what you have written, he sounds like a remarkable man that DID make a difference in the world. No matter how this turns out I know you will always have a special place reserved in your heart just for him.

My best wishes for peace and happiness for you both.His gift of love will always be in your heart.

Beki, one day at a time.... he lived a good life as it shows in you how he lived his life! You are good person to go to him now in his time of need .... that is what friends do for each other and we will be here in your time of need! HAng in there -- our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
HUGS

best wishes and strength to Dale, and kudos and also strength ta ya and Ron, for going and be with him!

We were able to visit with Dale very briefly today, he just couldn't tolerate a long visit. We spent the evening though, with my son Jon, daughter-in-law Amanda, and my granddaughter Erica and had a great visit. Tomorrow, we will leave early and go to Terre Haute, IN (it's only 50 miles away) to visit my PaPaw's grave, then back to my son's for awhile until we're able to return to Urbana and visit with Dale again; this time hopefully for a little longer. It's so hard to see him like this, and he told me as he was about to leave the hospital last time and return home, his son was leaving Atlanta to come here to help him go back home. He was running late, so Dale got another ride and waited at home for his son, only to learn a little while later from his daughter, that his son had been in an accident just after crossing into Illinois and did not survive the crash. This was only 3-4 weeks ago so he REALLY needs prayers, good thoughts, and positive energy right now. Dale was extremely close to his son, so this has literally been a hell of a year for him.

We'll head home for KS tomorrow evening after we visit with Dale and that's when all this will finally hit me.