Kinda bummed out.

[wisnon]

We can make a lot of audio pals on line, but often never meet in person.

For example, though I have communicated a lot with many here offline like Mike, we have still to meet up in person. Jerry, Gopher, Joe, Hans, Oddessey, Cmarin, Mike L and quite a few others...just from this forum!

The list of those here I have actually met in real life are Bob V, Elberoth, Bonzo, AL Rainbow, La Dolce Vita, Eurodriver, Jason, Christoph, Brad, David and a few others.

Anyway, this is all a preamble to say that one online Buddy I did meet and spend the day with was MuzikMike (and his lovely wife Barbara) from AAsylum...about 5 years ago. I drove some 2.5hours each way from Philly suburbs and spent an unforgettable day with Mike and his 10K vinyl collection ( a lot out of print) and the 3 of us went out for dinner before I left. Mike used to review for StereoMojo and hosted an open BBQ every June for all forumites (general invitation to all), despite him being very ill for several years before, in and out of hospital regularly. He was 62 then

I have not called for many many months about a year ago and Barb answered saying that he finally succumbed a year before. I felt down about that as we always had great conversations and that couple was truly the salt of the earth. I told her I would call every now and again just to check in on her and keep the connection. As too often happen, life gets in the way and its been nagging me for a while to call (but the number is in a rolodex) and when I remembered it was never convenient. I finally called last night Central European time and the number was disconnected...slight uncomfortable feeling. I then sent an email to Dr Richardson, a pal in common and a fellow Audiobuddy as well.

Long story short, I got an email this morning that Barb died last fall of a sudden massive heart attack that was a total surprise. Its very sad to lose such great people and even more so that Mike (and his supportive wife) was a passionate musicophile/audiophile. He turned me on to Allen Toussaint among others. I do rue their loss and a personal takeaway is that it makes me appreciate the rest of you even more, for the time we have left in this realm.

Wonderful world, beautiful people...

[joeinid]

Norman, I'm so sorry to hear of their passing. It's great to make connections with people and sad when they end for whatever reason. I confess to not reaching out enough. I tend to be shy in "real" life. I definitely hope to see you in person one day.

[Nikhil]

Sorry to hear of the loss. May their souls rest in peace.
If you are ever on this side of the globe, do drop by ...

[jdandy]

Norman.......A touching story of personal connections lost. It reminds me once again that life is finite. We each have so many days and then it is over for us. It is good we know not when the last day will come. Live life like each day is the last.

[wisnon]

Sorry to hear of the loss. May their souls rest in peace.
If you are ever on this side of the globe, do drop by ...

Thanks, I certainly would!

[Mike]

So sorry for your loss. Touching story. ❤️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rhapsody]

Norman, they are both probably sitting in the nicest listening chairs you can ever imagine listening to the system(s) of their dreams for eternity and they are looking down at their friend Norman and appreciating your thoughts and sentiments towards them. Nice for you to be honoring them and your friendship, I am sure they are smiling down at you!

[Melbguy1]

Norman, i'm really sorry to hear of your news. It shows the importance and value of personal connections, and not missing opportunities to reach out to our loved ones and good people in our lives. I'm experiencing something similar, but closer to home as my mother is terminally ill in hospital. So I cherish each and every visit, and the tender moments I have left with her.

[wisnon]

Norman, i'm really sorry to hear of your news. It shows the importance and value of personal connections, and not missing opportunities to reach out to our loved ones and good people in our lives. I'm experiencing something similar, but closer to home as my mother is terminally ill in hospital. So I cherish each and every visit, and the tender moments I have left with her.

I am in the same situation as you too, so I do feel your angst as only a fellow sufferer can. I still wish a miracle for both of us, so that we could have a few more joyous years with our beloved mothers. I have inlaw issues as well. It seems these things come in waves...but its life and we soldier on.

Thanks for the kind words and empathy.

[mep]

Winson-I am sorry for the loss of your friends. I think what you have done here is make people realize we should never take those we love for granted nor miss opportunities to let them know we care about them. It's easy to let people fall by the way side as we journey through life. My best friend who I also worked with committed suicide a little over 4 months ago and it's still devastating.

[mauidan]

You're never ready to lose a good friend or family member.

Lost my golfing buddy of 30 years a couple of weeks, and now my wife is in the hospital with a fractured hip.

As they say, getting old sucks.

[Melbguy1]

I am in the same situation as you too, so I do feel your angst as only a fellow sufferer can. I still wish a miracle for both of us, so that we could have a few more joyous years with our beloved mothers. I have inlaw issues as well. It seems these things come in waves...but its life and we soldier on.

Thanks for the kind words and empathy.

Amen bro 🙏🏻.

[Melbguy1]

Winson-I am sorry for the loss of your friends. I think what you have done here is make people realize we should never take those we love for granted nor miss opportunities to let them know we care about them. It's easy to let people fall by the way side as we journey through life. My best friend who I also worked with committed suicide a little over 4 months ago and it's still devastating.

Sorry about your best friend.

[wisnon]

Winson-I am sorry for the loss of your friends. I think what you have done here is make people realize we should never take those we love for granted nor miss opportunities to let them know we care about them. It's easy to let people fall by the way side as we journey through life. My best friend who I also worked with committed suicide a little over 4 months ago and it's still devastating.

Very sorry to hear this. Its an especially painful circumstance. Happened with a co-worker about 12 years ago...you never find the sense in it.

[wisnon]

You're never ready to lose a good friend or family member.

Lost my golfing buddy of 30 years a couple of weeks, and now my wife is in the hospital with a fractured hip.

As they say, getting old sucks.

So true Dan.

[Glareskin]

Hi Norman, I always like your posts. This particular one is a reminder for all of us that this whole thing is temporary. We don't own spouses, children friends or family, at best borrow them. Actually it is the same with our gear. We can buy what we want, nature will allow us to enjoy it for certain time only.
Most of us, including myself, are running the rat race in order to follow our careers, making sure our families make a good living. And in our free time we enjoy music, among other hobbies, and chat about it with our digital friends on the internet.
It's great to know you and your personal touch is hearth warming!
Let's keep enjoying and count our blessings. RIP Mike

[CPP]

You're never ready to lose a good friend or family member.

Lost my golfing buddy of 30 years a couple of weeks, and now my wife is in the hospital with a fractured hip.

As they say, getting old sucks.

What you say Dan is to the heart. I also lost a golfing buddy 9 years ago, he and his wife were over at Bike Week in Daytona and got hit by a drunken driver, He went into a coma and never came out, died. Fast forward 5 years I recently lost my best friend, he is not dead, but he at 68 went into a form of dementia called Lewy body dementia. He lives in a world of delusions and will never ever go home again, and doesn't even know who his grandchildren are. And last week we moved my mother into my sisters home since mom is also in the very early stages of dementia. So yes bummed out.

[wisnon]

What you say Dan is to the heart. I also lost a golfing buddy 9 years ago, he and his wife were over at Bike Week in Daytona and got hit by a drunken driver, He went into a coma and never came out, died. Fast forward 5 years I recently lost my best friend, he is not dead, but he at 68 went into a form of dementia called Lewy body dementia. He lives in a world of delusions and will never ever go home again, and doesn't even know who his grandchildren are. And last week we moved my mother into my sisters home since mom is also in the very early stages of dementia. So yes bummed out.

I hate to know that my friends here are also carrying heavy burdens in the background...but take comfort in the fact that life is a mixed bag of fortunes, but our attitudes can make up survive and prosper, despite the inevitable challenges we constantly face.

I am just thankful for getting the chance to spend time with special souls. That makes it all worthwhile.

[wisnon]

Hi Norman, I always like your posts. This particular one is a reminder for all of us that this whole thing is temporary. We don't own spouses, children friends or family, at best borrow them. Actually it is the same with our gear. We can buy what we want, nature will allow us to enjoy it for certain time only.
Most of us, including myself, are running the rat race in order to follow our careers, making sure our families make a good living. And in our free time we enjoy music, among other hobbies, and chat about it with our digital friends on the internet.
It's great to know you and your personal touch is hearth warming!
Let's keep enjoying and count our blessings. RIP Mike

Many, many thanks.

[mep]

Very sorry to hear this. Its an especially painful circumstance. Happened with a co-worker about 12 years ago...you never find the sense in it.

No, you don't. I never saw this coming and neither did any of the rest of his friends. He never reached out to anyone to let us know he was in pain. I will never forget being at work and asking why he wasn't at work and then being told by another friend of mine that was biting his lip that he was gone. It was heartbreaking. He was a EE that was super-grounded and always had his act together.

[mep]

You're never ready to lose a good friend or family member.

Lost my golfing buddy of 30 years a couple of weeks, and now my wife is in the hospital with a fractured hip.

As they say, getting old sucks.

Sorry to hear about your wife Dan. I hope she makes a full recovery.

[wisnon]

Sorry to hear about your wife Dan. I hope she makes a full recovery.

I second this wish. Fast and painless as possible recovery...
Keep strong Dan.

[kkfan]

I'm very sorry to hear of all the losses and heartache. Sadly, this is part and parcel of life.

Here is a poem that I love. It has the potential to put life in perspective and to offer comfort. I hope it helps at least a few of you the way it helps me during times of grief.


This Too Shall Pass

When some great sorrow, like a mighty river,
Flows through your life with peace-destroying power
And dearest things are swept from sight forever,
Say to your heart each trying hour:
"This, too, shall pass away."

When ceaseless toil has hushed your song of gladness,
And you have grown almost too tired to pray,
Let this truth banish from your heart its sadness,
And ease the burdens of each day:
"This, too, shall pass away."

When fortune smiles, and, full of mirth and pleasure,
The days are flitting by without a care,
Lest you should rest with only earthly treasure,
Let these few words their fullest import bear:
"This, too, shall pass away."

When earnest labor brings you fame and glory,
And all earth's noblest ones upon you smile,
Remember that life's longest, grandest story
Fills but a moment in earth's little while:
"This, too, shall pass away."

-Lanta Wilson Smith

[Mike B.]

I am late to the discussion, but I conversed with Mike quite a bit at the Asylum. He was a sweet man. I say that in the nicest way. He has so many health issues and yet his attitude remained positive and not self consuming. I miss him and Bruce, another bright light would went out way too early.

[Mike Lavigne]

just saw this thread, but certainly share Norman's and other's feelings.

I never met Mike in person, but back 10+ years ago when I was more active on AA I had many enjoyable exchanges with him and he was always the most humble, generous and positive force and really brought people together in a special way......and very helpful and patient with newbies. I regret never attending one of his famous Ribfests.

the world needs more Mike's.