On a sad note

[savage]

Today I had to say goodbye to a friend of 35yrs, he was not into woodwork or metalwork, he never had a job. He lived with his Mum (died 3yrs ago) and Dad, wonderful people, they took me away on holidays when I was a kid and jokingly called me "thier adopted son". Raymond (only his Mum called him this), "Ray" to his mates was 48yrs old and was mentally handicapped, suffered from Epilepsy a cruel disorder, and frightening to see. He was teased and picked on relentlessly as a kid and just needed to "belong and fit in", I would like to think in some way I made him feel this way as we where great mates in our younger years although in the last 10yrs grew slightly apart in our circle of friends we still saw each other from time to time and chatted over "the old days". Nobody here would ever get to know him as he could not read nor write and did not have the capacity to use a computer, he was and will always be my mate and I am sure if you all met him would like him, I am writing this thread because I always would introduce him as an equal and friend, sadly this will never be, so the best I can do is tell you a little about him. If you know of anyone like Ray, take the time to get to know them, you'll be suprised what they can teach you about yourself, Ray taught me a lot and I thank him for that. He is at peace now and sadly missed by all who knew him, I have shed a tear for him today and will again.
A mate lost, goodbye Ray.
savage(Eric):(

[Gumby]

You pulled a couple of heart strings with that post Eric.

I feel for you and for him.

Please accept my condolences.

Life goes on.

[savage]

Thanks Gumby much apprieciated:)

savage(Eric)

[E. maculata]

you should feel good about Ray & yourself, Eric, someone exceptionally special has been in your life for a long time, the rest of us should be so lucky.

[savage]

Thanks Bruce, a lesson in life!:)

[knucklehead]

Thanks for sharing a personal story Savage. It must have been tough to write.

I'm sure many people meet Ray during his life, but only a handfull could appreciated what he had to offer. Luckily you were one of them.

[meerkat]

Eric,

Many people go through life looking for friendship like yours and Rays, many go through life thinking that they have that friendship only to find it was just an illusion, and a few go through life experiencing it just like you.

I only wish the rest of the world could experience what you guys had and maybe just maybe we would all see life differently.

my thoughts and prayers are with you both and remember Ray will always be with you while you have him in your heart.

Andrew

[Wood Borer]

Sorry to hear your news. We don't often get to have many friends in a lifetime but it is sad that someone like Ray would have had less chance of sharing a friendship because of his misfortune to be born with his burdens.

The lower half of your post was a bit blurry for me.

[Wongo]

Sad :(

[savage]

Knucklehead, Andrew, Woodborer and Wongo, Thanks for your thoughts and the time for the replies, much appreciatedsavage(Eric):)

[DavidG]

Lost for words.
Deepest condolences.

[AlexS]

Sorry to hear of your loss Eric

[MajorPanic]

My condolences Eric.

Losing a mate can be very hard but trying to replace him/her is harder.

Let your memory of him live on & remember him often.

[Clinton1]

Eric, you are a credit to yourself and your parents.
You made me teary. Don't know what else to say, but take care mate

[savage]

David, Alex, Majorpanick and Clinton, thankyou all for you thoughts.
A note, Ray will be layed to rest Thursday 11am.
savage(Eric):)

[biotechy2k]

Sending Healing thoughts your way

May you both meet together at the Rainbow Bridge where there your friendship will continue, You have given a good and decent man a wonderful sense of spirit and great friendship
Take Care
Hugs Bio

[savage]

biotechy,
Thank you for you kind thoughts.
savage(Eric):)

[Caliban]

Eric
I've been away from home for a few days and so this is my first read of your sad post. I too would like to add my condolences and support. You are obviously a really nice person and I'm proud to call you a virtual friend.
I hope the after life deals Ray a kinder hand than this one did, it's such a shame that most of us are so good at teasing those who are different.
God bless you and thanks for sharing your moving experiences.

[Captain Chaos]

Eric,
My condolences to you and support to you. Your friendship gave Ray a brighter outlook on life. To share a friendship without judgement or pre- conceptions is a gift that cannot be bought. You are both better men for that. My warmest thoughts to you and Ray.
Gotta go, I'm having a bit of trouble seeing the keyboard at the moment.
Take good care,
Barry.

[zenwood]

Condolences on the loss of your friend, Eric. Good on you for keeping up the friendship and taking the effort to stick with a bloke who was mentally handicapped. As the father of a severely autistic son, I can appreciate how rare that is. Sounds like you shared some good times, and can cherish some happy memories.

[savage]

Jim, Barry and Zenwood thank you for your thoughts, today was the most difficult day as the family asked if I would give the eulogy, I was honoured, and at the same time scared I would not do him justice, but all approved and said I did good (between the tears), that made me happy.

savage(Eric):)

[Gumby]

today was the most difficult day as the family asked if I would give the eulogy, I was honoured, and at the same time scared I would not do him justice, but all approved and said I did good (between the tears), that made me happy.


You must have been a true friend and deserved that honour. It's a tough gig. Sounds like you handled it well. I don';t think we need to worry about doing justice to somebody. I really think funerals are for the benefit of those who remain. You already did him justice by your obvious support and friendship. He'd be happy with that.

[savage]

Thanks Gumby,

I hope one day I will get to meet some of you guys and gals and be able to thank you all in person for your most kindest thoughts, but for now I hope you are happy with a personal post to each of you and a greenie, it's the best I can manage.
savage(Eric):)

[Auld Bassoon]

Eric,

I read this yesterday, but couldn't reply as I went a bit teary...

What you have done, and the friendship that you have given - and shared - is one of those human things that makes some people special.

Your friend Ray was very lucky to have you as a friend - and, methinks, the reverse being equally true, as friendship is always a two-way street.

Go with your God, my friend.

[savage]

Thank you Steve,
your thoughts are much apprieciated.
savage(Eric):)

[Waldo]

G'day Savage,

It's been a sad day here too. My deepest thoughts are with you at this horrible time, hold onto the precious times and keep them close to you.

[savage]

Thanks Waldo,
I hope things are better for you soon also!
savage(Eric):)

[Waldo]

G'day Savage,

Thanks. Like I said hang on to the memories. I lost my Dad a few years ago (aged 53) and it's the same for you I'm sure, that it doesn't seem right that the world goes on when all of a sudden your world has stopped and all of a sudden too you feel like something has been physically ripped out of your chest.

It gets easier but that too doesn't feel right. I really feel for you and all those affected.