OT— Rambling Thoughts.

[BanjoSaysWoof]

A year ago today, we lost my mom very young to a degenerative neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. If you’re ready to have your morning ruined, google it’s symptoms/effects. If not, take my word for it.

she was at the gym for years at 5 am. First one in, 6 days a week. She was adamant about seeing the world, meeting new people, and keeping an open mind. She made it clear to me that I wasn’t to rely on her for things I can get myself. But I’m my early twenties, when I was just trying to claw my way to a decent life, she made sure I travelled. Whether by giving me her frequent flyer miles, or her credit card number, I was going to see the world. She saw every place on the planet she cared to see. Her passport was full. Her experiences and how she related to people reflected that. No matter what and where, my mom could make friends.

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

often, i would look for distractions wherever I could find them. HR became one of them. I have some friends here, some people who can’t stand me, and some who are indifferent. I can’t express my gratitude for The distraction you all provided me day to day.

If there are any take always from this at all, I hope it’s...

1) don’t take yours or anyone else’s health for granted.

2) see the world and experience the whole planet. We never had a lot of things growing up. We didn’t replace what wasn’t broken. We rarely had the newest TVs. But we always saw new things. My mom could have told you where to eat in every european capital without yelp.

3) spend that time with your loved ones you keep saying “later” to... for the golfers, have you been thinking about going to pebble beach with your old man?? Go. Have you been wanting to take your mom to a broadway play? Do it. Don’t wait.

4) if you’re going through something like this, there is help everywhere for you. If you don’t know where to look, message me and we’lol look together.

I could type for days, but I know when I do that I already annoy enough of you. Thanks for those still reading. I hope I didn’t waste your time.

 

[McCulloughd]

A year ago today, we lost my mom very young to a degenerative neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. If you’re ready to have your morning ruined, google it’s symptoms/effects. If not, take my word for it.

she was at the gym for years at 5 am. First one in, 6 days a week. She was adamant about seeing the world, meeting new people, and keeping an open mind. She made it clear to me that I wasn’t to rely on her for things I can get myself. But I’m my early twenties, when I was just trying to claw my way to a decent life, she made sure I travelled. Whether by giving me her frequent flyer miles, or her credit card number, I was going to see the world. She saw every place on the planet she cared to see. Her passport was full. Her experiences and how she related to people reflected that. No matter what and where, my mom could make friends.

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

often, i would look for distractions wherever I could find them. HR became one of them. I have some friends here, some people who can’t stand me, and some who are indifferent. I can’t express my gratitude for The distraction you all provided me day to day.

If there are any take always from this at all, I hope it’s...

1) don’t take yours or anyone else’s health for granted.

2) see the world and experience the whole planet. We never had a lot of things growing up. We didn’t replace what wasn’t broken. We rarely had the newest TVs. But we always saw new things. My mom could have told you where to eat in every european capital without yelp.

3) spend that time with your loved ones you keep saying “later” to... for the golfers, have you been thinking about going to pebble beach with your old man?? Go. Have you been wanting to take your mom to a broadway play? Do it. Don’t wait.

4) if you’re going through something like this, there is help everywhere for you. If you don’t know where to look, message me and we’lol look together.

I could type for days, but I know when I do that I already annoy enough of you. Thanks for those still reading. I hope I didn’t waste your time.

Keep right on typing. My Mom was special.

 

[Novakht]

Wow-- you certainly didnt wast my time. We all need reminders .

Thanks for sharing

 

[Hkfan23]

Banjo - thanks for the post. Lost my Mom at 59 to lung cancer as a non-smoker so know how tough a loss it can be. Sometimes we all need reminders to take the time to see or talk to loved ones. We can always find time just need to be willing. Thanks again Banjo. And I for one appreciate your posts here. Hang in there champ and remember all the good times.

 

[Kwoodhawk]

Ok Banjo.......change of mind

My door is always open for you.................

 

[TNTwrestle]

Thanks Banjo. I've fallen into all three of the categories concerning you at one time or another.
We sit at our monitors, sometimes judging people we don't know by what they post, and we really don't have any idea what's going on in their lives that might affect who they are, or what they say. The Bible tells us to love one another, but that is hard teaching sometimes.

I am sorry to hear about your mother and glad to hear you have such great memories of her. I hope she, and you, both know the Lord. If so, you will see her again.

My mother has lived right around the poverty level all of her life and worked up until she was 90 years old, but she would always do anything for her kids. For as poor as we were, I've traveled a lot in the U.S., but Canada is the only foreign country I've ever been to. My youngest son has been to East Asia, and I hope to travel more when I retire, but I've seen a lot for a poor guy, due partially to my mother's sacrifice. I've been blessed family-wise. My mother started going to Hawkeye meets with me in 1980 and we've had season tickets since CHA opened. For several years it was our thing together, buying an extra ticket or two and taking friends or family, but for many years it was just mom and me going to Midlands, or B1G tourney or NCAA. Mom will be 94 in two weeks and either she or I have been to every college or USA Wrestling, or international wrestling event that has ever happened in CHA. She has missed three over the years, and I five (for my sons' wrestling events), but we've never both missed the same one. We have made wrestling trips all over the country and have had as many as eleven family members at some of them. It has been great for our family.

I hope you have other family to lean on and love as you remember your mom. Wishing you the best.

 

[Mpchillin]

Thanks for making my day, my mom is undergoing some major health issues and has been for the past three months. As her primary caregiver, it’s been a very stressful time trying to balance everything on a daily basis. Iowa wrestling, and wrestling general has helped immensely to take my mind off things at times as well as this board and others like it. Glad to know people have gone through and are going through similar situations.

 

[Section25]

Very well said and a reminder that everyone should follow. Similar experience a little over a year ago with my older brother who was my hero in life. I took early retirement from a cushy government job losing some retirement money but gaining so much more in life. Your post was not rambling and means more than most will ever know until they face the inevitable...

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

Thanks Banjo. I've fallen into all three of the categories concerning you at one time or another.
We sit at our monitors, sometimes judging people we don't know by what they post, and we really don't have any idea what's going on in their lives that might affect who they are, or what they say. The Bible tells us to love one another, but that is hard teaching sometimes.

I am sorry to hear about your mother and glad to hear you have such great memories of her. I hope she, and you, both know the Lord. If so, you will see her again.

My mother has lived right around the poverty level all of her life and worked up until she was 90 years old, but she would always do anything for her kids. For as poor as we were, I've traveled a lot in the U.S., but Canada is the only foreign country I've ever been to. My youngest son has been to East Asia, and I hope to travel more when I retire, but I've seen a lot for a poor guy, due partially to my mother's sacrifice. I've been blessed family-wise. My mother started going to Hawkeye meets with me in 1980 and we've had season tickets since CHA opened. For several years it was our thing together buying an extra ticket or two and taking friends or family, but for many years it was just mom and I going to Midlands, or B1G tourney or NCAA. Mom will be 94 in two weeks and either she or I have been to every college or USA Wrestling, or international wrestling event that has ever happened in CHA. She has missed three over the years, and I five (for my sons' wrestling events), but we've never both missed the same one. We have made wrestling trips all over the country and have had as many as eleven family members at some of them. It has been great for our family.

I hope you have other family to lean on and love as you remember your mom. Wishing you the best.

I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been living number 3 above your whole life.

Thanks for making my day, my mom is undergoing some major health issues and has been for the past three months. As her primary caregiver, it’s been a very stressful time trying to balance everything on a daily basis. Iowa wrestling, and wrestling general has helped immensely to take my mind off things at times as well as this board and others like it. Glad to know people have gone through and are going through similar situations.

If you need anything aren’t sure where to look let me know.

somehow my crew of college friends generated 14 out of 19 doctors (obviously I’m not one of them)... don’t hesitate if there is anything at all you need. Goes for everyone.

 

[AFHawk86]

Great stuff, Banjo. Thank you for sharing the wisdom born from the joy and pain of life’s experiences. May your mom Rest In Peace and may her blessings carry forward in your life.

 

[Grip220]

Great post Banjo, I miss my Mom also, but think of her always. She loved wrestling as much as we do!

 

[WEH8ST8HAWK]

A year ago today, we lost my mom very young to a degenerative neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. If you’re ready to have your morning ruined, google it’s symptoms/effects. If not, take my word for it.

she was at the gym for years at 5 am. First one in, 6 days a week. She was adamant about seeing the world, meeting new people, and keeping an open mind. She made it clear to me that I wasn’t to rely on her for things I can get myself. But I’m my early twenties, when I was just trying to claw my way to a decent life, she made sure I travelled. Whether by giving me her frequent flyer miles, or her credit card number, I was going to see the world. She saw every place on the planet she cared to see. Her passport was full. Her experiences and how she related to people reflected that. No matter what and where, my mom could make friends.

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

often, i would look for distractions wherever I could find them. HR became one of them. I have some friends here, some people who can’t stand me, and some who are indifferent. I can’t express my gratitude for The distraction you all provided me day to day.

If there are any take always from this at all, I hope it’s...

1) don’t take yours or anyone else’s health for granted.

2) see the world and experience the whole planet. We never had a lot of things growing up. We didn’t replace what wasn’t broken. We rarely had the newest TVs. But we always saw new things. My mom could have told you where to eat in every european capital without yelp.

3) spend that time with your loved ones you keep saying “later” to... for the golfers, have you been thinking about going to pebble beach with your old man?? Go. Have you been wanting to take your mom to a broadway play? Do it. Don’t wait.

4) if you’re going through something like this, there is help everywhere for you. If you don’t know where to look, message me and we’lol look together.

I could type for days, but I know when I do that I already annoy enough of you. Thanks for those still reading. I hope I didn’t waste your time.

Great to see another side of some of the posters on here. You will never hear another negative word from me. Thanks for the reminder of what is important in life.

 

[GG121AND2]

My mother has been gone for 34 years - almost half my life now. Banjo, your post brought many memories rushing back. Thank you.

 

[PD4thespawn]

My mother has been gone for 34 years - almost half my life now. Banjo, your post brought many memories rushing back. Thank you.

47 years since my mom passed. i thank god for her being there while growing up. i suspect it saved me my soul. great post, banjo and the rest of you

 

[Bones Malone]

Thanks, Banjo. Been reading on here for years but never posted much until recently. I love & appreciate your advice.

My dad was a friend, hero and also my wrestling coach. He taught me how to wrestle but the biggest gift he gave was my (our families) appreciation for the sport of wrestling. We made annual treks to the state wrestling tournament as a family. This was our version of a vacation. We also made annual trips to Iowa City for Junior Nationals, then held at the old Field House. At that time Iowa HS wrestling was at it's peak and it felt like Iowa against "the world". Our family would also gather around the TV to cheer our Hawks on via pubic television(IPTV). My dad spent a season in the Iowa wrestling room but finished at another school, eventually becoming their 1st national champion. He too suffers from PSP.

Mom kept him home as long as she could but the falls became too much and we had to place him in a home back in June. Though he "knows what he wants to say", he's unable to talk and is constrained to a wheelchair. My wife & I have season tickets to both Iowa football & wrestling but it's not uncommon for me driven 5+ hours to watch games/meets with him. He's lost use of his eyes some and needs back scratches to keep him awake but I feel he's somewhat aware of what's going on via TV. You are well aware of the effects, but he eats only pureed food and thickened "liquids" and is essentially trapped in his head/body Some of my favorite moments with Dad was working out together in HS and he'd say "fat people sweat easy". Another of his favorite sayings was "getting old ain't for sissies". Ironically, he's living proof.

Anyway, I remember mentions of your Mom's struggles previously, before I'd signed up. You have my utmost respect(as does my own mom), for having the courage to leave work to care for your mother. I have always enjoyed your posts and glad you have found friends on "another board". You've clearly found "family" in the cesspool.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

Thanks, Banjo. Been reading on here for years but never posted much until recently. I love & appreciate your advice.

My dad was a friend, hero and also my wrestling coach. He taught me how to wrestle but the biggest gift he gave was my (our families) appreciation for the sport of wrestling. We made annual treks to the state wrestling tournament as a family. This was our version of a vacation. We also made annual trips to Iowa City for Junior Nationals, then held at the old Field House. At that time Iowa HS wrestling was at it's peak and it felt like Iowa against "the world". Our family would also gather around the TV to cheer our Hawks on via pubic television(IPTV). My dad spent a season in the Iowa wrestling room but finished at another school, eventually becoming their 1st national champion. He too suffers from PSP.

Mom kept him home as long as she could but the falls became too much and we had to place him in a home back in June. Though he "knows what he wants to say", he's unable to talk and is constrained to a wheelchair. My wife & I have season tickets to both Iowa football & wrestling but it's not uncommon for me driven 5+ hours to watch games/meets with him. He's lost use of his eyes some and needs back scratches to keep him awake but I feel he's somewhat aware of what's going on via TV. You are well aware of the effects, but he eats only pureed food and thickened "liquids" and is essentially trapped in his head/body Some of my favorite moments with Dad was working out together in HS and he'd say "fat people sweat easy". Another of his favorite sayings was "getting old ain't for sissies". Ironically, he's living proof.

Anyway, I remember mentions of your Mom's struggles previously, before I'd signed up. You have my utmost respect(as does my own mom), for having the courage to leave work to care for your mother. I have always enjoyed your posts and glad you have found friends on "another board". You've clearly found "family" in the cesspool.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there. If you need anything. Have any questions, anything at all...

 

[Hawk#7]

Great to see another side of some of the posters on here. You will never hear another negative word from me. Thanks for the reminder of what is important in life.

Good post!

 

[Hawk#7]

A year ago today, we lost my mom very young to a degenerative neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. If you’re ready to have your morning ruined, google it’s symptoms/effects. If not, take my word for it.

she was at the gym for years at 5 am. First one in, 6 days a week. She was adamant about seeing the world, meeting new people, and keeping an open mind. She made it clear to me that I wasn’t to rely on her for things I can get myself. But I’m my early twenties, when I was just trying to claw my way to a decent life, she made sure I travelled. Whether by giving me her frequent flyer miles, or her credit card number, I was going to see the world. She saw every place on the planet she cared to see. Her passport was full. Her experiences and how she related to people reflected that. No matter what and where, my mom could make friends.

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

often, i would look for distractions wherever I could find them. HR became one of them. I have some friends here, some people who can’t stand me, and some who are indifferent. I can’t express my gratitude for The distraction you all provided me day to day.

If there are any take always from this at all, I hope it’s...

1) don’t take yours or anyone else’s health for granted.

2) see the world and experience the whole planet. We never had a lot of things growing up. We didn’t replace what wasn’t broken. We rarely had the newest TVs. But we always saw new things. My mom could have told you where to eat in every european capital without yelp.

3) spend that time with your loved ones you keep saying “later” to... for the golfers, have you been thinking about going to pebble beach with your old man?? Go. Have you been wanting to take your mom to a broadway play? Do it. Don’t wait.

4) if you’re going through something like this, there is help everywhere for you. If you don’t know where to look, message me and we’lol look together.

I could type for days, but I know when I do that I already annoy enough of you. Thanks for those still reading. I hope I didn’t waste your time.

Great post and may your mother rest in peace. Glad to have you on the Iowa board. In the end, we are all on the same team.

 

[lookleft goright]

Very nice post. I will say that I am not a big traveller, but I try to find happiness everyday and I try not to look at anything in a negative light. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of that.

 

[hawkaeg80]

The pastor of our church died early morning last Monday of a series of heart attacks. This time last Sunday no one would have thought at all this would happen. When thinking about having coffee/hanging out with someone do it asap. You just never know when it's their time or yours.

 

[Bones Malone]

I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there. If you need anything. Have any questions, anything at all...

Thanks, man. I have a brother, two sisters & a wonderful wife (no pics) - so a great support group but I sincerely appreciate your offer should the need arise. It’s evident folks appreciate your reminder to live in the moment & take nothing for granted. Peace & prayers to you on the anniversary of your mom’s passing.

 

[Gutzy]

Banjo, this was an incredibly moving message in a place I last expected to encounter one. You just convinced me to book a hunt that my dad and I had been talking about but I hadn't fully committed to yet.

 

[Eternal Return]

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

I'm preparing to do the same thing. My mom isn't quite at that point, but she's getting close. It's not going to help with career, status, finances, or any of that stuff, but it's much more important than all of that. We only live once and we should live it with love as much as we can. And for some reason, the wrestling community is really special in this way, a lot of care and compassion for family and others. What's on the mat stays on the mat, but off the mat we all have that special bond. So glad you shared this, Banjo.

 

[TailgateTom]

Banjo,

I have been fortunate enough to have not lost my parents yet. I have seen them lose theirs, and have seen some of my friends lose theirs through illness, accidents and suicides. The common theme with all of that, is it caused an unimaginable amount of pain for all of them. No matter how much you try and prepare yourself, nothing equips a person well enough when the time actually comes. I’m sorry you went through that. When you first came around it was at a time when the trolls were all coming over and being jackassess. I don’t know if you even remember, but I made a snarky comment to you back then. But I remember, and I feel bad and I’m sorry. You’ve proven yourself to be a good dude time and again. God bless.

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

Banjo,

I have been fortunate enough to have not lost my parents yet. I have seen them lose theirs, and have seen some of mine lose theirs through illness, accidents and suicides. The common theme with all of that, is it caused an unimaginable amount of pain for all of them. No matter how much you try and prepare yourself, nothing equips a person well enough when the time actually comes. I’m sorry you went through that. When you first came around it was at a time when the trolls were all coming over and being jackassess. I don’t know if you even remember, but I made a snarky comment to you back then. But I remember, and I feel bad and I’m sorry. You’ve proven yourself to be a good dude time and again. God bless.

I appreciate that. I don’t remember the comment, but it means a lot to me that you do and are apologizing. We all make mistakes and it takes a helluva person to admit it. Thanks, Tom. ❤️

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

Banjo, this was an incredibly moving message in a place I last expected to encounter one. You just convinced me to book a hunt that my dad and I had been talking about but I hadn't fully committed to yet.

@Gutzy can I ask you for a favor? And anyone else who is doing something similar...

after the trip, come back and give us an update. There may be new people on the board then, people who missed this post etc.

If my post inspires you, and your trip inspires someone else, who inspires someone else, lots of dominos can fall the way we’d all hope.


Thanks.

 

[Gutzy]

@Gutzy can I ask you for a favor? And anyone else who is doing something similar...

after the trip, come back and give us an update. There may be new people on the board then, people who missed this post etc.

If my post inspires you, and your trip inspires someone else, who inspires someone else, lots of dominos can fall the way we’d all hope.


Thanks.

Banjo, you have a deal, my friend. Expect this thread to get bumped the first week in June, hopefully with a photo of a dead bear and two smiling Iowans. If no bear, then a photo of a stringer of walleyes and two smiling Iowans!

You are absolutely right about the power of the domino effect.

 

[82bordeaux]

A year ago today, we lost my mom very young to a degenerative neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. If you’re ready to have your morning ruined, google it’s symptoms/effects. If not, take my word for it.

she was at the gym for years at 5 am. First one in, 6 days a week. She was adamant about seeing the world, meeting new people, and keeping an open mind. She made it clear to me that I wasn’t to rely on her for things I can get myself. But I’m my early twenties, when I was just trying to claw my way to a decent life, she made sure I travelled. Whether by giving me her frequent flyer miles, or her credit card number, I was going to see the world. She saw every place on the planet she cared to see. Her passport was full. Her experiences and how she related to people reflected that. No matter what and where, my mom could make friends.

During the last year or so of her life, I quit my job to be her full time care taker. There was a level of personal care that I wasn’t going to outsource. It was scary, it harmed my career, I was sad, I was afraid... and I would do it again 100 out of a 100 times.

often, i would look for distractions wherever I could find them. HR became one of them. I have some friends here, some people who can’t stand me, and some who are indifferent. I can’t express my gratitude for The distraction you all provided me day to day.

If there are any take always from this at all, I hope it’s...

1) don’t take yours or anyone else’s health for granted.

2) see the world and experience the whole planet. We never had a lot of things growing up. We didn’t replace what wasn’t broken. We rarely had the newest TVs. But we always saw new things. My mom could have told you where to eat in every european capital without yelp.

3) spend that time with your loved ones you keep saying “later” to... for the golfers, have you been thinking about going to pebble beach with your old man?? Go. Have you been wanting to take your mom to a broadway play? Do it. Don’t wait.

4) if you’re going through something like this, there is help everywhere for you. If you don’t know where to look, message me and we’lol look together.

I could type for days, but I know when I do that I already annoy enough of you. Thanks for those still reading. I hope I didn’t waste your time.

Wow. What a way to start my morning. This hits so close to home as my mother passed in November 2017 from Corticobasal Degeneration. She was incredibly humble and kind. She taught 3rd grade for 35 years and I still meet people today that had Mrs. C and think of her often. Through her battle with this disease she taught her only son a final lesson. To be more humble and kind. I certainly have an understanding of what you went through caring for your mom. But I had the help of many great caregivers and family members. Through your actions you gave her a gift back that I'm sure makes her very proud.
The real reason I'm responding to this thread is, that as a Penn State alumnus and avid fan, this poignant post should remind us that at the core we have much more in common than different. In fact, the only real difference between us is geography, a college choice, or a hero that struck us at an impressionable age. The colors we wear and the athletes we cheer for are only a veneer. At the core we share much more in common. So as we head into tournament time, I know that I will make a better effort to be more humble and kind. I'll be in Minneapolis rooting for my guys, but regardless of the outcomes I'll try hard to recognize the athletes on the mat, the skills they have, and the sacrifices they have made so that I can have such a great time watching them. And if they raise the hand of a kid wearing Black & Gold I will applaud that accomplishment. It's what my mom would have done. When I'm inclined to make a snarky comment I'll try to slow down and wait a little while before I hit send and see if it still seems like a good idea after 10 minutes. It's what my mom would have told me to do.
I wish you all the best of luck in New Jersey and Minnesota. I'll be cheering hard for my team. But if you guys finish what you started this year, you deserve to be proud of your school and your team. I'll make it a point to say hello to people I see in Iowa gear, and maybe some of you can do the same to folks you see in Blue and White. Because all of us would trade that trophy for one more meal and long conversation with a loved one we have lost. So under the veneer, we are all the same. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

 

[Kwoodhawk]

Wow. What a way to start my morning. This hits so close to home as my mother passed in November 2017 from Corticobasal Degeneration. She was incredibly humble and kind. She taught 3rd grade for 35 years and I still meet people today that had Mrs. C and think of her often. Through her battle with this disease she taught her only son a final lesson. To be more humble and kind. I certainly have an understanding of what you went through caring for your mom. But I had the help of many great caregivers and family members. Through your actions you gave her a gift back that I'm sure makes her very proud.
The real reason I'm responding to this thread is, that as a Penn State alumnus and avid fan, this poignant post should remind us that at the core we have much more in common than different. In fact, the only real difference between us is geography, a college choice, or a hero that struck us at an impressionable age. The colors we wear and the athletes we cheer for are only a veneer. At the core we share much more in common. So as we head into tournament time, I know that I will make a better effort to be more humble and kind. I'll be in Minneapolis rooting for my guys, but regardless of the outcomes I'll try hard to recognize the athletes on the mat, the skills they have, and the sacrifices they have made so that I can have such a great time watching them. And if they raise the hand of a kid wearing Black & Gold I will applaud that accomplishment. It's what my mom would have done. When I'm inclined to make a snarky comment I'll try to slow down and wait a little while before I hit send and see if it still seems like a good idea after 10 minutes. It's what my mom would have told me to do.
I wish you all the best of luck in New Jersey and Minnesota. I'll be cheering hard for my team. But if you guys finish what you started this year, you deserve to be proud of your school and your team. I'll make it a point to say hello to people I see in Iowa gear, and maybe some of you can do the same to folks you see in Blue and White. Because all of us would trade that trophy for one more meal and long conversation with a loved one we have lost. So under the veneer, we are all the same. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Stop it! You making me cry way too early in the day.

Prayers for you all........

 

[IAChief32]

My stepmom, who has been around for most of my life, got diagnosed with bladder cancer about a month ago. She just went through her first week of chemo and radiation therapy. She is a tough old bird, very healthy for her age so hopefully she can get through this. She has my Dad taking care of her plus her daughter...I am glad we made the move up to Iowa as I knew days like this were coming. Sucks watching them get old and go through this. Nice post Banjo.

 

[Hkfan23]

Chief - sorry to hear about that. Hang in there champ. And for all the others that posted (thanks Banjo for starting it) thanks for sharing. As I mentioned, I lost my Mom to lung cancer at 59 and she was a non-smoker who exercised, ate right, etc. when that happens you start questioning a lot of things from religion to fairness to “why?” And that is exactly the time you need to lean on family and friends IMO. Anyway, to those that have posted thanks. It is cathartic when other people have gone through it and are willing to talk about it. And because this is a wrestling board I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it isn’t being knocked down it’s getting up that counts.

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

My stepmom, who has been around for most of my life, got diagnosed with bladder cancer about a month ago. She just went through her first week of chemo and radiation therapy. She is a tough old bird, very healthy for her age so hopefully she can get through this. She has my Dad taking care of her plus her daughter...I am glad we made the move up to Iowa as I knew days like this were coming. Sucks watching them get old and go through this. Nice post Banjo.

you know it goes without saying, if there is anything I can do let me know.
There are support services, etc.

Your stepsister is going to undergo caretaker grief. It’s real. It’s hard. Take her to a movie if you get a chance. It’ll help her be better for your step mom.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

[Hkfan23]

Banjo and others who posted - the one thing I would add is sometimes we take all this stuff on boards and sports way too seriously (I am guilty as charged) so when sobering experiences happen maybe we (well will only speak for me) should take a step back and realize what is really important. My 2 cents.

 

[BanjoSaysWoof]

Chief - sorry to hear about that. Hang in there champ. And for all the others that posted (thanks Banjo for starting it) thanks for sharing. As I mentioned, I lost my Mom to lung cancer at 59 and she was a non-smoker who exercised, ate right, etc. when that happens you start questioning a lot of things from religion to fairness to “why?” And that is exactly the time you need to lean on family and friends IMO. Anyway, to those that have posted thanks. It is cathartic when other people have gone through it and are willing to talk about it. And because this is a wrestling board I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it isn’t being knocked down it’s getting up that counts.

When this first happened, I talked to my old high school coach (broke down in his classroom crying)... he looked at me and said “I saw you starve yourself for months, wrestle with one arm, and make every sacrifice I could ask of a kid, and now you’re afraid you can’t take care of your mom?? You always have one more fight, that’s who you are”

we’re wrestlers, or wrestling parents, or wrestling fans.

getting up off the mat is what we do. Don’t ever forget it. I don’t care if you went 0-27 for your JV team. You got up. Every time.

@Hkfan23 i feel your pain. My heart is with every person who had to say goodbye.

 

[Hkfan23]

Thanks Banjo. Means a lot buddy and don’t even know you. But it takes people who have gone through it to get it. Should I say now to lighten the mood that PSU is cheating with a slush fund? Maybe too early. Seriously people actually being good humans regardless of team allegiance is pretty darn good. We will always argue and that is point of message boards I suppose but we can always agree on certain things.

 

[aije]

My heart is with every person who had to say goodbye.

This.
And thank you for this thread Banjo. Your mother was truly blessed to have you as her son.

 

[so cal hawkfan]

Thanks for sharing Banjo, we can all agree that cancer is a son of a bitch and no f*n at all. My father-in-law is in the final stages of his long battle with bone marrow cancer. They gave him 6 months to live.......over 3 years ago. He’s battled long and hard. (impressive fight especially since he never even wrestled!). Praying he rests comfortably in his hospice stage and goes peacefully and painlessly when the time comes.

Go Hawks!

 

[82bordeaux]

Should I say now to lighten the mood that PSU is cheating with a slush fund? Maybe too early.

@Hkfan23, It's never too early to have a sense of humor. That is exactly what these forums need.

 

[Kwoodhawk]

When this first happened, I talked to my old high school coach (broke down in his classroom crying)... he looked at me and said “I saw you starve yourself for months, wrestle with one arm, and make every sacrifice I could ask of a kid, and now you’re afraid you can’t take care of your mom?? You always have one more fight, that’s who you are”

we’re wrestlers, or wrestling parents, or wrestling fans.

getting up off the mat is what we do. Don’t ever forget it. I don’t care if you went 0-27 for your JV team. You got up. Every time.

@Hkfan23 i feel your pain. My heart is with every person who had to say goodbye.

Ok........still crying here.............

touching to read these posts.

 

[GG121AND2]

What Kwood said.