Reflecting on some tough weeks

[El Presidente]

It's been a rough couple of weeks hasn't it  

There has been an outpouring of emotion from the passing of some great friends to this forum. I know from PM's/emails/texts/messages I am receiving that many of you are struggling to come to terms with what has occured. 

It's ok. So am I. 

I am no expert in handling the loss of good mates. Letting yourself grieve, reflecting on the good times and getting hammered is my default. I don't necessarilly recommend the last part as it comes with consequences 

I am a firm believer that within every ball of shit you face there is a kernel of gold. In the case of the last few days/weeks, that kernel may be one of recognising what's truly important in our lives. Maybe that was Mike/Ross's final gift to us.   Don't waste that gift. 

Friendhsip, laughter, loyalty, fraternity. That has been  the tag line to FOH since 2005.  No two people summed it up more. 

Let's circle the wagons and ensure those left behind are looked after to the best that we can do.   For those members having a tough time getting their heads around the course of events, remember that you are not alone.  Try looking for that kernel, reach out to myself or other members if need be.  

RIght now Colt45 would be telling me to  "take a spoonfull of concrete and harden the ***k up"     Mike would be chuckling away     

To better days 

[targa88]

I have come to the unfortunate conclusion, as I have gotten older - that now it is folks of my age who are passing on (as opposed to the previous generation).

In the case of Matteo, I didn't even know that he had been battling cancer for a couple of years.

Life is short. Do the things you enjoy with the people you care about and tell them you care about them.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed  - that is the part we seem to take for granted ( along with our health).

Light one up and lift a dram to their memory and also to creating new memories.

[AndrewNR]

I've been doing allot of reflecting lately, reminiscing about the old guard of different haunts.. 

Before I lose myself in a spiralling tangent.. I looked at a long standing post here a few weeks ago and I was saddened. The daily smoke, pages and pages of a hand holding a cigar or a cigar by itself. 

Cigars are a good vice.. I occasionally use them as a sign I need some time to myself.. but what makes them great is the same thing that makes this community great. It's some of the special people we share this community with. 

Remember to make time for yourselves, the most of the time you have but most importantly.. make time to share it with other people. 

[Kaptain Karl]

Well said prez!! 

[dominattorney]

13 minutes ago, AndrewNR said:

I've been doing allot of reflecting lately, reminiscing about the old guard of different haunts.. 

Before I lose myself in a spiralling tangent.. I looked at a long standing post here a few weeks ago and I was saddened. The daily smoke, pages and pages of a hand holding a cigar or a cigar by itself. 

Cigars are a good vice.. I occasionally use them as a sign I need some time to myself.. but what makes them great is the same thing that makes this community great. It's some of the special people we share this community with. 

Remember to make time for yourselves, the most of the time you have but most importantly.. make time to share it with other people. 

I am usually smoking with others, even though my photos show a lone cigar in one hand. It's out of respect to folks I'm hanging out with not to plaster their mug all over the web. 

[Cigar Surgeon]

I think it was my Grandma who told me that there's a transitionary point in life where you stop attending weddings and start attending funerals. It's a tough transition.