friend of mine ...

[Odin]

A friend of mine ... just got the results of another round of medical checks. Turns out he has pancreatic cancer. He is 55 years old and will not live to celebrate his 56th birthday. So sad. This friend is a Dutch moonshiner. Someone who I learned a lot from. Someone who gave me all of his books, all of his stills, all of his equipment just a few years ago, when he decided to stop with his hobby, because tasting his products, well, allmost became more than a hobby.

He now just has a few months left. Tears one minute, laughter and cynical jokes a second later. And I have no idea what to say to him, how to make things right. Maybe because there are no words, just compassion?

We all live and think we are immortal. Or at least we do not think about dying. And then lightning strikes. And you wish a very good friend nothing more than love, love and lots of talks with his wife, his sons.

And there is nothing substantial you can say or do.

Fuck it.

Odin.

[Prairiepiss]

And there is nothing substantial you can say or do.

I think you just said something substantial. In your post. I got from it that he was someone very dear to you. And I think if he were to read your post. He would understand.

Sory to hear about his bad news. All I can do is put him them and you in my thoughts.

[DAD300]

Spend time with him...as much as he wants. If he wants, go to a treatment with him. Make sure he knows he'll be missed.

[wv_cooker]

Odin my friend as someone who has been told that he has a short time left in this old world of ours, I can assure you that there is nothing substantial that you can say or do, as you have already done it all in just being a good friend. All has been said now, and all that can be done is continue to be that friend and carry your head high in knowing him as a friend to start with.
We will keep him and his family in our prayers, and you as well.

[midwest shinner]

Aww man Odin, I'm really sorry to hear about your friend.From reading your post this is obviously someone you care much about, my best advice is to enjoy the time you do have left with him and don't leave anything unsaid. I have lost too many friends at my young age and it never gets easier. I feel like everyone of them takes a piece of me with them. Be there for him as best you can and try to remember the good times you shared, it helps to get through the rough times I've found. Enough of my rambling, again I'm really sorry and i wish you the best during this trying time.

[rad14701]

Sorry to hear that, Odin... My best advice is to just be the same friend you always have been until the end... Just be you because that's who he's used to being with and that keeps him a bit closer to normality...

[ga flatwoods]

Damn it Odin we all hate to hear that! So many times people work all their lives only to never get to retire or do retire and immediately die. Life sucks that way. However, it is apparent that he thought much of you. In his friendship, tutoring, and gift of all his valuable equipment that he personally used to you, his spirit will carry forward through you. As he thought enough of you to do these things he saw in you something of himself and worthy in his eyes for such gifts. You will always be a good friend of his. Sometimes a touch, smile eye to eye, and a large lump that cannot be swallowed can say volumes to another person. Perhaps one last drink between friends while/ if he still can. Words cant say what I just explained. Sorry to hear the bad news.
GA Flatwoods

[woodshed]

Just went through this with my dad a couple of years ago. As said before leave nothing unsaid. It will be as important to you as it is to him.
My dad and grandpa started me on this path of distilling and are a big reason I went legit. Dad always wanted to make likker for the masses so I am going to in honor of him. I think about and honor him every day. Woodshed is where he practiced his art. Sad he did not live long enough to see me make it happen but I know he's smiling up or down on me and occasionally feel his presence and a pat on the back.

[Truckinbutch]

Odin ,
The other posters have pretty much covered it . Just have as much time with him as his dignity will allow . I'm hurting for you and him . Last year I could count all my true lifelong friends on one hand . This year I've got one finger left over when I count . We are all on the same runaway train and can only try to slow it down a bit and enjoy the view . It is still going to crash .

[jholmz]

sorry to hear odin will be sayin a prayer for him

[Usge]

Odin,
I'm really sorry about your friend. That really sux.
Usge

[goose eye]

be who yall are an save a pint


so im tole

[drinkingdog]

Really sorry to hear about that Ogin. I know that sometimes we stay away because we don't know what to say or how to act. Instead of worrying about any of that and just be the same friend that we have always been and providing a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen with we can be more beneficial than we could imagine. It is truly sad that as we get older the more friends and family we see pass away. I guess that is why we need to make each day count.

[Bushman]

Hard for me to respond to this as I have been in your shoes and currently in your shoes. Last month I had brunch with friends and a week later she died of an aneurysm to the brain. Two friends currently fighting ALS, unfortunately we are at that age that it has become more of a common occurrence.