Death, On-Line Dating, Biking

[Nanci]

I feel kind of weird today. I read, on the local cycling club's webpage, of the death of a local guy who was big-time into the triathlon and MTB scene. He would attend every event, and take a million photos, and video, and put it on his extensive website, which I would say is the best resource for trail info in Florida.

I first met him on Love at AOL, back in my post-breakup trying to replace Old BF days. Four or five years ago? It seemed like we had a lot of interests in common- at least athletic-wise. I was pretty new to MTB-ing, maybe only into it a year or so. We went on a preliminary date, spaghetti dinner, I guess to see if we were remotely compatible. It wasn't love at first sight, but he seemed like a decent, if intense, guy. Next date, a few days later, was a MTB ride, 20 miles or so, the day after I had done my longest long run in training for a marathon. I pretty much sucked on the bike ride, but still had a good time. Later, we ate dinner at some restaurant I have forgotten, but remember keenly his comment about how sweet tea (necter of the gods, found only in limited areas in the South, not remotely the same as ice tea with sugar in it) made people fat. I obviously indulged too much, and was never called back for a third date. And have felt guilty, consuming every glass of sweet tea ever since, till now I don't drink it at all.

Still, we maintained a nodding acquaintance, seeing each other at local events and bike trails.

I wonder what happened, why a seemingly-healthy guy in his 40's, or maybe 50's, would just die. I wonder if it was self-induced. About a month ago, his father was in the news, holding himself hostage while the elementary school across the street went into lock down, because apparently his son wanted to put him away in an old folks home, and he didn't want to go. I wonder if that had anything to do with it. I hope not. I hope he didn't kill himself. What a lonely thing to do.

Ok, that was just bothering me tonight. I thought about it a lot during my ride. I wish I knew the answers.

Nanci

[sydney_b]

A friend of my middle schooler just lost his dad last week for no apparent reason and they are awaiting autopsy results. A friend of the widow told me that the widow is most upset because no one seems to know why and it disturbs us most when it doesn't seem to be a person's time to go.

Your acquaintance sounds like he had a few hang-ups tho so maybe he was lonely. Or, maybe he simply had a heart malfunction. Nonetheless, sorry to hear of the loss. I know that I miss and wonder about the people I see every morning on my commute even tho I never talk to them beyond "good morning." If I don't see them one day, I keep a look out on subsequent days.

/s

[Lise]

Hi, Nanci,

I am sorry to hear of the sad loss for your community. You remind me to treat people with gentleness today. I don't know what sorrows or fears are driving them. Take care of yourself, Lise