Comments on: A Useful Reminder

By: SYJ

SYJ — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:42:28 +0000

Fatty,

I’ve been reading (and now and again, commenting upon) your blog for almost as long as you’ve been writing it. Like many others, I re-read these posts in response to Ms. Tesi’s email – they impacted me almost as viscerally as they did the day(s) that you first posted them.

This gut-wrenching feeling was compounded when, about a week later, I learned that my mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumor (likely metastatic; originating from her mouth) . Thus far, it’s just a single tumor; she’s in a tremendous facility, and will be undergoing surgery in a few days time. While I read (and re-read) your words, both their savagery and their beauty, I try to focus on the differences, instead of the similarities, and hope for the best, while simultaneously hoping to follow your (graceful, compassionate) example should that not be the case.

Thank you once again for sharing your journey – the highs and the lows. While I may be useless in the short term, I want you to know that I look forward to doing anything in my meager powers to help you bring your ‘Susan’ book into being.

SYJ

By: Kari

Kari — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 06:27:51 +0000

Fatty, after reading this I went back and read both articles mentioned in the letter you posted. I have had many rides like that as well and even after unfortunately more than a dozen of them still could not put it into anywhere near as well as you have. You did not seem to hold anything back or to sugar coat it amd yet it is somehow also strangely comforting, if only because someone else out there can empathize with that feeling. I commend you (again) on your work and your ability to write.

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:30:37 +0000

I came across your blog while doing research on cycling for a piece I was writing on types of exercise for senior citizens. I have been a loyal fan and daily reader since. In sharing your highest highs and your lowest lows, you have given me hope, inspiration and motivation to continue to get on my bike every day and encourage my senior or not so healthy friends the power of cycling. I smile every time I take my bike out of the garage, and when I tire, I just say “what would Fatty do?” He would push on, as he does in every aspect of his life… that’s what!

Thanks for all you do.

By: Barton

Barton — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:56:48 +0000

Having cheered this morning because one friend is getting her final dose of chemo, and cried this morning because another friend has decided she is going to enjoy her final months w/o the sickness/tiredness/etc brought on by treatment (she & her husband are now planning a ’round the world trip for her final months, not knowing how far they’ll get – if they get anywhere at all), the links to your previous posts made me a complete wreck. A snot monster. My eyes do look incredibly blue since they are so red now, tho.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to get through Fight Like Susan when it finally comes out. You may have to print a waterproof copy.

By: FujiPixie13

FujiPixie13 — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:51:26 +0000

Fatty, I thought of you, Susan, and your family yesterday as I rode in an organized ride raising funds for cancer. This year’s ride was over 400 riders and the amount of money that we raised was the most this ride has ever raised previously. I am truly proud to have raised funds and ridden for such a great cause. Yes, Cancer Sucks. Thank you, Fatty, for all of your words and your stories, both the funny ones and the important life lesson ones. We all love you & your family. Chapeau, my friend.

By: Trey

Trey — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 13:24:09 +0000

I was at work too when the tears started dropping. My work and cycling buddy asked if I read the post? No, I told him, I simply jabbed both eyes with my mechanical pencil.
So did I he said.
Win!

By: jacked

jacked — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 11:53:32 +0000

As always Fatty, thanks for what you do. It is good.

Also is there a Fatty gathering in Austin next week?

David

By: Rumpled/Jim

Rumpled/Jim — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 06:05:28 +0000

Until Betsy’s comment, I hadn’t seen that permission was given. I assume that of course it was. I was kinda waiting for Fatty’s generous reply.
Well, I’m off to read those entries, not sure if I have yet.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:05:08 +0000

Those posts were the dark and the light, dismal reality and eminence of hope. They made me a committed member of Team Fatty and strengthened my own resolve to help where I can. What I do as a fundraiser is easy compared to living through someone you love suffering at the hands of that wretched thing called cancer. Since then, I have lost one aunt another with a terminal diagnosis. LiveStrong has helped my cousin as she continues to be the caregiver, given information to both aunts and my grandfather after their diagnoses, and given me the opportunity to meet and ride with the fantastic people who prowl this site. I am forever grateful for it all, and especially grateful to you, Elden, for taking the bold step to write publicly.

By: GreatAunt

GreatAunt — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:21:27 +0000

I’m waiting for your Fight Like Susan book, Fatty… especially now that my husband and I are in the fight for his life. Get busy, man! Perhaps in the meantime I’ll dig through some of your archives.