Saddened by Death of Friend with MS

[Virginia]

I guess I just need to say this to someone, and really don't know who would understand. My former Dentist and friend died Sunday. He had MS and was not diagnosed until fairly late in life - either late fifties or maybe even early sixties, but then seemed to progress rather swiftly, and though he was 78 years old he really had not had a good quality of life in some years.

I stayed with his practice when he left and was in the office last Thursday and was told that he was not doing well. I was glad to hear his mind was still sharp, but he really has been basically bedridden for about a year and a half. He had developed some other problems, but really it was mostly the MS.

I guess it just brought back so many memories for me. When my husband and I came back here to live in about 1973 he found this Dentist and I remember so well the day he came home and said I have found you a beard wearing, saxophone playing Dentist and you are going to love him. Well, I did. He asked me at one time to come and work for him, but I had accepted another job. Later when my husband died he seemed to have the right words to say. And then after that he was diagnosed with MS and before progressing too badly he was instrumental in bringing some jazz concerts to our city with the proceeds to benefit MS. I attended these concerts for several years never dreaming that I too had this disease.

I hope this does not make anyone else feel bad, but I just didn't have anyone that I felt would understand how I feel about someone I had felt close to dying with this disease. It isn't just the dying I guess, I think it is a lot about the quality of life. Somehow it has just depressed me and I needed to get it out.:(

Thanks to those of you who read and understand.

Virginia

[agate]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend and dentist. He must have been a remarkable person.

I've lost a couple of friends and acquaintances who had MS also. It really flattens you out when you learn that somebody you knew who had MS has died.

No, your post didn't depress me. In fact, it's comforting to know that others have had this experience.

[cricket52]

Virginia, I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. Sounds like he had a lot of courage. :(

[0357]

I'm sorry for your lose of your friend.

Yes, I understand what you're feeling. The first person who took me under their wing when I was first diagnosed with MS died about a decade later.

It was hard for them; his wife worked and they had a teenage son. I was the only friend or co-worker that kept in touch with him weekly till the end. I miss him too for he was and wonderful man and friend.

With deepest sympathy...

[Linda C]

We do understand.
Blessings,
Linda

[Virginia]

Thanks Agate, Cricket, Linda for letting me vent these feelings.

He was a special person and I felt his obituary summed him up really well when it said "he was one of a kind, a positive person possessing a great wit, the ability to accept anyone no matter what the circumstances, and enjoying the party by always having a good time".

Thanks again,
Virginia

[UNDX Craig]

Dearest Virginia,

You have my sincerest sympathy in the passing of your Dentist and friend. He sounds as if he lived life to the fullest and on his terms. How many Dentist do you see who sport a beard AND play Jazz on their Sax? Then to give all of those concerts for the public to raise awareness and contributions to help fight MS. No small task. But a great legacy.

I understand your pain. Remember all of the good times with him and at all of his concerts that he presented. You may want to contact your local chapter of the NMSS and see if they would be interested in providing a Memorial Plack to his wife in their appreciation and setting up a memorial MS fund. Just some ideas.

Thank you for coming here and sharing your emotions and the story. I really appreciate it.

Peace be with you.

[renee]

A bearded sax-playing dentist.
My kind of guy.

You honor the man by telling us about him.
Thank you.

[mmcc53]

I'm sorry about the loss of your friend.

I also had a friend die from MS complications a few years ago.

[Abby2006]

Sorry to hear of your friend

Abby

[*Joy*]

Virginia,

One thing that I've noticed about life is that time passes so quickly, yet grief tends to linger on.

I can only speak for myself but I'm glad you shared this wonderful man's life with us. I'm enriched by it. And if it helps in any small way, I'll be thinking of you in your sadness.

[SalpalSally]

I understand Virginia, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Renee is right...You honor him in your telling us about him.

((((((Virginia))))))

[Virginia]

Thanks everyone for being so kind in your replies. It has helped to have the support from all of you, more than anyone, because I think that most of you can relate to the situation.

Thanks for being there. Craig did come up with a good idea about calling the MSSociety regarding a plaque or something for his wife. We'll see what happens there.

Thanks to all:)
Virginia