Friends

I know. It’s corny. But it was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the enormous volume of responses that I’ve received since launching the blog. Call me a geek – I’m OK with that.

What a great couple of weeks it’s been. I had planned a post about friends to come out later, but I have to share now how much your messages mean to me. A lot of tears have been shed over the last 10 days, but most have been tears of joy and happiness while reading your comments and taking a walk through the memories.

I’d like to take a moment to just share some thoughts and maybe provide a little context. As you read through these comments, please remember I’m 63 and have worn many different hats over the years. The response from my high school classmates was very impressive considering I moved away just after graduation and haven’t seen most of them in 45 years. Through all of those years, I was known as “Greg.” The highest number of posts came from 20+ years in the bar business, thus the rise of my nickname “Coach.” The newest entries, and my return to “Greg” came from my one of my many failed retirements (of which there have been 8), riding horses, becoming a photographer, teaching America’s youth, or my return to faith and the wonderful friends I’ve met through church. Most people have fonder memories of me than I have of myself. Below are just a few of the hundreds of responses (literally) that I received on Facebook following the announcement:

“I’m sorry…. I just can’t reconcile the guy I used to violently throw other guys from bars with….. becoming a grammar school teacher. Did I read that wrong??? This is a lot to digest Coach.” – This came from a part-time doorman and full-time friend. I had to respond that even though there is a large age difference, the mental acumen of my clientele didn’t change and the students weigh a lot less.

“You had the best parties, sweetly supervised by your mom. I recall the summers in Jr. high school and we played spin the bottle at your house and I was terrified and exhilarated! We listened to Elton John and I recall everyone singing along to “Don’t let the Sun go down on me.” Such a vivid, innocent and beautiful memory.” – A message from one of the girls in school that I felt lucky enough to have at my party. Unfortunately, I don’t recall any of those spins landing on me. This could have been a sign that I was destined to be in the entertainment business…and I can pass up the song suggestion:

“Coach, I read your blog with tears streaming down my face. Your story and your prayers touched me. May God bless you and answer your prayers. Thanks for sharing. Keeping you and Amy in my prayers.” – Tears were never the intent of the blog for you or me, but plenty have flowed over the last couple of weeks. Please no more tears for me though. I’m living my best life and plan on doing it for some time to come.

“You have mass amounts of prayers coming from us.  We love you SO much!” – So many prayers have come our way that I just can’t keep track of them all. Each and every one is appreciated and stored in my heart. As for the LOVE, I’m hoping to return it to you tenfold.

“I know you’ll fight this like the champion that you are!” – From a huge Notre Dame fan, of course. Wishing them luck tonight!

“You both are surrounded by positivity and good karma – we love u and are with you every step of the way!’ – Good karma is awesome. Growing up, we always said ‘karma was a bitch’ so I guess good karma can really kick some butt. I’ll take it.

“You are a strong soul always there for everyone! Let us know how can we can help! Miss ya!” – My strength comes from all of you that I have surrounded myself with through the years, Amy, the best partner I could ever ask for and far more than I deserve, and faith that prayers will be answered.

“Biggest hugs to you Coach.” – I’ve never been big on the virtual hug thing, but man was I wrong! As I read through the responses, I felt each and every one, remembering what a hug felt like in person.

“I admire your courage writing this blog. I will certainly follow and pray for strength for you and Amy.” – One of my favorite sayings from John Wayne is: “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” Well, I am scared to death but accepting of what tomorrow may bring. And I’m not wasting today because of what will come.

“Prayers and positive vibes, Coach.” – I love the vibes. It’s what you’re giving to me and hopefully I can share back with you.

“Coach, I’m sending you and Amy both a giant hug. I have no doubt you will continue to live the most full life. I’ll be following right along with you.” – All I can say to this is AMEN. Today is a great day and I’m sure tomorrow will be too. I wish for all of you to have as great a life as I’ve had and the future will fill up our lives with great memories.

“Coach – you’re one of the strongest men I know. Prayers for you on this journey and good luck buddy. I will follow along the blog and let me know if there is anything I can do.” – I’m not always sure being strong is such a good thing, but there is a time and a place. Through all of the encouragement, I do find myself strong now. All we ask of all our friends is continued prayers, best wishes, good vibes, hugs….and whatever else you can come up with.

“Thank you for the inspiration and message. Your blog and videos are great reminders to live in the moments we have. God bless you and your Amy.” – God has blessed Amy and me, and I have complete faith that he will continue to do so.

“Sending strength and energy.” – Now, the energy is something I can definitely use. This has been a lot to take in.

“Always a fighter and an inspiration! Lots of prayers your way Greg.” – I just have to do what I do best. I haven’t lost a fight yet and don’t plan to start now.

“My thoughts and prayers will be with you daily Greg. My father died from ALS after a valiant fight. As a physician, it was beyond painful to watch the progression of the disease knowing there was nothing I could do to treat it. It’s hard to believe that was 30 years ago and there is still no real treatment or cure. Keep fighting the best you can.” – This is from a high school classmate that has seen first hand what Lou Gehrig’s disease looks like. This is also the main reason I write, so that others can see that there is still joy to be seen in this world, no matter the circumstances.

“If there’s anyone with the perseverance to make lemonade out of lemons, it’s you. Very sorry to hear this, but I hope you find some peace in helping others.” – I like lemonade and I’m not afraid to add a little vodka every now and then so ….party at our house!

“Sending light, love and hope for the longest lasting health and making lots of fabulous memories.” – YES!

“Even with a shattering diagnosis, you inspire hope and positivity. You remain remarkable. Our prayers for you and your family will continue.” – If I can continue to make people feel this way, the goal will be achieved and the journey worth every step.

“Shocked! Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you and Amy.” – Shocked is an appropriate word along with baffling, which is what I plan to continue doing to doctors.

“I’m really sorry my friend. I’ve always felt that you are one of the good people in this world. I miss you and I will definitely be praying for you.” – I’ve not always been one of the good people. Hopefully I can make up for a few of those less-than-stellar times through these writings.

“Love you Coach ! We’re at Durkin’s in my dreams.“ – As long as those are good dreams and not nightmares.

“I am sending you and Amy oodles of love and support. And I will be following your blog avidly to muse, laugh and cry with you on this challenging journey. If anyone has this, it’s you.” – I’m not sure how much “oodles” is but it sounds like a lot. I’ll take it, but save some for others as well.

“Sending my love and prayers to you and Amy, Coach. Just know you’ve touched a lot of lives and will be here following you and supporting you through this time.” – WOW!

“STAY STRONG COACH!!!” – It’s the only way I know how to be.

“So sorry to see this. You were always great to me and all my buddies back in the durkins days. Even when we didn’t deserve it. I’ve always appreciated that. Wishing you the best in your journey ahead.” – To be honest, we used to teach the staff “charge ’em till you like ’em,” but the test of time made great customers and friends (as well as bought me a few Harleys).

“Sending you and Amy my love while you navigate this. If I know anything after my time at Durkins and the lifelong friends I made there it’s that you build communities with a foundation of laughter and love. Sharing your experience will continue to bring people together.” – First stage of the journey: accomplished.

* * * * * * * * * * *

One thing that I have learned is that our every action, our every word, our every smile, changes the world, for better or for worse. For the times that I failed to share a smile with you or was unable to find the right words, please forgive me. Moving forward, I pray that I can be a positive force in your lives and that you will pass that along to all those you cross paths with. I’ve become a big believer in the theory called, “The Butterfly Effect.” If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s worth the Google.

Here is a final thought for today, along with one of my favorite songs about you, my friends:

It used to be thought that the events that changed the world were things like big bombs, maniac politicians, huge earthquakes, or vast population movements, but it has now been realized that this is a very old-fashioned view held by people totally out of touch with modern thought. The things that really change the world, according to Chaos theory, are the tiny things. A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian jungle, and subsequently a storm ravages half of Europe. – From Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Practchett

Until next time…

Take care and God bless,

Coach