Tuesday August 19, 2008
The online journalling world lost a good friend today. Doug over in Denver has passed on. I counted him a good friend, though we were a world apart. He leaves a loving family and many, many friends behind, all of us feeling somehow that no matter the distance a momentary flutter was felt on our horizons.
Sad times.
Here the first tentative sign of our house move appeared in the delivery of a pack of cardboard boxes intended, so soon as the starting gun fires, to take our books, CDs and DVDs. They are sitting in a corner of the dining room where, so Graham says, our indoor packing operation is to begin. He has a picture of it in his mind, and licks his lips in anticipation of tacking the job. Me, I want to hide.
The smell of the cardboard, the roar of the tape
Then, in Sainsbury’s car park, I spotted an elderly dog with his head poked out of the window of a car. He was waiting for his dad to come back, I suspect, and had over a good few years perfected the art of looking so sad you feel an urgent need to hug him. I didn’t, of course. Not my job. I did however give him an encouraging word.
“I know, old chap. It’s hell waiting for your man to come back when he’s away and you’re on your own. Fear not, though. He’ll come back for you soon enough.”
And sure enough, as we drove away, his master appeared and he was translated instantly into an ecstasy of rump-wagging, tail-waving dogginess. Dad had come back.
Waiting
Oh, I am sad to hear of Doug.
I’m so sorry about Doug. He gave me a few good tips, along the way.
I am glad Doug can now rest even though indeed a hole is left.
Oooh, what sad news, I so enjoyed reading his comments
My thoughts are with his loved ones, Doug seemed like a very nice gentleman, and will be missed.
I feel very sad. Doug and I had a lot in common, though we’re almost a generation apart in age. He was “old Colorado” like my ranching relatives. They’ve all passed, and now he’s gone. Oh, Dear! Poor Heather.
Steady as she goes, John. Good fortune on the rustle and bustle of packing. I can just see Graham rubbing his hands together in glee.
I followed “Denver Doug” for years and appreciated his wit and wisdom and love of life. His kind won’t come again I fear.
One of the Good People, our Doug was. How fortunate we are to have had him with us.
Thanks, John.
I remember Denver Doug’s comments. He was part of the extended family or community or whatever one may call it. He’ll be missed indeed.
Although I didn’t know him or had never read him, it’s always sad when a cyber friend passes. And what a cutie patootie sticking his nose out the window. Beau & Daisy spend plenty of time practicing those looks also when they’re waiting in the truck for Ole. But don’t let anyone come to close to THEIR truck or they sound off loud and clear. It’s THEIR truck, they just allow Ole to drive it.
I’m really sorry to hear about Doug too. One of our family/community as Brigitte says. Hugs for John, and all who were close to him.
Oh, that’s troublesome news indeed. It seems like the whole world is collapsing, one person at a time. My sympathies go out to the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Doug too, John. I came here first tonight before tackling my inbox.
He was a fine person and great cyber friend.
Happy trails, my friend.
And happy packing to you too, John.
So many of us are going to miss Doug.
If it’s the same Doug I remember from more than a few years ago, that man had an energy that spoke volumes about how to really SEE life.
A sad passing.
Thanks for giving that old and good dog a few kind words. He has time to fill and a kind word probably brings a wag.
I do believe Doug was a one of a kind original. Always upbeat, caring… he’s good people.
Thanks for telling us about Doug. And thanks for sharing the good moments and full color spines of Pratchett….ours have all faded to blue and white.
I had the pleasure of meeting Doug back in ’05. What a brave spirit in that poor unhappy body. But he never gave up, was always cheerful, always kept his chin up & his heart happy. Poor Heather! She;ll have the biggest hole of all!
I didn’t regularly read Doug’s journal, but I did read some of his posts. He’ll be missed. Strength to his wife Heather.