The Offseason is Rough

[langer]

My condolences to B2B, Langer, and anyone else experiencing loss and heartache.
Several weeks ago, as the Steelers season was winding down against the Browns, my wife sat with her brother as he took his final breath. Just one of several gut punches we’ve endured recently.
Life, as wonderful as it is, has its way of humbling us and putting things in perspective. In today’s world, where it is so easy to hate someone simply based on opinion, we need a little empathy for one another. We never know when that 2x4 is going to smack us right in the chops!

One of the great benefits of getting older is that we are more aware of our eventual demise and all the thoughts that brings. Being young and dumb is a good thing...

We learn these lessons too late, or perhaps at the right time.

[Jobu]

My condolences to B2B, Langer, and anyone else experiencing loss and heartache.
Several weeks ago, as the Steelers season was winding down against the Browns, my wife sat with her brother as he took his final breath. Just one of several gut punches we’ve endured recently.
Life, as wonderful as it is, has its way of humbling us and putting things in perspective. In today’s world, where it is so easy to hate someone simply based on opinion, we need a little empathy for one another. We never know when that 2x4 is going to smack us right in the chops!

One of the great benefits of getting older is that we are more aware of our eventual demise and all the thoughts that brings. Being young and dumb is a good thing...

We learn these lessons too late, or perhaps at the right time.

So true. Coming to grips with one’s mortality is very humbling.

[Professor Half Wit]

So true. Coming to grips with one’s mortality is very humbling.

1. Plato's Phaedo. This is the philosophical account of Socrates' final day and death. The beginning mimics the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Two things are set up to be slayed: hatred of argumentation and fear of death.
2. Cicero's Tusculan Disputations, Book One (on dealing with one's own mortality)
3. Death & Mortality in Contemporary Philosophy. The third section of the book is on whether death is bad for the people who die.

There's so much profound writing on this out there. The Phaedo is so moving.

[COR-TEN]

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche was particularly helpful when my father was dying of lung cancer.

[franco>madden]

Condolences to all yinz, Cor, Jobu, Langer, B2B, everyone. Hopeful that God will enter into the fresh or distant darkness and bring some of the light to us all.

One of my absolute favorite songs is John Hiatt's Slow Turning. It's a warm and humerous slice of Americana, not "religious," yet emanates a timeless comfort and warm perspective to the mortality conundrum ... The bridge is golden:

Time is short and here's the damn thing about it, you're gonna die, gonna die for sure. You can learn to live with love or without it, but there ain't no cure --- Just a slow turning, from the inside out - A slow turning, but you come about (yeah)

https://youtu.be/7UrueP3aM40

[Jizz Mop]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

[Thrillsseeker]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

My condolences to you and yours and everyone else here dealing with loss.

[El Kabong]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

I've never had a dog, but I've had a few cats I've had to put to sleep and it is absolutely gut wrenching every time. I know how those ridiculous little furballs are like your children and really are members of the family. I also know the "I'm never going through this again" followed by the "aren't they cute? Let's get another one!" routine.

[955876]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

That’s a rough couple of months Jizz. Sorry that’s what you are dealing with.

A wise man once told me you can’t be prepared for life if you aren’t prepared for death.

Not sure I’ve quite figured that one out but I hear it said.

We had a lab that was 14 when we had to put her down. Very rough. My son was 1 when we got her so he didn’t know life without that dog.

She was blind at the end of her life. Had cancer and it was causing her eyes to fill with blood.

I couldn’t bring myself to have her last moments be strange smells while not being able to see.

So had the vet come to the house. We made a day for her. Steak and eggs for breakfast. Big fat ass fat pork chop I grilled up for her lunch.

She was able to pass in her own bed with her family all there. Certainly sucked for us still but is was peaceful for her. Just napping after some major chow. Her bed. Her smells.

We are dogless at present although my daughter has a dog we dog sit for quite often so dog grandparents. Get my fill. And she’s a specimen. Pit bull, German Shepherd, Bulldog mix. A handful to say the least.

Son still lives at home and he has a cat.

Will get a dog again someday. Don’t wanna buy it. That dog will find me….

[bradshaw2ben]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

I hear you all too well. Dogs have an innocence that make it hard to lose them—they represent something of your own innocence and childlike self you wish you could keep forever.

Yeah things look bleak now all over—but there’s still beauty and the worst will pass. Hopefully.

[langer]

After my Dad passed in 2020, COVID plus some other nursing home bullshit that went on in this state, my ex told me one day while I was grieving and trying to make sense of just happened that a small kitten was sleeping in her chicken coop. He wouldn't come up to her, he'd eat food in a bowl left for him but keep his distance. She has three cats, maybe that was it.

I went over one day and sat on her porch after we spotted him. He walked around checking me out, then coming closer, getting some food, then sniffing my shoe, then getting closer, then crawling up on my leg and perching himself there.

We talked about getting him to animal control, but I thought "why not" and brought him home with me. I've never had a cat, had no idea.

He took a shit in my bedspread the first night. After that, I kinda figured out what to do, and he helped himself as well, they just sorta know what to do.

I don't know what in the universe caused him to appear at that time, but he certainly helped me out.

It's still disturbing how he plays with mice while killing them.

And he's also a good Meowta mechanic. Who knew.

[El Kabong]

After my Dad passed in 2020, COVID plus some other nursing home bullshit that went on in this state, my ex told me one day while I was grieving and trying to make sense of just happened that a small kitten was sleeping in her chicken coop. He wouldn't come up to her, he'd eat food in a bowl left for him but keep his distance. She has three cats, maybe that was it.

I went over one day and sat on her porch after we spotted him. He walked around checking me out, then coming closer, getting some food, then sniffing my shoe, then getting closer, then crawling up on my leg and perching himself there.

We talked about getting him to animal control, but I thought "why not" and brought him home with me. I've never had a cat, had no idea.

He took a shit in my bedspread the first night. After that, I kinda figured out what to do, and he helped himself as well, they just sorta know what to do.

I don't know what in the universe caused him to appear at that time, but he certainly helped me out.

It's still disturbing how he plays with mice while killing them.

And he's also a good Meowta mechanic. Who knew.

Nice story and funny picture.

[Havoc]

Let’s be kind to each other and remember we’re all happier and brotherly when the team is good.

I start with myself. I apologize for being grumpy or curt with everyone. Having a rough stretch, including losing a friend whose mental health episode resulted in him being shot and killed by the cops. Third friend and relative this week I’ve lost. Just sucks in all kinds of ways, especially for his two beautiful kids.

Just saying: we’re all on the same team and someone disagreeing with you about sports is what makes this board go ‘round, not a reason to attack them.

Take care of yourselves and try to enjoy the time we have on this messed up orb.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, B2B. Thanks for sharing.

I lost my mom during the summer of 2022. The world changed for me on that day.

As for the board...

Just saying: we’re all on the same team and someone disagreeing with you about sports is what makes this board go ‘round, not a reason to attack them.

100% true.

Can't thank you enough for everything you do here!

[bradshaw2ben]

Thanks @Havoc and sorry for your loss—that definitely has a way of changing everything.

[Deebo]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

Fuck those people who think "it's just a dog"

I have told my bosses that when Crosby passes away, I will be taking a few days off to deal with it. She was always around when I went through a horrible breakup. My kids absolutely adore her. When she passes, it will definitely leave a hole in this family. I hate even thinking or typing about when that day comes.

Deal with this on your terms and anyone else who doesn't understand can get bent

[Professor Half Wit]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

Fuck those people who think "it's just a dog"

I have told my bosses that when Crosby passes away, I will be taking a few days off to deal with it. She was always around when I went through a horrible breakup. My kids absolutely adore her. When she passes, it will definitely leave a hole in this family. I hate even thinking or typing about when that day comes.

Deal with this on your terms and anyone else who doesn't understand can get bent

And fuck dog people who think “it’s just a cat, it’s not like losing a dog.”

[El Kabong]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

Fuck those people who think "it's just a dog"

I have told my bosses that when Crosby passes away, I will be taking a few days off to deal with it. She was always around when I went through a horrible breakup. My kids absolutely adore her. When she passes, it will definitely leave a hole in this family. I hate even thinking or typing about when that day comes.

Deal with this on your terms and anyone else who doesn't understand can get bent

And fuck dog people who think “it’s just a cat, it’s not like losing a dog.”

+1

[Deebo]

A few days before Christmas we put our 13 1/2 year old Pomeranian down. I’ve lost both parents, I know loss all too well and this was somehow harder. She was our third child. My wife and I are still suffering from her loss.

Some people will say “man, it’s a dog. Pull yourself together.”

Nope, this wasn’t just a dog. Our lives revolved around her. She went everywhere w us and our days were spent asking “where should we take Paris today?”

We have two adult children, and Paris to us was our 3rd child. My first dog ever. Everything I read and heard, it was best to be with your pet when you put them down. So we did that. It was incredibly traumatizing and I wouldn’t change it but I can barely type this without crying. I’ll never forget that moment. Shortly after I told my wife I’ll never get another dog. I don’t want to experience that pain and grief again. But as it turns out, we appear to be dog people and are starting to look.

In January we went down to FL to visit w my father-in-law. He’s been sick for a while but was doing well. A few days ago he passed in his sleep. Drove my wife to the airport today and shes down there now w her sister helping to plan the service. I fly down Monday w my kids.

Anyway, this is a pretty depressing post and thread, but we all suffer loss.

And as far as thinking about one’s mortality….at 58 and having a good report colonoscopy last Monday I can’t help but think about the fact I’m in the 3rd or probably 4th quarter of my life.

It’s beyond humbling to see friends and family pass and no longer be in your life.

Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with.

Fuck those people who think "it's just a dog"

I have told my bosses that when Crosby passes away, I will be taking a few days off to deal with it. She was always around when I went through a horrible breakup. My kids absolutely adore her. When she passes, it will definitely leave a hole in this family. I hate even thinking or typing about when that day comes.

Deal with this on your terms and anyone else who doesn't understand can get bent

And fuck dog people who think “it’s just a cat, it’s not like losing a dog.”

I knew you were a cat person

[Jizz Mop]

To those who responded thanks

In West Palm Beach about to fly home from father-in-law’s funeral

Need a stretch of time with just normalcy

[Professor Half Wit]

Fuck those people who think "it's just a dog"

I have told my bosses that when Crosby passes away, I will be taking a few days off to deal with it. She was always around when I went through a horrible breakup. My kids absolutely adore her. When she passes, it will definitely leave a hole in this family. I hate even thinking or typing about when that day comes.

Deal with this on your terms and anyone else who doesn't understand can get bent

And fuck dog people who think “it’s just a cat, it’s not like losing a dog.”

I knew you were a cat person

All. The. Way.

[Professor Half Wit]

To those who responded thanks

In West Palm Beach about to fly home from father-in-law’s funeral

Need a stretch of time with just normalcy

For what it's worth, I don't think any of this is Karma for posting things on a message board about football.

[MJG75]

To those who responded thanks

In West Palm Beach about to fly home from father-in-law’s funeral

Need a stretch of time with just normalcy

Very sorry to hear of your recent losses, brother. Take good care, and bless you and your loved one.

[langer]

Sorry for your losses.

"Anyway, we all have something we are dealing with. Strangers I meet in coffee shops are harboring things I can’t imagine. So I find myself trying my hardest to be more tolerant and patient of people because I don’t know what they’re dealing with."

That's the truth.

Yet I still know dark narcissists who don't give a shit about anybody but themselves, even in their 50s.

A co-worker's son worked on antennas, he had an accident. All along I thought he was just banged up. Saw him over the weekend and he definitely had a major TBI. My co-worker is Christian (I will apologize to the Communist heathens for him, he forgives you) and still has a positive outlook and you'd never know how his life changed.