Hi, all:
I have been gone for a fair piece of time. One of my sons was having some serious problems with depression due in part to a marriage ending. He tried very hard to get back but did not make it. We had his memorial this last Sunday. I am writing mostly because it seems to help a little trying to do some normal things that I did before all this started and I had just joined here a bit before and found it enjoyable. One of his 'feel good' projects was restoring a 76 Yamaha RD400 that my best friend (his namesake and GodFather) had used for roadracing in the late 70s and early 80s till he died 25 years ago. NOw I have two Daves to remember every day.

Mostly I am concerned with making sure the rest of the family is okay. He was very close to my oldest son so I am spending time with him right now. I still have a bout 50 cards I haven't read you just because I can only cry so long and then have to take a break. I watched my dad go through this about ten years ago when my littlest brother died at 42 of a heart attack so I know it gets better but I am not sure what that will feel like.

Bedause of this situation I have not gotten around to getting my carbs rebuilt so I haven't even ridden two whelers once this year yet. I tried t orebuild them yesterday but I could not keep the thought that I should be working on Dave's bike out so I had to stop and find a distraction. I brought my carbs with me and have the kits and the Randak's DVD so Wayne (my oldest) and I are going to try to do this together so I can at least ride my tears dry.

If you haven't hugged your children lately you are an idiot.

You lguys take care, I will be posting as I can with suggestions where helpful and questions when I get stuck.

_________________
Rob T
If the wife knew how many bikes I actually have I would be living alone...here are the ones she knows about.
73 Suzuki T500
73 Honda CB750K
76 Honda CB750F
73 Honda CB350F
Current Project
79 GL1000 New To Me Stock W/Vetter V & 3 bags
And now a 78 GL that may become naked

Very sorry to hear about your loss. It is a horrible thing to loose a child. I think working on bikes is an excellent way to distract yourself. When you need to take a break and cry do so, not a damn thing wrong with that. But keep at it when you can. Loosing someone close to you is a process and if you just sit and dwell on it constantly without distraction you may find yourself fighting depression. Try to remember some of the good times and force a smile and an occasional laugh and push on. Thoughts are with you.

_________________
"I prefer the abstract concept of incoherence in the face of great feeling to beautiful, full sentences that convey little emotion." DDL
1978/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Wiskerfish said it well. Just try to focus and hold the good times that you had with your son in your heart. Ask for God's healing. God bless you.

_________________
OhioBill

I now have GPS so I no longer get lost, just confused.

1975 Blue/ Green (Now Black) My main ride
1975 Red Gone to my son! (Burned Feb 2013, hope to rebuild if possible)
1979 Black (to be restored)
1979 Blue (Sold)
1978 Black (back in the fold)
1993 blue 1500 Sold

Nothing I can say about your horrific loss will help you. I'm not capable of doing that so I won't try. However, I will say this: Welcome back. We're glad you're here and we hope to hear from you often about your project. Stay busy and (I know this sounds lame) exercise. Nothing helps the mind and body more than movement. You have a long row to hoe. May peace be with you on your journey.

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Placerville - 1976 Yellow

Survivor - BOTM - May 2011

New and Confused ?
Push the Big Button

such a heartbreaking loss... my thoughts are with you

_________________
-Rodger-
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
78 wing we have had since.... well.... 78, been in nearly every state, 76 Ltd "cookies bike" up and running, still needs some work, 79 project, back in pieces while I move, '86 1200 (Beth's) with motrvation sidecar, 05 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's). I guess you can say we have MBS
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=27685
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=35846

+1

hoganJr

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1977 rolling restoration and freedom machine

Thanks for all the wishes. The only thing I love more than my family are my bikes. I am trying to dive in but stil find it hard so one of my sons and I are going to finish my Son Dave's bike. It wil be hard at first but when it is done he will have a bike he will love forever and remember Dave every time he rides and everytime his wife whines about that damn bike in the way of her car.

Thanks again

_________________
Rob T
If the wife knew how many bikes I actually have I would be living alone...here are the ones she knows about.
73 Suzuki T500
73 Honda CB750K
76 Honda CB750F
73 Honda CB350F
Current Project
79 GL1000 New To Me Stock W/Vetter V & 3 bags
And now a 78 GL that may become naked

A friend at work went through something very similar about three weeks ago. Very sad. Sorry for your loss.

_________________
Al

1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter'
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/ritalz

+ on everything said here. If you need anything let me know.

_________________
Matalex

Current Bikes:
1975 GL 1000 Bobber
1979 GL 1000 Full Vetter
1977 GL1000 Resto project
GL1100 Drag Bike Project

I am so sorry for your loss. I agree that wrenching is the best therapy. One of my best friends passed away early in college, and his classic Mercedes project was completed by his father; It is a true labor of love and a fitting memorial.

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1980 CX500C, All around road warrior
1975 TS125 (Sold), old smoker
1985 Camaro Berlinetta, Megasquirted V8 swap (sold)
2002 WRX, Daily fun (Sold)
2012 Golf TDI, fast and frugal oil burner
1977 naked GL1000, Highway cruiser
1981 GL1100 14,000 (reconditioned and sold)
1981 GL1100 50,000 miles (in pieces)
1981 CM400C beginner bike
1980 CB750C

All the words written and spoken will never stop the pain of your loss, but as you know time will make the loss less painful. You also know that you can count on your fellow ngw club members for support and encouragememt. Keep wrenching and sit down for some conversation whenever you like.

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Terry
1976 GL1000

Being here with my oldest while he needed me has been agreat help and I am finding that just getting the oomph to finally post here and let you guys know why I was absent has been a help. It doesn't hurt les but I was able to get my carbs cleaned upo with my son's help and only two distraction brakes. Tomorrow they will be assembled and when I go back home Friday or Saturday they will be on the bike and it will Vrooooom again. Thanks again for all the works of hope and encouragement.

Ride safe.

_________________
Rob T
If the wife knew how many bikes I actually have I would be living alone...here are the ones she knows about.
73 Suzuki T500
73 Honda CB750K
76 Honda CB750F
73 Honda CB350F
Current Project
79 GL1000 New To Me Stock W/Vetter V & 3 bags
And now a 78 GL that may become naked

My condolenses for your loss. Don't be afraid to get some help. Working on bikes can help, but sometimes we need professional help to get things sorted out.

_________________
83 GL 1100 bagger mongrel
ALL WE WANT TO DO IS DRINK OUR ESPRESSO, RIDE OUR MACHINES, AND NOT BE HASSLED BY THE MAN
Owning a motorcycle is not a matter of life or death. It's much more important than that.
"Don't sweat the little things, guys, take care and appreciate all that you have around you!" - Fewman

Monowi, NE
My Big Summer Adventure 2010
LTD Migration

I will never be afraid to seek the pros help. I went through nearly this when my best friend in the world died 26 years ago. I did not think I was doing too good about 9 months later yet so I went to the shrink. It did help. Also, I have four other children who need my help right now along with even more grandkids. Helping them cope and telling them stories of Dave really helps alot. I also have a great wife who loved him as a son and we cry together and celebrate his memories together. Because I take some meds for pain that are actually anti-depressants and a Vet I have to see a shrink at the VA hopital 4 times a year fecause of thier policy that says only mental health can subscribe drugs related to that field. So, even though I take them for the side effect of pain relief I get the benefit of the main purpose. I did, by the way, call and go in to see him the day after Dave died. I miss Dave and my life will never be the same but I love my other kids, my wife and grandkids along with my brother, sister and many other family and friends to take chances. I am looking forward to enjoying life again and this forum is more help that I thought it would be. Just talking about it and partaking in other conversations or readoing other members tech tips or woes and of course all the stories was great before, it is helpful now and it will be great again. Have a great day.

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Rob T
If the wife knew how many bikes I actually have I would be living alone...here are the ones she knows about.
73 Suzuki T500
73 Honda CB750K
76 Honda CB750F
73 Honda CB350F
Current Project
79 GL1000 New To Me Stock W/Vetter V & 3 bags
And now a 78 GL that may become naked

Sounds to me like you have a very good perspective on things. Focus on the Family you have and honor his memories. It is about all any of us can do.

_________________
"I prefer the abstract concept of incoherence in the face of great feeling to beautiful, full sentences that convey little emotion." DDL
1978/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!