Morning Rumpies,
Carl, AKA fuzzy1954, AKA Mr. Lion, has been a true friend to many of us here in Rumpulations Awesome Honky Tonk and Cyber Whatever Bear Feels Like Calling It This Week Bar.
Carl reached out to Bear and me (and perhaps some others?) to let us know that his health has taken a major turn for the worse, and he is in hospice care. He also asked us to share whatever we thought was appropriate with all his pals here.
I wish I could say that Carl will recover, but that doesn’t seem to be what the doctors are saying. He said he has about 30 days. That hurts my heart because he has been the kind of friend who transcends Lush. He’s more than just a casual acquaintance, more than just an online pal. He’s one of a handful or so of people here who know what I look like, as I don’t share my face on Lush for a variety of reasons. He’s someone I trust and who trusts me. He knows things about my kids and grandkids, and he even persuaded me to share a pic of my youngest daughter’s wedding dress. LOL.
I don’t edit stories for people because I don’t have time, between modding and writing my own stuff. But I always have time for Carl’s stories. And he’s always had time for me.
Some years ago, I took a huge break from Lush, and when I came back, he was here, welcoming me, making me feel like I belonged.
6 years ago, I wrote a story for him on StoriesSpace called Thanks Pal. It didn’t win or even place, but it’s still one of my favorite clean stories, even if it’s sweet and silly, and the picture says more than the words.
I don’t know if he’ll be able to check messages, but he said he planned to try. I would think he’d enjoy hearing from his friends here. He’s been a constant fixture, sharing music vids, telling stories about his animals, relating tales of his love life, and just being an all-around great guy.
I may have to start rooting for the Chiefs now, along with the Lions and the Bucs. (Makes a mental note to check Amazon for a Chiefs shirt).
All drinks for the rest of the week are on my tab. MY actual tab, not Bear’s, not Carl’s, not even Ping’s. Let’s drink to the man who has been making us all smile for all these years on Lush and let him know how much he means while we still have the chance.
"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
Love you bunches, Carl.
Slainte.