 No regrets - the important things
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
On Mothers Day in 1983 a friend came to the door of my home and brought me the heart rending news that my Paramedic Partner of two years had been killed on his way home from work by a drunk driver.
Two weeks before that I had told him how much I appreciated him as a partner. I learned a painful but powerful lesson that I have never forgotten since and actively do to this day. Always tell those around you what they mean to you. Never put off saying anything because life is so uncertain.
Everyday since that day, before I go to work, I go and kiss my kids good bye and tell them I love them. Because I well know, there are no guarantees that they or I will return home that day.
I tell my wife and friends a like what I feel. I express gratitude to anyone who helps me or befriends me or encourages me. Some here have heard me express gratitude at risk of being sappy. But I will not have regrets in this life. I will do all that I can to have confidence in knowing that I won't ever have to say "I wished I would have..."
This last week I was presented with the opportunity to spend time with my Mom as she ended up in the hospital I work at. I took time while at work to go see her and sit with her, watch her sleep. She would boast to the nurses caring for her, this is my son Eddy, he's a Flight Paramedic! Well, that part made me squirm, but knowing I made her proud was worth it.
My Mom Died this morning. As much as I have seen death, as much as I thought I was prepared, it still hurts. But...I took the time, even when it seemed like there was plenty of time yet ahead, I took the time and once again was left with little to regret.
It's been said before this place is a lot like family. I certainly have some great friends here. I share this with you not for you to feel badly for me, but to encourage you to take the time with those around you, to say what you need to say, say what you want to say so that when life happens, you will have no regrets.
eddy
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
Our condolences and prayers go out to you from the Alexander family....Mark and Kimmy
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
Oh wow, I am sorry Eddy. Its a tough time, been there, done that. Hang in there, we will be thinking of you.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
I am sorry for your loss & hope that you will have many fond memories.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
Well said Eddy, the world would be a better place if more people felt that way. I found you a very pleasant man when we spoke. I dread that day as I am very close with my mom and she is getting older and I love her. I talk to her almost every day and always tell her I love her. I'm very sorry you lost her, I know personally that I will never be ready for that day.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610 |
We can all learn a lesson here - Thank you Eddy.
Know our thoughts are with you and your family.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500 |
Sorry to hear that Eddy. You'll be in our prayers....
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family Ed. And thank you for the great words of wisdom. You are greatly aprreciated by all of us here.
Soren
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 54
Member
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Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 54 |
Sorry to hear of Your loss Eddy. Remember the good times.
Tim
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
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Sorry to hear the bad news.You only have one mom.You miss her more than people think.Hang in there,may she rest in peace.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641 |
thanks for the message and my prayers are with you and your family..God Bless..Bob
life is good..I am retired..sold my America in 2008,bought a Rocket and sold that in 3/2013 and now own a new Triumph Bonneville T-100
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Well said Eddy and all too true. Condolences on the loss of your Mom.
No one ever knows what's around the next curve.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 334
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
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My prayers go out to you and your family.
A motorcycle is a down payment on accessory
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
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thank you for giving me inspiration, you are of course quite right!-
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012 |
Words of wisdom, our thoughts are with you.
Nilla & Johann
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Thinking of you and your family Ed, and I meant what I said mate anytime.
Ray(UK)
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Thanks for your wise words eddy,
"No regrets" is the most appropriate way to go through this life. My own father quickly passed away suddenly last August and the realization that I knew how proud he was of me and how I tried for so many years to live up to what he stood for makes it easier. Of course, that never slowed him down from teasing me.
I only mention my experiences, to relate to the wise words you have said much better. Cheers to you and your family eddy.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
Well said Eddy. Well said.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
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Thoughts from me too eddy.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
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I know you will continue to make her proud.
Lon
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
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Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom Ed. May she live long in your hearts for ever.
Erwin
05 America
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Great message Eddie. Thanks.
I'll keep you & her in my prayers.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Eddy, deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom.
You're a good man, a very touching post.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
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Eddy- my sympathy and prayers to you and your family. It's exactly as you say- "took the time....and was left with little to regret." What a gift you gave your Mother as you sat with her and loved her as she prepared to pass forward.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365 |
So sorry Eddie. I wish you all the friendship and support you need. My girlfriend, Anna, just lost her Mom also. She left us a week ago on Friday morning. Very sad.
My thoughts are with you my friend, hang in there, Paw.
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
We will keep a good thought for you and yours, Eddy.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
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Sorry about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2006
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Eddy You're right, no matter how much you think your prepared, it's hard to let them go. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Morituri Nolumus Mori
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
From your eloquent words it's easy to see your Mom brought you up right, she had good reason to be proud. You're a lucky man to have had such a gift; even so I offer my sincere condolences and I'll say a prayer for your Mom.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 977 Likes: 1
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 977 Likes: 1 |
Eddy, my mum has one philosophy about this that she has past on to me.... "never go to bed angry with someone you care about". No matter what the argument, no matter what the circumstances, get it settled and go to bed with good conscience. My thoughts and prayers are with your family...Gordon
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 786
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 786 |
Our condolences and prayers to you my friend, after my Dad passed away I too realized how much time I didn't spend with him. Since then i'm proud to say I call my mother every day and visit her at least once a week. It's nice to here others feel the same way about their parents!! We owe them Everything!!
05 TBA Mulberry/Silver, Thunder Bike pipes, K&N single Filter, 132 main Jet's, Snorkles Removed
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
Eddy,
So sorry you lost your mom. I'm sure she's in heaven watching over you and prouder than ever.
I lost my mom last Christmas eve and we miss her something terrible. It's never an easy thing to lose a parent. Both mine are gone now and the only solice I have is that my dad got the best Christmas present ever.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Sorry to hear this Eddy.
I'm sure your mom was mighty proud of you,
and that brought her a lot of comfort.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
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Sorry to hear of your loss Eddy.
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Sorry for your loss, Eddy.
-Scott
06 America 904
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
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My prayers are with you, my friend.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: No regrets
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
So sorry Eddy, you are a wise man.
Hang in there.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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No regrets - the important things
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
I want to thank each of you. As was said originally, I wasn't looking to make you feel bad for me but to encourage you to take a moment and say and do what is important to you, especially with those around you. Your all, the best.
eddy
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Re: No regrets - the important things
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
A life with no regrets is a life well lived. I'm sure your Mom's smiling down at you!
Al
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