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My Irish dad
Dad winning some race somewhere
I’ve been called by various people the joker of the cycling industry, described as “someone who loves the sport enough to laugh at it” and I often enjoy a joke at my own expense. I’ve also been known to get into fights, yell at people, drink more than what is socially acceptable and be too competitive. For good or bad all of these traits I get from my Irish dad. He was the original, “Shit my dad says” saying the most outrageous things to get a rise out of people. My British mom passed on more sensible genes and better ears than the ones dad has protruding from his head.
Last month, just before I was about to go live on my Versus Tour de France chat, my mom called. She immediately got to the point, “Your dad has terminal lung cancer and has months to live.” Needless to say I was a little shocked.
Dad had some health issues earlier this year but nothing that suggested cancer. He is a non-smoker and an ex-pro bike racer. Now he is sitting in a chair with cancer that has taken over his lung, kidney, and liver. It has also worked it’s way into his bones causing a lot of pain and he’s taking the most morphine that you can legally have. My younger brother and sister are in England now and I join them tomorrow to help out as much as I can. As the time nears for the trip the harder it is to realize that this will be the last time I will see him alive.
My mom said dad is drawing some strength from America’s seven time Tour de France champion saying, “Lance Armstrong beat this so I can too.” He is as comfortable as he can be watching past editions of the Tour de France on the DVD player. “He’ll enjoy watching them with you.”
Right now I have no great insight into what is going on – just trying to remember all the times we had together. He told great stories of bike racing, fights and other random stories. I’ve put together a photo album for him showing him Greenville, South Carolina. One regret I do have is that he’ll never see Greenville – I think he would have liked it.
I’m not sure how much I’ll be off the radar but I’ll continue to post when or if the mood strikes.
All my best. My prayers to you, your Dad and your family. I’ll miss you but will also be here when you get back.Your Pal, Bill Hue
Neil, our prayers are with your dad and your family. Livestrong…
Neil, enjoy the days with your Dad and hold him close.
Thoughts are with you Neil. You’re doing the right thing
Hey Niel…good on you Mate. I was in your Sidi’s 6 years ago except my dear Dad passed away suddenly in the UK. This is one of the hardest climbs in our life…we never get over it we find a special place in our Hearts to keep them with us for ever.
Keep us updated when you can…we will be thinking of you and your Family.
Oh neal, I am so sorry to hear that! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers…. Livestrong!
Best to you and your family, Neal.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your father’s pain can be controlled and that you get to spend some quality time with him.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. It is a hard time, I’ve been there. There will be laughter and smiles, even through the tears. His children are his greatest legacy: each of you will carry him with you forever in your hearts and thoughts. Good Thoughts to all of you as you travel this difficult path.
A new blog posted – this is why I’m dropping off the radar for awhile. http://neilbrowne.com/2010/08/my-irish-d…
@neilroad Good luck, man. We’ll be here when you get back.
@neilroad Best wishes to your dad & family, You do your thing – we’ll wait for you.
@neilroad My best to you man. You’ll be in my prayers as well as your father. We’ll ride for you in Philly. #livestrong
@neilroad keep the faith!
@neilroad Take care, just be close and talk about pleasant memories.
@neilroad good luck to you and your family
@neilroad wish you the best on this journey.
@neilroad certainly wish you the best and know that I am thinking of and praying for you all… love you, man!
@neilroad sorry to hear the news…thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
@neilroad – My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sorry to read about your Dad’s condition, Neil. Best wishes to him, you, and your entire family. I’m glad that you all are having a chance to spend time with him – that will be good for all involved – it was for me and my Mom when my father passed away.
Sincerely,
Jamie R.
@neilroad that sucks, sorry to hear it. But you sounds like you have the right plan
@neilroad Our thoughts go out to you and your family. Enjoy every moment you can with your father. Everything else will wait for you.
@neilroad My sarcasm fails me. You and your family will find the strength you need.
The most important thing is what you are doing-spend time with your dad. You are in our thoughts
@neilroad Good luck, wish all the best to you and your family.
@neilroad All my best. My prayers to you, your Dad and your family. I’ll miss you but will also be here when you get back.Your Pal, Bill Hue
@neilroad I’ve been in your shoes and it ain’t easy. Enjoy the time your dad has left, if you can. Best wishes and Godspeed, brutha.
@neilroad You, your dad, and all of your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong. #cancersucks #livestrong
@neilroad Thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family.
@neilroad Tough news. My best to you and your family.
@neilroad Sorry to hear the news.
@neilroad All the best brother… Just be.
@neilroad We will keep you, your dad and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
@neilroad To quote my Irish grandfather, Nár laga Dia do lámh. “May God not weaken your hand”. Laugh with him. It’s what we Micks do best.
@neilroad All my best wishes & good energy to you & your family.
@neilroad Do what you gotta do. Sending positive vibes to you and your family.
@neilroad So sorry to read abt ur shocking news. My thoughts & prayers go out to you, Da & your whole family. We’ll miss you in absentia.
@neilroad our thoughts are with you and your family
@neilroad stay strong. i’ll say a prayer for your dad and your family.
@neilroad so sorry Neil.
@neilroad My best to you and your family.
@neilroad Hope you guys have a safe trip. Use all your energy to support your family. We’re thinking of you.
@neilroad I lost my mother to cancer 3 yrs ago, and it was the bike that kept me from losing it. Keep your head up, ride, and spend time.
@neilroad I pray that you & your Dad will have some quality time where you can remember & laugh together. I pray for comfort & peace for all
@neilroad our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Neil.
@neilroad peaceful thoughts for you, your dad, and your family.
@neilroad Neil, huge hugs, many thoughts, and unlimited prayers to you and your family. We are all thinking about you.
@neilroad Our thoughts go out to you, your Dad and your family.
@neilroad ANything I write will be stupid, but just letting you know I’m thinking of you and your dad. #cancersucks
@neilroad our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
@neilroad You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Travel safe and cherish the remaining time together.
@neilroad sorry to hear..…thoughts and prayers are with you and your family #cancerSucks
@neilroad my thoughts and prayers for you and your family
@neilroad My thoughts go to you your family and your dad. FRR
@neilroad Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
@neilroad Best of luck to your family.
@neilroad Please accept my best wishes for you and your family.
@neilroad Praying for you and your family, Neil. All of this stuff we get so caught up in seems so small at a time like this.
@neilroad My prayers are with you, your dad and your entire family.
@neilroad Sorry to hear it Neil. I know what it is to lose a father. Spend some quality time with him while you can.
@neilroad I know what you’re going through. My thoughts are with you & your family. Family first!
@neilroad thoughts are with you and your family.
@neilroad our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. (From the Karnes family)
@neilroad Thoughts and prayers to your family.
@neilroad My thoughts and prayers are with you Neil and your family! Livestrong
@neilroad So very sorry to read about your dad. My prayers go with you and your family.
@neilroad So very sorry to read about your dad. My prayers go with you and your family.
@neilroad Neil, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
@neilroad Neil, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
@neilroad Neil, sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
@neilroad Neil, sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
@neilroad Neil, So sorry to hear the news of your Dad. Hope you enjoy your time with him, as I know he will enjoy his time with you.
@neilroad thinking of you on your journey, as you make more special cherished memories
@neilroad we’re all praying for you and your family as you get through this time, Neil. It’s little help but the community is here for you.
@neilroad My thoughts are with you an your family.
@neilroad dude, sorry to hear about your dad – hope things go as well as they can, and that you have some more good times with him
@neilroad So sorry to hear about your Dad. Absorb as much of him as you can – mentally, emotionally and physically. No regrets!!
@neilroad Terrible to hear. Best wishes to you and your family.
@neilroad awwww man, that’s rough news. Sorry to hear it. Glad u can get out there 2 spend time w/ him
@neilroad Oh Neil, I am sorry to hear that news. Dennis & I will be keeping you & the family in our thoughts. Enjoy your time there.
@neilroad Prayers for you and your dad, Neil.
@neilroad Wish u and ur family the best as u travel this road. #livestrong
@neilroad Go be good. Godspeed.
@neilroad sorry about your dad but liveSTRONG, you will be in my thoughts now i know why you was sipping all that beer
@neilroad Really sorry to hear this Neil. I will pray for your Dad and your family.
@neilroad Sorry to hear about your father, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
@neilroad Have a stomachfullofanger that this terrible bigC is suckin’ the wheels from under your Da…and you. Suck in every moment/memory.
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I lost my grandmother to cancer a year ago and had to make that long trip knoing it would be the last time I saw her as well. It was hard but it was also great. Enjoy the time and the memories. Take care.
Neil, so sorry to hear about your dad. I’m glad that you are able to go spend time with him. You will be in our thoughts.
Neil, reading and hearing about your dad over the years, I am shocked and so sad. Let him know that he has fans, too! All the best to you and your family.
Jodi
Like everyone else here, I am so sorry to hear about your father, Neil.
Very best wishes to you and your family.
Scott.
Hey Neil,
I’ve always enjoyed your work. Your humor and knowledge on cycling has always been a great source of laughs and insight to me. I’m just so sorry to hear about your father’s illness. My Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a little less than a month ago too. And like all good Mom’s she is far more concerned with how we (myself, sister, and Dad) are doing than herself. About the only thing I can say about any of this crap is that it SUCKS. And your family and friend’s are what are going to get you through all this. Always remember that your parent’s put you in this world. Loved you through and through. That will never change. And make sure that your father and mother know how much you care and love them. Jsut be there. I think that’s about the biggest thing any of us can ever do. I don’t necessarily mean in person. But fully with in spirit and love. I don’t really know where I’m going with all this. But as I hope you already know. There are a lot of people out there on this dirt clod flying through space that care and I pulling for your Dad and you too. Hang in there Buddy,
Big E
May God be with you and your family.
Thoughts are with both of you. Glad you made it back to England to enjoy some time together.