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camperski · 02-13-2007, 10:17 PM

My good friend and a guy I look up to is having a rough go of it. Chemo and being diabetic are taking a toll on my buddies spirit. He sent an e-mail to me today longing to work on his AS, raise a glass with his friends...and tell us tale of one of his many adventures....and they are many. So...I thought I'd start a thread, i hoped a few may respond...and give my big buddy a slight diversion from where he is....and a few good words of cheer to lighten his spirit....cause this guy would do it the same for anyone else he ever met. Bigjohn (9091) here's to ya buddy!!!!!

janetb · 02-13-2007, 10:23 PM

We're with you BigJohn! We're all sending positive healing thoughts your way. It's a lot of work, but hang in there! It won't be long before you're back out there, wondering where that rivet went...
Janet

safari57 · 02-13-2007, 10:50 PM

Hey Bigjohn, I did the chemo and radiotherapy routine big time and it is not fun nor easy nor to be taken lightly, but I like to think it is one of those major speedbumps on the way into the campground of life. You are in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and many fulfilling years of Airstreaming.

All the best and the important thing here is to keep those positive thoughts no matter how tough it gets because it does get better and getting back to enjoying your Airstream is not that far off.

Take care,
Barry

Lumatic · 02-13-2007, 11:13 PM

Hey John,
You can park your Airstream in my backyard anytime in beautiful downtown Estancia New Mexico. We can warm up with a bottle of good Tequila and go howl with the coyotes.

Keep on truckin,
marshall

camperski · 02-14-2007, 09:07 AM

How about posting a picture of your AS. Again, if you need anything buddy, just ask!!!!

rickandsandi · 02-14-2007, 09:37 AM

Hello BigJohn- Can't say I have traveled the road you are on but I wish you all the best in your recovery. Keep us posted and know that there is a large community here to wish you well and hope to see you soon out there finishing up your AS. Not sure what your weather is today but up here in CT we have freezing rain and sleet with strong gusts of wind. No weather to be working on an AS. Hang in there, you can beat this!

Rick

**moosetags** · 02-14-2007, 09:38 AM

John, you are in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy resumption of the Airstream lifestyle. In the meantime, stay on the Forums and entertain yourself with oodles of Airstream nonsense. I'll start it off with a couple of pictures. One is of our beloved Lucy in her private campground in Daddy's yard in Jacksonville. The other is of a very senior Airstream who has found a new career in the food service industry in Seaside, Florida.

Heirstreamer · 02-14-2007, 03:59 PM

John,
Wishing you a speedy recovery

Here's to feeling better and getting back to the fun things in life, camping, good friends, working on the A/S and travel.
Prayers to you in your time of healing.
DJ

tin sista · 02-14-2007, 04:14 PM

Big John,
Hope that you feel supported and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for restored health and many chances to travel in your Airstream.

RUSSELL · 02-14-2007, 05:28 PM

Big John,
Live long and prosper.You can win. My wife did.
Regards from Russell in cloudy Tucson Az.

SilverToy · 02-14-2007, 05:52 PM

John -

Can't say that I recall meeting you, here or in person.... but still feeling for you. My son, then 7, went thru Chemo - BAD JuJu! NOT fun for the parents, certainly not the patient - but he is AOK now, remembber that AS light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully you will be fine ASAP!!!

All the best!!!! Hang in there - one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time...

If you want to come and convales out in the SNOWY SW, you may consider yourself welcome here anytime.... Really! Heck you could even stay in SilverToy, in the driveway.

All the best!

Axel
SilverToy

Ambie '64 · 02-14-2007, 06:51 PM

John, Many of us haven't had the pleasure of your company around a firepit or a cooler of adult beverages, but I want to try and cheer you up a little bit (as a newbie-dont-know-what-I'm-doin' kinda way). Stay positive and know that there are people out there who are including you in their thoughts and prayers for your swift return to Airstream restoration. Here's a tunnel, with help from all the great people on this site, we'll be crossing paths soon. (and this is my first try at uploading, so be gentle).

juel · 02-14-2007, 06:55 PM

I saw my father thru Chemo for what was thought to be an incurable form of lung cancer. He was 80 at the time of diagnosis and MADE IT! They gave him three months to live and he didn't believe them. He was right. You can do it too. Cancer is no longer the end of things as it once was. Remember your Airstream needs you. They can cure your cancer but not your aluminum addiction.

BDandTTs · 02-14-2007, 07:46 PM

Big John,
We’ve never met; in fact I’ve not yet met anyone on this forum. I’ve also not yet had to endure prolonged sickness or a cure that can be even worse. My brother, however, has not been as lucky. He has also had rounds of chemo and diabetes complications. Please do all that you can to get well. The disease and the cure are very complicated and require a lot of attention. Make sure that you have both a primary physician and specialists that you can talk with, and let them know how you feel. Be a squeaky wheel. Take advantage of any extra help you can get from support groups. AND, in your spare time, continue the plans for fixing up the Airstream when you are feeling better, and you will feel better. I liked Juel's line ...
"They can cure your canceer but not your aluminum addiction."

Any rallies coming up in South Carolina? I know there is one in northern Georgia in April. Consider stopping by or attending even if your Airstream is not yet ready.
Ah, one more thing. Thank the stars that you have friends like Camperski!

camperski · 02-14-2007, 10:17 PM

I know he's reading this, got an e from him today saying so!!! we call him big John for a reason...he's a mountian of a man...with a faith and a heart bigger than himself. BJ, leave us note here...tell us about Mr. South Carolina!

bigjohn · 02-15-2007, 08:45 AM

First I all, I want to thank everyone for their warm thoughts and prayers. It is a testament to the wonderful, caring community of Airstreamers. Beyond our love and passion for aluminum is the real spirit Airstreaming of caring about others, aluminum is just the medium. I'm blessed to have friends like Daniel he is guy with the heart as big as Texas. For those of you who have had your war with cancer and some of you have battled the crippling effects of diabetes, know how it can wear on you. Struggling each day to keep going when the easy thing to do would be too give up. I'm not giving up, and with the thoughts and prayers of all of you, it helps to know you're not in this alone. Thanks be to God that I am so blessed to have friends that care for me and pray for me. Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.

BJ

camperski · 02-25-2007, 08:42 PM

Thank you to each of you! BJ keep that chin up...and see if you can get me a Clooney pic when he comes by this week.

Alumatube · 02-25-2007, 10:25 PM

Good luck and best wishes to you, BigJohn! Our motorhome Big Al says he wants you to get better soon, from one Big to another!

Our prayers and strength go out to you! You'll get through this just great!

Susan and Brad

bigjohn · 02-27-2007, 08:59 AM

Boy after reading all the threads about the spring camping fling, I'm really sorry we're going to miss meeting everyone. My daughter is getting married that weekend and we won't be able to make it. Have one for us (or several) and we hope to see everybody in the fall. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers, I'm doing much better.

Big John

BDandTTs · 02-27-2007, 03:57 PM

Glad to hear you're up and about! Don't overdo too quickly, but keep progressing so that you'll be ready for the wedding.
Has the real spring started for you? We're in Vermont and a very early indication is that the snow 'avalanched' from the south side of the metal roofed porch today. Oh well, some time to go before spring flowers but I'm sure they will come.

Best to you,