Not happy to report this

SawyerBrown · January 22, 2014, 09:38:29 PM

I was just reading this post again ... and for some reason am remembering one of the old "Oh God" movies, where George Burns plays God. In one scene, the little girl asks God why He made giraffes' necks so long, and He replies that it was so they could reach the leaves that they eat. The little girl asked God why He didn't just make the trees shorter ... to which he pondered a minute but (as I recall) just said something like "Hmmmm..."

If there's a Great Sawmill in the Heavens, I'll bet Jim will be up there figuring out how to make it better ...

ET · January 22, 2014, 10:21:10 PM

Jim,
I've been a FF member also for a short time, and have enjoyed reading your many posts. You are an inspiration to me and I will share your work ethic/passion with my family and friends. Ernie

low_48 · January 22, 2014, 11:19:56 PM

It's some really rough news when the doctor describes your demise. My younger brother literally went out with his boots on. He passed from colon cancer at the age of 48. We were raised on the farm, and he insisted he didn't want a suit. So it was jeans and a pocket t-shirt, with his 12" work boots on his feet. His casket was placed on a flat bed truck that he drove part time for a local farm machinery dealer. The funeral director insisted on it being strapped down, so the wide yellow ratchet straps held the casket to the truck bed. The dealer mechanics were the pal bearers, in there work clothes. They drove to the family plot with that casket shining in the sun. It was an end that will never be forgotten in that little farm community. Share your time while you can, but keep a sense of humor like my little brother. God's speed Jim!

customsawyer · January 23, 2014, 05:12:22 AM

So sorry to hear this news. I have enjoyed your post and the inspiration that you have shared on this forum. Keep that smile on your face.

sawn4fun · January 23, 2014, 07:15:11 AM

I haven't been on FF very much lately so I thought I would check in tonight to see what's going on. This is not what I had in mind. Jim, you sound like a person I wish I would have known for a long time. You are truly inspirational and have an attitude that the rest of us can only hope to have when our time comes. I suppose sudden, unexpected death (as long as it's not too soon) is the preferred way to go but, on the other hand, having some notice allows a person to prepare and enjoy things in a much different way. I know God is already with you as you are with Him.

glenn molenaar · January 23, 2014, 08:13:38 AM

Prayers sent our God is powerful, enjoyed your posts, I will be 74 and your posts have kept me looking to buy a mill planning for this summer.

lowpolyjoe · January 23, 2014, 08:28:46 AM

So very sorry to hear it. Best wishes to you

Happycamper · January 23, 2014, 11:36:23 AM

You are still at it fellows. Continuing to keep and raise my spirits up. I have never in my life experienced the love and caring that is, and continues to inspire me. It in itself is helping me to "saw" on. I went to the cancer clinic last week Thursday to ask again if they would do a biopsy to find out the type of cancer I have. They made an appointment for February 24th with the chemo dr. so yesterday I went to the cancer clinic again (two hours from my home) and saw a wonderful surgeon I know and asked him about getting the biopsy done. Earlier I was to weak to be put to sleep to do the biopsy. So Andrew my surgeon said with a smile leave it with me. The reason I was too weak was for three weeks I did not eat or drink "anything" I just could not do it. Now I am eating like a "horse" and enjoying food. Now I am sawing a little and have a friend that would like some 2 X 6 fir cut so I really have something to look forward to do however slow it goes. I also have in the planing stages to fly form BC to Ontario in May and stay two weeks at a resort I sold in 1972. The owners are all excited about my plans and always look forward to my visit. They provide lodge, cottage, boat,motor and all food and never have accepted one dime from me. Come anytime, I can stay as long as I wish open door to me.
Have I not a good life? I don't know if in 3 1/2 months I'll have the energy to fly, rent a car and drive to the resort but you can bet your boots I'm gonna try. Keeping it in the light side as I have said to many friends wow, my pants fit better now (not so tight) and I won't have to ever look at getting false teeth wit a little luck.
Again and I will say it again thank you all for the incredible inspiration you continue to bestow on me.
Jim

Stephen1 · January 23, 2014, 01:34:01 PM

Quote from: Happycamper on January 23, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
You are still at it fellows. Continuing to keep and raise my spirits up. I have never in my life experienced the love and caring that is, and continues to inspire me. It in itself is helping me to "saw" on. I went to the cancer clinic last week Thursday to ask again if they would do a biopsy to find out the type of cancer I have. They made an appointment for February 24th with the chemo dr. so yesterday I went to the cancer clinic again (two hours from my home) and saw a wonderful surgeon I know and asked him about getting the biopsy done. Earlier I was to weak to be put to sleep to do the biopsy. So Andrew my surgeon said with a smile leave it with me. The reason I was too weak was for three weeks I did not eat or drink "anything" I just could not do it. Now I am eating like a "horse" and enjoying food. Now I am sawing a little and have a friend that would like some 2 X 6 fir cut so I really have something to look forward to do however slow it goes. I also have in the planing stages to fly form BC to Ontario in May and stay two weeks at a resort I sold in 1972. The owners are all excited about my plans and always look forward to my visit. They provide lodge, cottage, boat,motor and all food and never have accepted one dime from me. Come anytime, I can stay as long as I wish open door to me.
Have I not a good life? I don't know if in 3 1/2 months I'll have the energy to fly, rent a car and drive to the resort but you can bet your boots I'm gonna try. Keeping it in the light side as I have said to many friends wow, my pants fit better now (not so tight) and I won't have to ever look at getting false teeth wit a little luck.
Again and I will say it again thank you all for the incredible inspiration you continue to bestow on me.
Jim

t
Jim when you get to Ontario you will not have to rent a car. I will pick you and take you to the resort. It would an honour to do that for you.
Just let me know .
Cheers
Stephen

Larry · January 23, 2014, 01:48:30 PM

May your journey be stress free. I wish the best for you.

thecfarm · January 23, 2014, 02:52:13 PM

saw on,Jim,saw on. ;D I like that. You have been a big help to the forum. You made some great modifications to your mill. I enjoy your attitude towards us younger guys.I have been around some older folks that I can't show them a thing,because how could I know more than they do. You are a joy to be around. You are a great friend to have.

John S · January 23, 2014, 04:29:53 PM

Jim,
Thank you for the inspirational outlook that you have given to all of us, God will continue to bless you ... and us.
John Snyder

AdamT · January 23, 2014, 07:10:25 PM

"Wether you think you can or you can't you're right"

I've loved that quote since the first time I read it, and it was here on the forum under your signature line. I've told my girlfriend that line when she said "I can't.." , And it worked. I just couldn't remember whose profile it was under.

Thank you! I'll always remember that quote, and where I first read it!

barbender · January 23, 2014, 11:51:21 PM

Jim, thank you so much for letting us know what you are dealing with and not just disappearing. I have always found your posts inspiring, the fact that you jumped into the world of manual sawmilling at 78 really got my attention

I am sorry to hear of your prognosis, and you are in my prayers. Please keep us posted as much as you are able when you aren't busy living life to the fullest ;)

isawlogs · January 24, 2014, 12:56:30 AM

Having cancer is forever. My daughter has had a bout with it when she was fifteen years old and after a long , long fight , she came out with both fist and fought it and is now 29 years old. That being said, not a day goes by that we don't have a thought of this fight, we are always dreading the day that has come to you. As you , she is a fighter and after I told her of this post she said that if it ever hapens to her that she would do what you are doing, go with a bang, nothing will hold her back. Things need be done and will be done.
I don't know where you are going in Ontario Sir, but I am only minutes from Ottawa, if you are coming this way to go to the lodge, I will be happy to take you there. You are an inspiration to many.

Lud · January 24, 2014, 09:42:23 AM

A heck of a situation which we may all find ourselves in one day. You're a heck of a man to share all this with us and it has made a heck of a thread to all the Forum.

We're better for having you as one of us. Our thoughts are with you...

petefrom bearswamp · January 24, 2014, 09:55:10 AM

Prayers from the swamp

PC-Urban-Sawyer · January 24, 2014, 11:16:48 AM

Jim,

The sorrow we feel when we hear about your return bout with cancer is because we hate to think of losing you and the inspiration you have always been since you joined this forum. We are further inspired now by your attitude and your obvious will to live each day to the fullest.

Only the Lord knows what our tomorrows will bring to us. We can always hope that He will use your life to reveal a little bit more of His infinite Power and Love.

Please know that I'm thinking and praying for you in this time of trials and tribulations. And should this be your last journey, know that you've got a lot of people who would do anything in their power to help you.

Herb

Happycamper · January 24, 2014, 11:37:21 AM

I suppose I should stop saying this, Thank you all so much for your inspiring, thoughtful messages. But I'm not going to,
You all bring strength to me to "saw on". isawlogs from Quebec by Ottawa and Stephen from Oakville have both volunteered to drive me from Ottawa airport to North of Kingston. Tell me folks is there a kinder ,friendlier website on the net. I don't think so these fellows are people I have never met, but Stephen from Oakville and I sincerely hope to have a"jaw" and coffee perhaps in Kingston while I am at the resort as I will drive to town to do this. All depends on wether I have the strength to make the trip which in my world is a long time from now 3 1/2 months.

Never put off anything you have wanted to do in your life as one never knows when the tide will turn. As I have said the greatest regret is that I waited so many years to finally get a mill which I have thought about for well so many years.
I too am told you can't take it with you but if I could the one thing that would go with me would be the mill under my right arm when I do.
You fellows are the Greatest, Thank You,
Jim

Nomad · January 24, 2014, 07:56:42 PM

Jim, mills are heavy. Don't try to carry the mill. We'll get it there for you. You worry about keeping the bands sharp!

Happycamper · January 26, 2014, 11:27:44 AM

You fellows have already lightened the load on me by standing by and offering the encouragement that you have. I does mean a great deal to to have that incredible support.

nomad,
You have removed a big load from my shoulders so all I'll need to carry is my file, stone and' "pineywoods" setter with me to keep my blades sharp.

diesel pap · January 26, 2014, 01:21:31 PM

praying for you daily jim

Nomad · January 26, 2014, 05:52:27 PM

Quote from: diesel pap on January 26, 2014, 01:21:31 PM
praying for you daily jim

Yeah. Me too.

GAB · January 26, 2014, 08:16:25 PM

Happycamper:
Keep practicing as I've got a gut feeling that the lead carpenter in heaven (St. Joseph) is in need of a good sawyer for his next project, and put in a good word for you. Wishing you the very best. Gerald

Happycamper · January 28, 2014, 09:17:31 AM

Sawing update,
I have a friend that has helped me out a lot and would like some fir 12 ft. 2 X 6's so hopefully in the next few days I can pull some of the fir logs out from under the snow and and he can cut them to length and I'll put them on the platform at the mill, crank the saw up and make both of us happy. really looking forward to that as I am loosing (steam pressure) working, but can do this with some help.
Jim