Update on G.T.

Greetings,
This is Gary's sister again. I'm back in MS & on his computer. Gary returned to the hospital Jan 2. Our father came in along with another dear family friend to see to his care while I returned to work in CA after being here a month. Gary has gone downhill & is now shifting to hospice care. His bone pain has been extreme & the goal now is to keep him comfortable. I returned Saturday night with our Mom & we surprised him yesterday when we walked into his hospital room. Before I left last time I printed out all of your messages & took them to the hospital to read to him. They meant a great deal to him.

On his behalf - thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes.
C.T. for G.T.

 

Thanks Carol, I was getting concerned as we had not heard a thing for so long. Sorry to hear that Gary is now in Hospice care, and my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your entire Family at this time. Having gone down this road with some other friends I realize just how hard it can be. However, knowing that there is a large group here at Major Geeks that Love, Admire, and Respect your brother, will hopefully lighten your heavy hearts at this time. G.T./Gary will always be apart of the Major Geeks family, and if our prayers and thoughts could be answered he would be with us right now. He isn't, but that does not stop our prayers and thoughts that he can be, we just have to keep the faith, that whats best for our G.T./Gary will unfold.

BCGray

 

Thanks you for the update Carol. I am very sorry to hear that Gary is moving to a Hospice. Gary is in my prayers along with the rest of your family. Give Gary my best wishes.

 

This hurts my heart. Please let Gary know I'm thinking about him, and wishing him all the best...whatever that turns out to be for him.

He's a very special man, that's for sure. Who else would open their home to a virtual stranger from the internet, who they hadn't met until she pulled up in the driveway? One of my favourite memories is the night I spent in his guest room, and going to Graceland with him. Give him a huge hug from me.

 

I read this with much sadness, and more than a little despair. Gary isn't just wise man, or a clever man. He is also a caring man.

Last year when I nearly passed on myself, twice, it was Gary that was always the first one to have genuine well wishes, and to find encouragement, both by words and example. He has always been like that, and I know he would have welcomed me into his home too, if I was ever in that part of the world. He offered often enough.

Like B.C.G. said, we will continue to hope and prey for the best. I'm so glad he was able to meet with his son and daughter-in-law again, and receive the close support of his family. I know that was something that used to bother him a lot. One of many things we share in common.

Thank you Carol, for keeping us up to date on Gary. I/we appreciate it greatly. My sincere good thoughts and prayers are extended to you, Gary, and the entire family. I hope that Gary will be able to keep in touch, even if it is via the hospice, and we still will be preying for a miracle. Either way, at least he knows full-well he has lived a good and worthy life, with a lot of lives that are the better for it.

Take care, and blessings to all.

~ Barry.

 

I'm very sorry to hear this. As said by other, Gary has been one of the more influential member of this board - also to me.
The situation he is in right now just plain sucks, I don't have any other words for it.
Please give him my sincerest well wishes and let him know that he, as well as yourself and the rest of the family are in my thoughts.
Thanks for the update, I hope next time it'll be a bit better.

- Niels

 

Very sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers for GT and family.

Maggie

 

Gary and family .... May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6.24-26

 

I haven't been around long enough to get to know your brother, but have been following the posts about him and feel like I DO know him..My heart and prayers go out to him and all of you in his family

 

Sorry I haven't posted sooner, still dealing with my stuff here, but GT and family, know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Jim

 

Thank you all for your kind words.

Yes, this has been a very difficult time for our family & yet bittersweet as we've shared this time with Gary. Yesterday morning I made arrangements at a funeral home & cemetary as we plan for Gary's passing. The doctors say he's near the end...could be days or a couple of weeks. Yesterday they increased his morphine to keep him comfortable, but it means he sleeps most of the time now...a comfort to see him in less pain. As I sit with him, I am beginning to write his tribute for an eventual memorial. I know that his network friends here have been a significant part of his life the past few years. With your permission - I will weave some of your comments & thoughts on Gary into what will be a tribute from friends.

Thank you again. I promise to keep you posted on when he passes.

G.T.'s sis

 

I cannot imagine what the world, much less this board, will be like without someone like Gary in it. Such a rare quality of giving individual in such a me-first world. In my time here I've never seen anyone have anything negative to say about him, and I guarantee you everyone here has learned something from him. Making sense from senselessness was always his gift to a message board, and he always did it with class and consideration. Abby and I had the pleasure of speaking with him on the phone several times, and they were conversations we'll cherish for a long time. You had to know him to appreciate him, in as much as he was special on the board, he was markedly even more special in life.

It goes without saying: in my opinion, this forum and the others he frequented will never be the same. Godspeed Gary.

 

I was yet to post on this issue as I really was lost for words. Is it just me, or does it suddenly hit you? The place is just different without him - I know that I'll miss his amazing mind, full of wisdom, his witty comments, his humour - I think I speak for everyone when I say that he is a phenominal person.

 

This was very hard for me to read this morning and im not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said. Gary, I'll miss you brother.

 

Awesome quote.

Perhaps a fitting tribute would be to rename the lounge to "G.T.'s Lounge"? Each day he could be remembered in a nice, positive way. With all the silliness that gets posted, more times than not he was the lounge.

 

I never thought it possible to cry for someone you have never met in person.
Gary will be deeply missed by every one he has touched whether it be in life or on the internet. Over the last couple years he has become larger than life. He never complained about what was given him or about the pain when it came.
He is my hero. God bless and keep you Gary.

 

Carol, glad to hear that G.T./Gary is out of the horrible pain cycle, and hope the end is swift and painless. Cancer once aptly called "consumption" is a painful process to be apart of for all concerned. It physically changes the person we knew, and in its hideous process causes that person so much pain.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, his son, his mom and dad, and remember to tell them all, that as long as us Geeks live the name G.T. will always stand for Intelligence, Compassion, Strength and less we forget an incredible wit. We may loose you G.T., but our lose is God's gain, and save me a spot next to you my friend so we can take up the talk again.

I would like to Second Star's post "G.T. Lounge" sounds great

 

I third that notion for the Lounge - a fitting tribute for an intelligent, wise and mature man.

 

Thought MG members would like to know....

I spent the past half hour talking to Gary's sister Carol on the phone so thought I would share a little bit of that along with some of my thoughts.

First of all, Gary's sister is just as wonderful as he is. Very well spoken and I'd say she shares his wonderful sense of humor. The more I spoke with her the more impressed I was with her ability to deal with Gary's situation. She conveyed a sense of dignity and grace unlike anyone else I've encountered. While she knows the end is near we were able to laugh a little too. We both feel that it was time for Gary to go Home so that he doesn't suffer anymore.

Last night Gary's Dr. was trying to wake him up and he wasn't responding...the Dr. kept saying his name louder and louder...Gary all of a sudden responded "You don't have to yell at me"...this, in the way it was done, if you know Gary was his sense of humor shining through the haze of morphine. Go Gary! LOL

Gary was awake and alert for a bit this morning. He was talking with his Dad, drinking some juice and just 'being' the Gary we all know and love. Carol and her mom were able to chat with him on speaker phone which I thought was really neat. I hope that when they get to the hospital he is still awake enough so they can 'see' him in the way they heard him on the phone....it would be IMO a memory to cherish.

For the most part, Gary is in a great deal of pain and they have had to continually increase the morphine which of course, makes him sleep more. At one point they thought he might have been getting to much morphine because he was sleeping so much but that was not the case...he requested something for the pain.

He has 2 or 3 radiation treatments to do yet today and tomorrow. While this is in no way going to help the cancer, the goal is to reduce the size of the tumor at the C2 level to help reduce his pain. He has been unable to eat as chewing is extremely painful so he is mostly on a liquid diet but has had some soft foods like pudding.

I had been praying that he would hold on without all the pain and suffering so he could at least see his grandson born but that is not to be. God has other plans for him. I am so very grateful that he was at least able to get to know his son after not having had any contact with him for so many years. As an added bonus, he got a wonderful daughter-in-law in the mix that he thinks the world of. Although it is a tragic situation that brought them all together it is a blessing non-the less.

I personally am so devastated Gary will be leaving this world even knowing as I do, that he will be in a better place. My heart is broken and heavy with sadness. He has not only been THE best member here at MG he has been one of my best friends. We spent a great deal of time talking on the phone over the years...sharing thoughts, ideas, little anecdotes and a mutual admiration for positive attitudes/outlook despite all the hurts and/or tragedies in our lives.

Gary's legacy here at MG and IRL will be one that I don't think anyone can live up to. I gave him the title "General Information" as a tribute to his vast knowledge and his ability to share that with all of us in a manner that was always factual, respectful and admirable. No more sitting here waiting for Gary's words of wisdom. If nothing else, I think that everyone here can say they learned something from him...even when he was putting one of us in our place (yes, me too!) he was able to do so in a way that no offense was taken but we realized our mistake. I already miss talking with him on the phone or via email...Chris and I agree, MG's will never be the same without him.

We are all lucky to have been touched by such a special man. Some say that internet communities such as this are a waste of time or that you can't make real friends, etc. I say that's a bunch of hooey! Gary has been a phenomenal influence to many here...and a great friend...not only on the forum but IRL too. It has been an honor and pleasure getting to know Gary and I thank God our paths crossed. He, without even trying made such a positive impact in my life. A gentleman, through and through...my friend and confidante who I hold dear in my heart. May he not suffer anymore and go in peace.

 

Theres so much i want to say but so little ways for me to say it. Just remember that me and everyone else here has your family in there thoughts and prayers. Theres so much more i would like to say but i don't know how to say it

 

Over the past months, I have felt the absence of G.T. on the forum. The thought of this forum without his influence weighs heavily on my mind.

Finding myself at a loss for words.

 

Thanks for sharing those words and thoughts with us, Teresa. I know how enormously difficult is for many of us. I'm still getting over the 'sledge hammer; effect, myself. I knew it would probably happen, I just didn't realise how soon until I read this thread. I guess it's just human nature to try and hang on to things and people we cherish and value.

Yes, Gary's level headed knowledge is a given, but he also taught me a lot about strength and dignity through apparently insurmountable adversity. We both knew what it's like to be minus a family, and have our known world crumble around us. But, more importantly, it was a journey of making the most out of life and enjoying what have.

I know that when you are alone, often having good friends via the net, that we can talk to every day, in some ways become an extended 'family'. And in some aspects, it's easer often to type what your thoughts, rather than verbally say them. Gary has always excelled in just being 'someone who cares', in those respects. Thus, I know that many of us have been like an extended family to Gary, and have been a valuable support and outlet for when he needed it. Something which I'm also familiar with.

Blessings and good will to you, and your family, always, my good friend.

 

I really don't know what it is about Gary, but he is a true word-smith. I've often found my viewpoints changed after reading one of his posts. This happened a lot, quite frankly and I find I'm better person for it afterwards. His words always felt genuine, well thought out, and powerful at the same time. When people find them selves in places like this, I just don't know how to respond. I'm truly sorry that Gary is so ill and I can only hope that he is no pain.

Gary,
Thank you for being a friend and although we never met in person, I've felt that you were everyone's friend. No matter who it was or what they were saying, you had this magical way of making them think critically about what they were saying. You are a "geek-whisperer" in that you understand us and so I bid you God Speed, safe journey... you will be missed but above all, loved and remembered by all us Geeks that had the pleasure to befriend you.

-Jim



General Information^ ∞

 

Very sorry to hear this news. Best wishes for GT and family.

A.

 

You hit the nail on the head, (as usual). You know how we ALL feel about Gary. I don't have the words to even say how I feel about this. Gary's passing will leave a huge unfillable hole in this world, (both virtual and real) . and all that will make up for that, (for me) is the fact that I was lucky enough to have known him. I will cherish that.

"Don't fly too much faster than your angels, Gary. Let 'em keep up. You will be missed greatly."

 

I've just now seen this and it makes me sad to know this. I think we all knew this time would come, but not this soon. Gary's one of the wisest people I've come across.

I don't know what else to say that hasn't already been said.

Gary, I'll see you on the other side my brother.

 

Gary will be sorely missed. I know he has a deep belief in God. Having said that, I am reasonably sure that God needed an advisor, and who more fitting to call than our G.T? I will miss his wit, wisdom and advise. We have all at one time or another been effected/affected by this man. God speed Gary, thank you for all you've been and done. Tate

 

Thanks Carol and Gary and all of your family for remembering us at a time which is so limited for you already. I will miss all your posts, Gary, and your great airplane. I hope it will be all right if I borrow it sometimes to remind me about flying. I love the idea of a G.T. Lounge, because it would be a reminder to stay the thoughtless comment and to maintain ideals you brought into the forum with you. Thanks for sharing. :wave
abri

 

Words fail me as I'm in a personal emotional turmoil anyway right now myself. I shall always think of you Gary, when I hear the song you sent me "Live like you were dying". You have been such a positive encouragement in my life in the short time I have known you, and I will miss you, and the blessing you have been to me and all here at MGs.

Gary - save me a seat...I wanna be sat next to you when I get up there with ya!

 

This is news we've been dreading but half expecting, never the less it is hard to hear. My sympathy goes out to your family. He will not be gone except in a physical sense, how can one disappear with so many good memories and good thoughts. He'll be around always.

 

Gary,
Thank You.

 

When I first read this post this morning, so many feelings went through my mind......I thought about it all day at work.
Everyone here has said what I would say about Gary. The only thing I would add is that every one of us have special memories. Those will live on forever.
For his family. You are lucky to have known him personally. To his parents.....you raised a wonderful person.
I am glad of the time I have known him. We never met personally but did converse through Private Messages and I have sent him a card or two...
I shall miss him deeply. But, I will never forget him.

I hope Gary knows how much he touched the lives of so many people and made their lives better just for knowing him.

 

This helped me tremendously when I lost loved ones not so long ago, in fact I'm saving it for my children, I think it's beautiful and I truly believe in it, hope it gives a small amount of comfort to all.

To Those I Love

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
You have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love.
You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's it's time I travel on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.
Then let you grief be comforted by trust it's only a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will hear Though you can't see or touch me,
I'll be near....
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All of my love around you soft and clear.
And listen, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a
smile and
Welcome Home

 

Thats truly the best thing I have ever seen written on the subject Darlene, and from G.T.'s post's I think he would say the same thing Bravo Darlene

 

Have been expecting this, but continuing to hope that things would turn around. I am going to miss Gary so much. The past couple of years his have been the words of wisdom that I've often looked for. I will continue to pray for his family. Though the circumstances have not been the best, I am glad that they've been able to spend this time with Gary. __________________

 

Gary, in my past incarnation on this board, you answered a lot of questions and weren't afraid to put me in my place when I needed it (and I used to need it a lot). I just got home this evening from a wake for another friend who lost the battle with the big c. At the wake, the had a poster up with a part of it highlighted, which I feel applies here as well.

Gary you will be remembered.


Jim

 

It's not like I didn't know. We all did. But to hear(read? No, hear) his sister say the words hits deeper than I could have imagined. I never met G.T. Never spoke to him on the phone. We shared a similar political outlook and view of the world, and PM'd once or twice.

His name was one of the first I looked for when entering the lounge. I really will miss him.

For now, stay out of pain Gary, and God bless.

 

Carol, thank you so much for all you've done to keep us informed on Gary's condition. I'm saddened to hear he's not doing as well as we all hoped. My thoughts of Gary are echoed in the previous posts. He means so much to everyone who's lives he touched so profoundly with his knowledge and humor.

May God give you strength in the days ahead, and comfort in the fact he will be free of pain and will dine at the table with with our Maker.

 

Oh my god... I haven't check the board in weeks... and... Now I think I'm going to cry. Gary has been a wonderful friend to me... When the guys were going to be on the radio, i commented that I was sorry I couldn't listen because I didn't have one. About a week later, a package arrived with a letter from Twinkles the Elf - I think it may have been near christmas, it was years ago - I still have the letter somewhere, and a CD/Radio combination.

I cried. I tracked down the return address, and ran it against member information, and lo and behold, it was Gary. I was so floored and grateful. That was a hard time for me and for him to reach out to me like that was so so wonderful, and I always meant to thank him... I always meant to get down and see him someday... It makes me so sad I wont even get to say goodbye and horrified to know he's in so much pain.

Gary is a wonderful person. You really just have to leave it there, because there aren't accurate words to describe how wonderful in how many ways. I'll miss him, I miss him now, and I hope when he does leave us, he knows how much he was loved.

 

Darlene's post reminded me of a song MercyMe recorded. It crossed over Christian radio to Popular. Here's the lyrics to the song "I Can Only Imagine" ...

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright: ©1999 MercyMe

 

Sorry to hear the latest on Gary!! I haven't been around much in the last couple weeks, but just so he knows my prayers are for him!!!!

He is simply an awesome guy!! Even the little bit I know him.

Roger

 

Hi everybody. Long time site lurker, first time forum poster.

I'm very sorry to hear about Gary. He seems like a really great person from what everyone's saying about him. I hope he doesn't suffer anymore.

On a similar note, over the holidays, my ex-wife (and mother of our 8 year old daughter) was diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma. We're hoping for a miracle, though the doctors don't give her very good odds. She's still in pretty good outward health. She went to the doctor because she had an earache that wouldn't go away. Turned out to be one of the tumors putting pressure on her inner ear.

It can really hit anyone.

Thanks,
Dave

 

I had the privilage <sp> of speaking to G.T. on the telephone and he was just as wonderful then as he's always been on the board. G.T. has done many wonderful things for so many of us... he is a very special person and will be greatly missed. But I know that he has an awesome faith and will reside with his Savior and will be happy. There really isn't anything else that I can say about G.T.; everyone has pretty much covered all of the basis. G.T. is loved and highly reguarded. I wish him much peace.

 

Gary's sis again,

It is amazing to read your posts about Gary. Dad's with him at the hospital & I'm in his home with Mom waiting for the delivery of a hospital bed. If Gary is still with us tomorrow, we're bringing him home to finish his days in his own home with hospice care. If he's stable, I'll return to CA Sunday & leave our parents here with hospice plus additional nursing assistance.

I think you'll enjoy this....when I was with him late last night & we were talking about heaven & the promise that Christ said he'd gone to prepare a place for us... in his final prayer of the night, Gary was making his request for what he wanted to find in heaven... a place large enough for his family with a computer room for him, a shop for dad, & since he won't have a problem with allergies any more... a rose garden for mom & me.

I have printed out your latest thread of messages & the moments when he's awake will read them to him. Few people get to hear such tributes while they are still alive and I want to fill my brother's final days with reminders of how much he's loved.

Thank you for making that possible.

G.T.'s sis

 

Please tell him I'm still listening to the CD's he made for me. All good stuff.

 

It's good that Gary will spend his last days at home. I know he would want it that way. Surrounded by the things and people he loves.

I'm glad that he also has a chance to think about his life and what he means to others, and they to him.

Although his life will be cut short in the physical sense, he's managed to achieve a quality of life that few achieve, and will endure for many, many years. Like so many, he’ll always have a special place in my mind and soul. His words, deeds, thoughts, descendants and memories will endure forever. So in some very real senses, a lot of his life will remain with us, just as a part of us are with him.

Blessings and good will always, my old friend.

Until we meet again.

~ Barry

 

I'm late to this thread as Gary didn't know me but I had many a belly laugh reading his posts while lurking here over the years and I thank him very much for those precious moments. I'm glad he could be brought back home as I didn't have the opportunity to let my mum die at home. May you rest in peace.