It’s hard losing people you love, even if they are not members of your family. On April 18, 2024 I lost Jim, a long-time cycling and all-around friend, after a 15 year battle with prostate cancer. We had been friends for 30+ years.
But perhaps the hardest was in September of 2025.
In November of 2016 I was hit by a car while riding my bike. It was a hit-n-run so I have no clue to this day who it was. But I began researching bike accidents with cars and what was being done. I ran across 3 Feet Please and found that it had recently changed into the hands of a man named Dave Waechter. I contacted Dave and we began an occasional email back and forth. Before I knew it, we were corresponding on a more consistent basis, often on topics like grace and forgiveness and guilt. Not just cycling stuff. Then he came to visit me and Jo and stayed at our house. He lived for years in California and Arizona and was growing increasingly weary of the intense heat so for two (of our) winters, he worked remotely from Maine. Yes, Maine! On his way home, he would always stop by for a day or two to visit. We planned some MS (Multiple Sclerosis) rides. Even though both planned rides were washed out by rain, we spent the weekends laughing, eating and deepening our friendship. Jo was always included in our shenanigans (she kept it sane). In February of 2024, he and Susan invited us to visit them in AZ and paid for first class tickets (what a way to go!) and our hotel room. We were given a car to use during the day while they worked, then the evenings we spent together. They took us to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. One week later, I got the phone call that would change my life. Dave called and made no sense. When I immediately called back there was no answer. He was hospitalized with a glioblastoma. He (and Susan) fought for 18 months until September of ’25 when he lost his battle. During those 18 months they found time to visit us and stay at a local Airbnb. I could tell you so much more but you don’t have the time.
We were to go to AZ for his celebration of life in November but that was when the airlines were cancelling flights and one of the early morning non-stop flights was going to be cancelled, but they couldn’t tell me which one. So I rescheduled for this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing Susan and some of her family (whom we have not met) and getting reacquainted with members of their family.
I will not be posting anything until next Monday. Please pray for our trip, but especially for Susan.
Prayers lifted for all of you, Bill. Safe travels!
Thanks Martha. I didn’t miss the “Lifted” in there. 🙂
Praying for a safe trip Bill, with no travel hassles. Enjoy the time laughing, reminiscing, and meeting all of Dave’s family. I will be praying for the healing of broken hearts for Susan and all that loved and miss Dave.
Thank you Gail. That means a lot and I know those prayers will be answered.
Praying for your trip Bill… I know you were heartbroken by not being able to attend in November. My prayer is for your safe travels and your visit with Susan. Praying you all can continue to celebrate Dave’s life, both here and with Christ. May your presence be a positive reminder of the friendship you shared with Dave and continue to share with Susan.
Thanks Ryan. I was heartbroken but this time it will be just Jo & me with her, except for couple times. I am a firm believer in God’s perfect timing. There is a reason for the timing.
Praying for you and David’s family.
Three years ago, a fraternity brother and I had been planning a visit from a third fraternity brother, who was coming to St. Louis to see his son and family. The fraternity brother here in St. Louis lived about 10 minutes from my house, and he was a well-known attorney. In the middle of our planning, I opened the paper one day and saw his obituary — sudden heart attack. His wife couldn’t call me – he kept his email and phone list under a password that changed monthly, and she didn’t know it. I went to his funeral service and found myself hobnobbing with judges, prominent attorneys, and well-known local politicians. His wife thanked me for coming, and she told me that of all his affiliations and connections, the one he cared the most about was his old college fraternity. I think my heart broke a bit.
WOW! Knowing you were that close but not close enough to be there would have broken my heart. But then again, you were there for his wife and that counts tons. Thanks for sharing your personal story Glynn. The sad part of this story is the Jo and I kept offering to come out. it would have given me some much needed “Dave time” and Susan some much-needed “Jo” time. it was not to be. And perhaps that was what Dave wanted.