Popular Post Gangrene Posted September 12, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2020 The wait in that first week in September is excruciating. In an effort to find a football fix coming up to opening day kick off, I will occasionally check out other fan boards for a non Jets perspective. I came across this post on a Bills Forum, a Bills fan writing about his close friend a Jets fan. The power of story about someone you have never met, who like you, is possibly a little obsessive about Jets football. ___________________________________ I will be cheering at least once for the Jets this weekend "One of my best friends from school in the early 90s was a huge Jets fan. An almost annoying "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets" fan. There were four of us; one from New York (Pete), one from Miami and one from Detroit. Football debates were a-plenty, but it was the tale end of the Super Bowl years so I was very comfortable in making the case for the Bills. "You guys rebuild, the Bills reload.", was a frequent retort. After school ended we each went back to our respective homes and stayed in contact, but never as much as we should. I was glad to say that I was at each of their weddings which were truly blessed times. Pete called me in April to let me know that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer back in January. He had kept it very quiet. I was the first of our friends to know. During this same conversation he let me know that given the medical lock down as it was in New York City treatment, or at least the treatment and care he was looking for, which included the presence of his wife during this anxious time for him, could not be had. He knew what the unfortunate writing on the wall was and wanted to finish out the time with his family. In our last conversation he wanted me to know that he loved me very much, and that I should let the guys know he loved them, as well. I returned the sentiment, sheepishly and inefficiently because...well...you know...it's never enough...words, I mean. I was careful in my discretion afterwards in checking up on Pete, out of respect for his wishes. His lovely wife called late in June to let me know that after having to briefly be resubmitted to the hospital due to complications my friend. My good friend. My brother, had passed on. I won't forget the final story as told by one of Pete's children during his funeral eulogy that earlier that month when their priest had stopped by to ask Pete if it was OK to do last rights Pete had said, "Well, I was baptized, received first communion, confirmed, and married all in the church so I might as well run the table on this!" That's Pete. That's so Pete...the guy could make you laugh on his final bed. I told our group of friends in a text last month that I want to talk Bills/Jets football, but my guy is gone and I don't have anyone to talk to about them. In retrospect I believe that post was a lie...I just wanted to talk to me friend. The good thing is, though, I do still talk to him and I do still hear him. He was 51, with a beautiful wife and four wonderful children, and he will forever be my friend. So please forgive this Bills fan on Sunday, because among a group of friends and family at an outdoor Bills kickoff party "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!" will be howled from my pipes at least once. ...but don't you dare expect this will be a regular thing, Pete...I can hear you laughing at me already and telling me I've finally come to my senses. And thank you for being a great friend...a great everything, really." ___________________________________________________________ The many responses to that OP writing about his Jets friend are overwhelmingly positive. Should you wish to add your thoughts to that OP, the forum is Two Bills Drive/StadiumWall), and the OP goes by 'Dollars 2 Donuts'. 4 7 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post T0mShane Posted September 12, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2020 I feel like if someone did the JETS chant in my face and I wasn’t a Jets fan, I’d stab them through the neck with a cocktail umbrella. 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gastineau Lives Posted September 12, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2020 That made me glassy-eyed. Most of us deserve better than what this team has given us over the years. Except for the sociopath in the post above mine.^^^^^^ He deserves an eternity of cocktail umbrellas in his pee hole 3 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New York Mick Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 2 minutes ago, Gastineau Lives said: He deserves an eternity of cocktail umbrellas in his pee hole Cocktail umbrella docking. That’s a new one. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Beerfish Posted September 12, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2020 6 minutes ago, Gastineau Lives said: That made me glassy-eyed. Most of us deserve better than what this team has given us over the years. Except for the sociopath in the post above mine.^^^^^^ He deserves an eternity of cocktail umbrellas in his pee hole That's called a Saturday night for Tom no? 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gastineau Lives Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 Just now, Beerfish said: That's called a Saturday night for Tom no? Yeah, if he ever asks you to hang out on Saturday, don't go. I learned that the hard way. 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integrity28 Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 16 minutes ago, T0mShane said: I feel like if someone did the JETS chant in my face and I wasn’t a Jets fan, I’d stab them through the neck with a cocktail umbrella. Top notch first reply, Tom. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Hernandez Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 2 hours ago, Gastineau Lives said: That made me glassy-eyed. Most of us deserve better than what this team has given us over the years. Except for the sociopath in the post above mine.^^^^^^ He deserves an eternity of cocktail umbrellas in his pee hole Thing about Tom is he wouldn't know what to do with himself if we ever became a successful franchise. It pains me to say I'm not sure I would either at this point. Great story though. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 Maybe I'm sensitive because cancer had been a reality in my house for so long. But in reference to those who have deleted posts in this thread ... Please don't say you want someone to die just because they root for another team here 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycdan Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 3 hours ago, Maxman said: Maybe I'm sensitive because cancer had been a reality in my house for so long. But in reference to those who have deleted posts in this thread ... Please don't say you want someone to die just because they root for another team here Amen. Clearly there are lines we don't cross. However, for those of you needing to vent some bile, wishing genital warts on Pats fans is okay and often encouraged. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyD Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 The original post just reminds you how unimportant football really is in the scheme of things - at least for us fans. As I always tell my kids, "No matter what happpens with the Jets on Sunday, you still have to get up and go to work on Monday morning". That's why, even though I invest as much time as I ever did following the Jets, I don't really let a sh*tty Jets outing put me in the dumps anymore. A very touching story. I feel terrible for the guy's family. 51 is definitely too young. Sent from my SM-G975U using JetNation.com mobile app 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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