A lot of you have now read my "ebay" thread. That thread wsa not intended to spark a big discussion so I apologize Alex if that thread is taking up unnecessaryroom...you are welcome to move it. I do very much appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers though, please do not think I am being unappreciative.

I am recieving a large amount of PM's and am not able to respond to all of them for obvious reasons...my time is limited right now. Let me just explain what has happened here for everyone.

My younger brother was given a positive biopsy confirmation of Hodgkins lymphoma today. He has been given at best 6-8 months to live. He is a medical professional like myself and he is very aware of the pro's and con's to treatment, survival rates, recurrence, etc. He refuses treatment and wishes to live out what few months he has left without the torture of chemo/radiation and just plain old dragging things out only to end up dead in the long run. These are his wishes...and myself and my family will support him irregardless of our own personal opinions.

He has a 7 year old, 4 year old, and now a 6 month old at home. His medical bills have been piling up over the past few months with MRI's/CT's/biopsies/dr appointments/etc trying to get a diagnosis. His family is now faced with the idea they are about to lose a husband and father who is the primary "breadwinner" in the family.

I would gladly trade my life if I could spare my brother his, but I can't. The only thing I can do it be supportive and do my best to help him and his family financially. As you all know, I have a 4 week old baby boy now and my finances are a bit overwhelmed with my own new addition.

This is why I am selling my bike, a large part of my gun collection, and will probably start getting rid of a few niceities like LCD tv's home audio and theatre equipment, etc. For those of you who have PM'd me about the gun collection, I sold off sevreal items today at the local shop. I sold them for 35% of what I paid. A large part of the remainder of my collection consists of NFA weapons (class 2 and a couple of class 3 weapons). For gun enthusiasts, you must know the legal issues involved with transfer of NFA weapons or have the ATF delist them as such. When I get a final list together and get the kinks worked out with the ATF about the status of some of my items (HK full auto mp5, four SBR ar15's, several AOW's, etc) I will PM each of you who have inquired individually.

Now you guys know my family situation. This is not something I wanted to broadcast on ebay so I listed my reason as being my wife was uncomfortable with me riding due to the recent birth of our little boy. I hope you all can understand.

I plan on staying here on the forum. I have met so many nice people and you guys have been very supportive of me the past year as I have learned to ride a motorcycle. I am walking away from my Hornet knowing that I have never dropped it or had it fall over...something people swore to me would happen in my first year of riding. One day I will be back on a bike...but right now my wife, son, and my brother is my priority.

I'll still be around here, like JMD. Maybe in the next couple of years I'll be back on a bike.

Again, thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. If anyone knows of someone looking for a well taken care of 599, let me know. I would work out something much better than my ebay listing for you guys...to be discussed between me and any interested parties.

Love to all of you wonderful Hornet owners,
Chris

Hang in there, Chris. We're with ya.

That's a very tough road ahead. You, your family, and especially your brother have my deepest sympathies. I hope it all goes in the best possible way for you.

James

Tough road, but you're handling it with grace. Well done, and (again) my best wishes for you all.

9-11 is not a good day.... I wish there was a way around having to get rid of all your "toys," but some things are just more important. I, as I'm sure most of us would, would do the same thing.

Tell your brother we're rooting for him! We'll be here for you both!

^ What he said. It sucks, but i'm glad your brother has a brother such as yourself to help look after his most loved ones. I know if i were in that position i would feel the worst about leaving my family in financial difficulty. But i know it has to make all the difference knowing the rest of your family will always be there for them. I have a world of respect for what you're doing.

You're in my prayers, as is your brother. We'll miss you around here, but i think you're signing off for the best of reasons and with your priorities in order. The fact that you never dropped it and never got hurt is one to be thankful for. You and i must be in the minority. :wink:

Bikes are a lot of fun, but when it comes down to it those you love matter most. Stuff is just stuff...often we don't realize that until something like this comes along and puts everything in perspective. Kinda makes the rest of the threads in this forum seem trivial and kind absurd, doesnt it...?

Chris: This is sad news. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes, Dave

Keep the faith, my prayers to you and yours, Charlee

I plan on staying here on the forum.
:clap

:( I'm finding it difficult to find the right words. All I'm going to say right now is that I'm proud of you.

Sorry to hear about all this Chris!! God bless you and your family.
I have a friend who had a nasty little bout with lymphoma about 5
years ago. He is now a cop here in virginia beach and has a beautiful
wife and baby boy. Your brother and you and all your family
should just try to stay positive and hopeful and constantly visualize a
full recovery. I'll pray for you guys, too.

peace,

corey

I appreciate the kind words Corey. It really sucks to have to sell my bike. My wife has been really skittish every time I go out on it since Gavin was born (he's one month old today...woohoo!!). She's mentioned me selling it several times and we've rolled the idea around, but I could just never bring myself to sell it. I've taken too good care of the bike and I enjoy it waaaaaaaaaay to much to sell it. Even though I know Pam wants me too. My thing now is I just want the bike to make it to a home as good as mine. I want someone to have it that will take as good of care as I have. I can't stomach the thought of my Hornet going to someone who's gonna treat it bad.

Now, with my brother's diagnosis, it's just the straw that has broke the camel's back.

I can honestly say I wouldn't rather have any other bike. When all this stuff settles down, and my little boy is a couple years older (where at least Pam wouldn't be taking care of a brand new baby without a father), I will be buying another bike. Want to know what I'll buy? You guessed it...a 2004 yellow 599.

you know, there are reports over on the HOrnet's nest of guys getting 100,000 miles on their hornets.

I'm staying here on the forum. I love all you guys too much to leave. You've all been such inspirations. Besides, where else could anyone find a forum with such great folks?

Gotta run, the little baby Gavin is upset about something and is in need of attention.

BTW...Alex...you're still the best!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and support.

Chris

BTW...Alex...you're still the best!

Thanks. :mrgreen:

I have a younger brother, too. If he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and I was fixing to sell my 599 to help out with expenses and stuff, I'd somehow convince him to hop on the back and join me for a high-speed jaunt around Grenada Lake. He's chickener than me, but I'd get him on there and just romp on it real good. He'd be hanging on tight, and WTF! he'd love it. I'd love it! Does your brother ride?

God bless you and your family Chris. You're doing a very honorable thing.

I have a younger brother, too. If he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and I was fixing to sell my 599 to help out with expenses and stuff, I'd somehow convince him to hop on the back and join me for a high-speed jaunt around Grenada Lake. He's chickener than me, but I'd get him on there and just romp on it real good. He'd be hanging on tight, and WTF! he'd love it. I'd love it! Does your brother ride?


My brother is scared to death of motorcycles. He had a nasty little accident when we were younger on a dirt bike. He's never been on another bike of any sort since then...

His children have never been to Disney. His oldest son (7 years old) and daughter (about to turn 5) have been wanting to go for the past year but my brother just hasn't felt up to it (not knowing he had an essentially terminal cancer) and the medical bills he was racking up just killed his finances. After everything I'm selling off, I'm dumping my savings account, and going to cash out my 401K (I'm in the middle of changing jobs). I'll be taking the money and paying off all his medical bills and about half of the remainder of his mortgage ( so his wife and children aren't left in a complete mess). He's never thought to get life insurance (who does when you're in your late twenties?? Anyway, I'm also going to take him, his wife, and his children to Disney World for a week. It's the one thing they've wanted to do and when my brother takes his last breath I want him to be able to look at his children and know he was able to do the one thing with them that they wanted...to go to Disney. I will not sit by feeling helpless and doing the "woe is me" thing. I will make sure my brother dies peacefully and that his children are left with only the best memories of him. He's a kickass brother and a kickass dad.

If I could get him on a bike though....I would.

You're a kick ass brother in return. :thumbsup

Karma's going to be smiling BIG on you, Chris. Good job, and good luck to you. Your brother has quite a good brother.