Adios....For The Time Being...Well, Sorta, Kinda, All That Wishy Washy Stuff.

Well, it's not a news item, but some might wish to know.

It has nothing to do with any glitches on CoasterBuzz.

I've never designed or built Coaster models/simulations or played coaster-related video games.

There may be a trip involved, but I probably won't be writing a trip report about it.

So that leaves me with the General Buzz section

Anyhoo, I'm dying. I've become friends on FB with several CB folks and they already know if They've been following the "storyline." . I'll give you the shortest version I can. I was hospitalized in September with a foot infection. Although this was not directly related to my two-toe amputation in 2014, it's all related to the diabeeeeee-tus. I was told during this visit I would lose at LEAST my lower right leg and foot, as well as the Macchu Piccu that is my left foot. The antibiotics I was being given were not working. After discussion with my brother, sister, and doctor....and the many facets of my mind, of course... I made the decision to not be kept alive through more surgery. We stopped the antibiotic, and I came home. Pain comes and goes, very bad at times. There was no guarantee the surgery would have prevented the infection from spreading. I essentially can't walk, have trouble using my hands, and often have trouble speaking and thinking. Nothing works anymore. We'll let the infection work its way through my body, and just hope it's quick when the time comes.

So it's pretty much time to say goodbye to my good friends at CoasterBuzz. Meeting more of you in person would have been awesome, but most of those I did meet, just off the top of my head, were terrific people. Bunky, RCMAC,Ensign, Bobbie, Jeph, Gary....luv y'all. I'm forgetting others that I wanna add to that, but again, brain don't work.. Always wanted to meet Gonch, Jeff, Tek, Vader and more than a handful of others....one of which I'm really pissed off for forgetting at this moment. I thank CB especially for allowing me to become a part of several memes and participate inCoasting For Kids, which became such a major part of my life since my first go-round in 2011. And I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Timber-Rider. I've never been a person who understood/paid much attention to the business side of the industry, but he made me realize over the years that I was nowhere near as generally clueless as at least one person out there. The last coaster I rode was NITRO Labor Day weekend 2015, and El Toro finishes its run as my #1 overall....I-305 my favorite steel. Bucket List...Lightning Rod, Wicked Cyclone, X2, Wicked Colossus, Texas Giant and Rattler (either form) and of course, Fury 325.

I'll pop in if/when I can in the coming weeks...although there's no timetable, I don't want that last word to turn into "months" instead of "weeks."

Thank y'all for everything, and I'll see you on the flip!

Jesus, I don't even know what to do with this. I'm not sure what to say (and I always have something to say, for better or often worse). You've certainly been a solid contributor to the community, and a great friend to GKTW. I can't pretend that I understand what you're going through, but hope you're able to find peace in a completely awful situation.

Mike Gallagher said:

Always wanted to meet Gonch, Jeff, Tek and more than a handful of others...

*tear*

My apologies if I was ever unnecessarily a dick...but I probably wasn't. It's usually deserved. ;)

Humor is a gift. You have the right attitude. I feel like I should say good luck or have fun or enjoy the ride or something equally awkward and inappropriate.

I wish we'd have had the chance to cross paths as well. I think I can safely say I speak for others when I say we've really appreciated having you around here.

(Since you mentioned it, I'm sort of half-expecting the greatest trip report of all time to show up one day. And if it does, somehow a "Vote Up" just isn't going to be enough.)

Oh no. This is so unexpected. You will absolutely be missed around here. I don't even know what to say, except, be strong and I hope and pray for the best possible outcome, all things considered...

I'm sorry...for this...and that I never got to meet you in person. See you on the flip side, indeed, Mike.

:(

Mike, I'm heartbroken. I too looked forward to meeting you one day and have always respected you and enjoyed reading your posts.

I respect you a lot for this post. For letting us know. For being on terms with what you want out of this life and the end of it.

I feel like I should shay a preemptive goodbye, so long, thanks for the memories, god speed. But most importantly, thank you for being a part of coasterbuzz, our community, and a part of our lives.

I hope end of life is as painless as possible. Having worked as a marketing director for a nursing home, working with hospice, and being a caseworker for long term care Medicaid, I've delt with end of life a lot outside of my friends and family. But it never makes it easy when it's someone you know, even if it's just in a limited community.

I'm honored to know you wanted to meet me as I did you. And please have someone let us know.

Take care my friend. And I hope you, and your loved ones find peace and comfort thru all of this.

I'm leaving any typos on purpose this time since they've seemed to recently become a signature. Those typos are for you, Mike ;-).

Wow, Mike. Really enjoyed "talking shop" with you over the years, always appreciated your perspective. Had a lot of fun talking Jersey with you as well...

I wish you peace and comfort, and thoughts of happy times with friends and family.

P.S. Diabetes sucks!

Thanks for your candor, Mike. I've also always appreciated your contributions to the site and thanks to folks like you, my interest in the site has evolved from "the place where I get my coaster news and there's some cool people" to "the place with people I really enjoy interacting with that happens to occasionally have coaster related news." Even though I don't get out to enthusiast events much (young kids have a tendency to do that) I consider the regulars here to be friends and one of the constants in my life. During my recent move from Texas after 11 years to CA, it was nice to know that Coasterbuzz would be exactly the same.

Thanks for everything. You will be in our prayers, and I believe that God will surely welcome you on the other side. I just hope He allows snapping on the flyers.

Jeff said:

Jesus, I don't even know what to do with this.

I second that, but from a different perspective. ;)

I sent you a message on the book of faces, too - I always thought you were less than active over there but I said an awful lot in that message I won't pour out here - but I will say this:

Diabetes is the worst. Not too many people know, but diabetes gave my dad a hemorrhagic stroke just over 2 months ago. He was very lucky to have crawled to the phone and call 911 in time, so it saved his life, but it's not been without struggles. He's basically had to re-learn how to be an adult, including how to walk and balance, shave, shower etc... he's only 59.

Please, know you will be missed.

ApolloAndy said:

I just hope He allows snapping on the flyers.

But....but....but I don't ride (or even LIKE) Flyers. Maybe I can ride the El Toro No Restraints Model!

I've already talked to Mike, and that conversation will continue, so for now I'm going to talk about him.

We became online friends through CoasterBuzz, starting with some PM's over a joke then it went on through emails. Mike is hard of hearing so my preferred method of communication, which is the old fashioned telephone, was challenging. So over the years every once in a while we'd write long notes through the email.

Then one day Mike told me he had planned a coaster trip by himself with a swing through the Midwest. I suggested a long weekend at Cedar Point with a stay at the Breakers, in the lovely Bon Air. He accepted.
I was a little nervous planning to spend the weekend with someone I'd never met, and I suggested we should meet at Chet and Matts for pizza when he pulled into town. The second he stepped out of the car I yelled "GET OVER HERE", we had a hug and I knew I had a lifelong friend.

Cedar Point was so much fun. Mike Roberts and Jeff Franklin joined us and we had a ball, pretty much doing whatever the "new guy" wanted to do. We rode, ate, drank, and walked as much as Mike's aching feet would allow. I'll never forget when we climbed the stairs and sat in the CP Ballroom, for a rest and a long visit in that beautiful space.

On Sunday (Monday?) Mike left us Ohioans to head to the next park. I walked him to his car, and after a lot more talking finally said goodbye. As he pulled out of the Breakers lot I had a tear in my eye, wishing he was closer.

Mike is a true gentleman. He's loving, caring, and pure Jersey. I enjoy his sense of humor, and that goes a long way with me. He is an avid supporter of GKTW and a highlight of his year was the Coasting for Kids event as a Dorney participant. He was a champion fundraiser and when I'd read of his coaster marathon count each year it would make me dizzy.

He's facing his time with dignity and courage, not only in the face of the process, but especially with the many supporters around him. And that not only includes his local friends and family, but those of us around the country as well.

I've always had high regard and respect for Mike, and now he's given me a couple of new reasons.

Now I'll talk to Mike.
Love you, man. Thanks for being just you.

I don't have much to add beyond what's been said so far, but I will say that I admire your candor and poise in the midst of what I can imagine was a very difficult decision. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Damn... don't know what to say. Hope your days are peaceful, painless, and fun. Hope we can still have you around for awhile.

We don't really know each other and its a shame we never crossed paths, but I've always enjoyed your contributions to this community.

Mike, take care. Peace be with you, your friends and your family.

Hiyas Mike,

Sensitive topic, I only wish you the best towards you and your situation.

FOR ALMOST ALL OF US, it is not easy to realize that, Life is a sexually transmitted disease that ALWAYS ends in death.

From what I have seen, it takes real courage to make that transition and still attempt to retain a quality of life.

Woman who opted for RV trip over cancer treatment dies in San Juans

I hope you also can have some quality of life, and do something enjoyable with the moments remaining available to you.

Prayer sent; wishing you little pain or suffering.

I've known for a little while about this and have attempted for some days to process this devastating news. From my reaction now, I guess I haven't done a very good job of it.

For only having had that one day together, you've certainly had an outsized and lasting impact on my life, Mike. A good friend, even albeit limited to the online world with the geographic distance. I missed you when you weren't there, and I will again.

Just like everybody else here, I'm heartbroken at your impending departure. Know that you're loved and that you've been a positive force for plenty of people.

Love ya, dude.

I don't know what to say :(

Best wishes on your journey.

As someone who usually just skims the longer threads, I always stopped to read your posts. You will be missed.

Love to you and your family while you're going through this. I can't even imagine. Puts life into perspective.