Modern Vespa

My apologies to everyone. I don't post often, as I don't think that I have much to offer. And I have not been on the forum for some time.

2021 has been a devastating year for me.

On Jan 18 my mother Sandra died, one week before her birthday; complications due to Covid.
The next day my wife Fiorenza was admitted to hospital for treatment of renal cell carcinoma. She died on Feb 12, four days after her birthday.

Am I riding in this year's DGR in support of mental health?

How could I not . . .

Oh, man, so sorry. Even one loss is a big hit. 2020 was a hell of year, far worse for some of us....

Sorry to hear of your mom and wife passing away. Those are tough losses.

DGR is celebrating 10 years this year, I rode in one several years ago. I might just do it again this year.

Best of luck to you going forward. Keep us posted of your DGR prep and ride.

Hi Gatto,

I am very sorry to hear of your losses.

I am a mental health professional and a survivor of prostate cancer, so I certainly applaud your participation in the DGR. I hope you reach out here and anywhere else for whatever help you might need.

It broke my heart to read this ....
I cannot express the full sense of participation for your personal pain.
Very very sorry.
Hold on and try to hold onto the good memories of loved ones that you have lost.

I think that I am beyond help right now. Now, that dealing with funeral arrangements etc. are over, I am constantly reminded of what I have lost. My mother is gone and my life partner of 41 years is gone; I am alone and my life is now something totally different from what it was and what I was expecting it to be.
The pandemic makes it harder, as the rest of my family is hours away and inaccessible.
I am hoping that the DGR will help a bit; for my sake and for all those in similar straits.

Stay safe and well. I'm glad you have the positive attitude to join the DGR. A very deserving cause.

My sincere condolences and wish you the best. A scooter is a very good way to get out and clear the mind.

Grazie Attila.
My mother has joined my father and my Fiorenza is now with her mama and her nonni.
It is too soon afterwards; the memories, though sweet, are still painful reminders of what I have lost. I hope that in time, they will be a comfort.

RIP to your lost ones and comfort to you left behind.
The DGR is a great way to celebrate their lives.

I am sorry to hear this. They shall always be in your heart and mind.

This is terrible news. My condolences for the loss of such important parts of your life

I am so sorry for your losses. I try to be grateful for every day I get to wake up and breathe the air. I will hold my loved ones a little closer in honor of your beautiful mom and wife this evening.

I know how you feel, IL Gatto, my condolences.

I promise to ride with you, come what may.

Covid makes this so much harder. I don't know what to say to bring comfort.

Warmest regards,

David

So sorry to hear. I hope riding your scooter will bring you some peace a solice.

Very sorry to hear this. Yes, 2021 has been a very hard year, made harder for you by your losses. My sincerest condolences and my thoughts are with you.

I'm sorry to read this and my heart goes out to you. 2020 was my horrid year for loss. My 33 yr old daughter passed last July and I've lost numerous relatives and friends this past year. Hang in there, it gets better although your love ones aren't going to return they seems to be closer with regards to our thoughts. I'll have you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself

Thank you David.
Comfort, and happiness, are now memories of a life that I had.

It would be nice to ride with you this year.

I hate to imagine what you have gone, and are going through. Thank you for your kindness; I hope that we all have enough strength of some sort to survive.

Thank you. The past two years have been so hard on so many of us.
I hope that you will be well.

Il gatto da Vicenza,

So very sorry to read this. It must be awful for you. I don't think there are many words that we can say that will make you feel any better. But just know that things do improve as time goes by. You won't ever get over it in my experience, but you will learn to live with it and have peace of mind. It just takes time.

Hoping for a brighter future for you.

Best regards

Stephen,

There are no words which I or anyone can express, to diminish the sadness. I had the pleasure of meeting Firenza during our 2019 participation of the DGR (Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride). Her kindness and smile, were infectious, as she brought us espressos and cantucci ahead of the ride. I remember jokingly saying to her that one of the greatest cities in Italy, was named after her.

I only hope that time (the great healer), can ease some of this sadness as you remember all the great memories.

Should you want to reach out for some DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) discussion and general guitar playing, please DM me. I can be there for you.

Well, today is the 10th Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.
I will have to try to be dapper without Fiorenza's help.

Fiorenza . . . I miss you . . .

When you feel down, place a hand on your heart. Feel it beat? They gave you love, strength, acceptance, and courage. In your heart, they are always with you.