The video highlights have been put together into a beautiful movie of our journey from Brisbane to Sydney. Watching it brings back some nice memories of the pain and happiness a 1,050km ride can bring. I can't believe how lucky we were with the beautiful weather and amazing scenery.
Enjoy!!
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Reflections of Goodbye
Goodbye
Yesterday I attended the funeral for Eduardo Pose. I was honored to be chosen to say a few words to express the friendships Eddie had with his work colleagues.
This is what I shared:
We stand here today to remember Eddie as a colleague and a friend.
After a stint with the private company TTM, Eddie pursued a career at Brisbane City Council with the City Design branch in 2003 before joining Development Assessment team in 2004. He rejoined City Design in 2008 as a Design Project Manager with the bikeways team, where he could merge his passion for bikes and engineering work. Eddie was involved in the successful delivery of the $100M bikeway program between 2008-11. Eddie transferred to the Flood Management team in early 2011 to help with flood recovery work.
Eddies contribution at BCC was acknowledged by the CEO himself. Colin Jenson thanked Eddie for his contributions, in particular his work in the Norman Creek Bikeway Project which was hailed as a huge success as it was delivered within budget and ahead of schedule.
Eddie wasn't just a great work colleague; he was a great friend. He was always willing to lend a hand or share a conversation.
I became close friends with Eddie when he joined the Flood Management team. We quickly figured out that we had a mutual passion for all things cycling. We would discuss any and every thing cycling - brands of groupsets, favourite riders, favourite races, our next upgrades and planning out next ride. This would continue on & off the bike, at lunchtime, on email and over the phone. Safe to say, I haven't met anyone else who liked to talk bikes as much as Eddie.
Of course from his point of view, the Spanish cyclists were the cleanest riders on the planet. It was everyone else that was bringing cycling down with scandals. Whilst he was of Spanish heritage, his love for things Italian knew no bounds. I am sure that if he was given a bike with the best and most expensive Japanese components - he would promptly sell it for one with affordable mid-range gear.
My favourite memory of Eddie was the day we rode up Mt Mee with a few other cycling friends. New to cycling, I had never ridden up a climb that long or that high before - and was convinced I would be walking to the top. But Eddie waved off my uncertainty and assured me that could do it. The group cycled into Dayboro and as the road started to rise, the more experienced riders pulled ahead. Taking Eddies advice I kept my own pace, steadied my breathing and enjoyed the scenery. Sure enough as I reached the crest Eddie was there cheering and was the first to congratulate me on my first 'real mountain climb'. The photo of him giving me the thumbs up is from that morning and captures Eddie perfectly.
Other friends have mentioned times when they would go riding with Eddie, and although he would be barely warmed up, Eddie would gladly turn back if they were too tired to continue. He was quite content to leave it at that and keep you company instead of riding on without you.
Another memory of Eddie shared was when he was asked to give a brief talk on a topic of interest during a regular team meeting. Most people in this situation would create a PowerPoint or Q&A style presentation - but not Eddie. At this stage he had been teaching yoga for some time and so he decided to run a small yoga session with his team. It was highly entertaining for Eddie to watch all the yoga novices attempt the various positions he was demonstrating. It was a lot of fun and brought enjoyment to the team.
Most of us remember Eddie for his immense positivity, even over his biggest battles against cancer. There was hardly a time when Eddie would whinge or be critical or something....well maybe with the exception of Apple Products. And although he wasn't a fan of the iPhone or iPad he still had good things to say about them - that's just how he was.
In the relatively short time we knew Eddie, there was never a dull moment. He had an incredible zest for life, loved to travel, was always enthusiastic and as you now know was contagiously passionate about cycling. Eddie was well balanced and wished that everyone in the world would accept everyone for who they are and what they believed in, instead of being judgmental and critical about others choices.
In the last few weeks of his life, Eddie said that if he had the energy he would do his bit in making the world a better place. But we all know he didn't have to - because if you look around this room today, all of us have become better people just by knowing him. And to me, that means that Eduardo Pose has already made this world a better place.
The ceremony really was beautiful. It was made even more special because Eddie himself picked out the words and songs he wanted. He wrote a short reflection on life which was included in the handout - and a slideshow of photographs was set to 2 songs of his choosing; Foreigner - "I wanna know what love is" and Rebecca Ferguson - "Nothing's real but love".
It really was a great way to celebrate his life. While it was a sad occasion, it was so nice to be able to share funny stories and photos of him and share a laugh. He would've wanted it that way. Liz shared that his final wishes included that his ashes should be spread over Mt Mee, Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious. These were his favourite places to visit. Every now and then, I want to ride up these mountains and take in the scenery, breathe in the crisp air and think of him.
Reflections
Bianca and I drove up to Caloundra after the ceremony and we had time to reflect on it and life in general.
I really do regret that I didn't get to know Eddie better. We were primarily cycling buddies, but in the last year we really started to touch on more in-depth topics in life. Love, marriage, kids, houses, happiness, peace, war and wellness are some of the things we had chatted about. We shared our ideas, thoughts and opinions. We really started to have a great friendship.
At the ceremony it became apparent to me that there was so much more to Eddie than I knew - so many other interests and hobbies which we had not shared yet. And it makes me sad to know that I have missed the opportunity to have him teach me some yoga or ask him about android phones or his past trips overseas.
Bianca and I decided that we wanted to take some learnings from Eddies life. The main one being to live simpler with a focus on love & happiness. From small day-to-day things like sharing lunch together to bigger changes like altering diet and lifestyle choices. I am excited to see what path it takes us on. Even in the sadness and negativity of death, there can be a positive outcome.
Thank you, Eddie.
Enjoying a sunrise walk on the rocks at Caloundra
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
My Friend Eddie
Sadly, this Friday I will have to farewell a friend from this world.
Eduardo "Eddie" Pose passed away on the 1st February 2013, the day after my 28th birthday.
Eddie had been fighting cancer in various forms over 4 long years. I first met him after he was in remission from a tumour on his heart. About a year later doctors tests revealed he had a secondary cancer in his lymph nodes. The treatment was a long process and he was in and out of hospital for over a year. At the end of 2012 it looked as if he was getting on top of the disease and looked stronger each day. We even enjoyed 50km rides together just before Christmas. But then suddenly he was administered back into hospital with a virus attacking his gut. It was particularly painful for him and he couldn't eat/drink for weeks.The doctors ordered 3 tests of his bone marrow to rule out any progress of the cancer. The first two results came back clear and I was quietly hopeful that this was the end of the cancer. I had always just assumed he would back healthy and riding with me sooner or later.
Devastatingly, the third test was positive for cancer in the marrow and doctors outlined that there was nothing that could be done. With good luck, he could have months left to enjoy life - with bad luck he may only have days.
I remember the phonecall we had after he had that conversation with the doctors. Eddie sounded so calm and collected for someone in that position. I just couldn't understand - I would have been a mess of denial and sadness. But not Eddie. He was reflective on life and thankful for time he had on earth. As he said to me "That's just the way life is - sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want". He was strong in the face of defeat and ready for his final journey.
I will always remember Eddie in his prime. We did many rides together and the more I think about it, the more he is a big part of why I ride. As a somewhat introvert, I tend to mostly ride solo. I love to hear the wind whistle past, feel the breeze on my skin, the buzz of the freewheel and steady rhythm of my breathing. The great thing about my rides with Eddie was that he loved those same things. There would be rides where we would be mostly silent and just enjoying the magic which is cycling. Other times we would discuss any and all areas of cycling: running gear brands, clothing, who's a doper, who's not, grand tours, one day classics etc. We just loved to talk cycling. And that was our thing.
As he opened up about his condition, we started to talk more about the 'big things' in life - why are we here, what does it mean to be a good person, why are there wars and what happens when you die. Like me, he was a lover not a fighter. The recipe for peace seemed so simple to us - just accept others for who they are. To us there was just no sense in hating someone for their color, sexual orientation, what country they're from or what car they drive etc. Life is bigger than that.
On the few rides I have done since Eddie passed, I have again visited these topics in my head. But this time, it's only the wind, the freewheel and my breathing to keep me company.
I will miss my 'cycling buddy' Eddie Pose, and our friendship was unique. I am thankful for the thoughts he provoked and the observations he passed onto me. And even in death, he has still reminded to enjoy my life, love my friends & family and don't take any for granted. Life is short.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I hope there's a tailwind whereever you ride now.
Eduardo "Eddie" Pose passed away on the 1st February 2013, the day after my 28th birthday.
Eddie had been fighting cancer in various forms over 4 long years. I first met him after he was in remission from a tumour on his heart. About a year later doctors tests revealed he had a secondary cancer in his lymph nodes. The treatment was a long process and he was in and out of hospital for over a year. At the end of 2012 it looked as if he was getting on top of the disease and looked stronger each day. We even enjoyed 50km rides together just before Christmas. But then suddenly he was administered back into hospital with a virus attacking his gut. It was particularly painful for him and he couldn't eat/drink for weeks.The doctors ordered 3 tests of his bone marrow to rule out any progress of the cancer. The first two results came back clear and I was quietly hopeful that this was the end of the cancer. I had always just assumed he would back healthy and riding with me sooner or later.
Devastatingly, the third test was positive for cancer in the marrow and doctors outlined that there was nothing that could be done. With good luck, he could have months left to enjoy life - with bad luck he may only have days.
I remember the phonecall we had after he had that conversation with the doctors. Eddie sounded so calm and collected for someone in that position. I just couldn't understand - I would have been a mess of denial and sadness. But not Eddie. He was reflective on life and thankful for time he had on earth. As he said to me "That's just the way life is - sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want". He was strong in the face of defeat and ready for his final journey.
I will always remember Eddie in his prime. We did many rides together and the more I think about it, the more he is a big part of why I ride. As a somewhat introvert, I tend to mostly ride solo. I love to hear the wind whistle past, feel the breeze on my skin, the buzz of the freewheel and steady rhythm of my breathing. The great thing about my rides with Eddie was that he loved those same things. There would be rides where we would be mostly silent and just enjoying the magic which is cycling. Other times we would discuss any and all areas of cycling: running gear brands, clothing, who's a doper, who's not, grand tours, one day classics etc. We just loved to talk cycling. And that was our thing.
As he opened up about his condition, we started to talk more about the 'big things' in life - why are we here, what does it mean to be a good person, why are there wars and what happens when you die. Like me, he was a lover not a fighter. The recipe for peace seemed so simple to us - just accept others for who they are. To us there was just no sense in hating someone for their color, sexual orientation, what country they're from or what car they drive etc. Life is bigger than that.
On the few rides I have done since Eddie passed, I have again visited these topics in my head. But this time, it's only the wind, the freewheel and my breathing to keep me company.
I will miss my 'cycling buddy' Eddie Pose, and our friendship was unique. I am thankful for the thoughts he provoked and the observations he passed onto me. And even in death, he has still reminded to enjoy my life, love my friends & family and don't take any for granted. Life is short.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I hope there's a tailwind whereever you ride now.
Monday, 21 January 2013
Bridge 2 Bridge Charity Ride
Big News Announcement:
I have signed up for the 2013 Bridge 2 Bridge charity ride, beginning 4th May.
The Bridge 2 Bridge charity ride will see 12 intrepid cyclists ride from the Storey Bridge in BRISBANE to the Harbour Bridge in SYDNEY, covering over 1000kms in 8 days.
The Bridge 2 Bridge aims to raise money and awareness for the Cure For Life Foundation who do fantastic work in brain cancer treatments and preventative research. The ride will coincide with the national Brain Cancer Awareness Week and we will be visiting schools along the way to spread the word about the good work being done by Cure For Life.
My Motivation
In 2012 I heard the bad news that my very good friends mum had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She spent much of the year in and out of hospital. Unfortunately the treatments were not as effective as hoped and she returned home for Christmas. As is the case with cancer, her condition deteriorated quickly. Sadly, Joanne Oudejans passed away at New Years surrounded by her family.
My cycling buddy and work colleague Eddie Pose is no stranger to cancer. 4 years ago he was first diagnosed with cancer and the following treatments proved successful in defeating it. It was a joyous occasion and he had a newfound zest for life. Fast forwarding to 2012 saw him re-diagnosed with secondary Lymphoma cancer. A long period of treatment, stem cell transplants and immune system replacement followed. It finally seemed like he was on top of it by December. We even enjoyed a few rides together during the holidays.
Unfortunately, he was admitted back into hospital after Christmas with a gut virus. Just weeks later, we learnt that cancer had made its way into his bone marrow and there was nothing more that could be done. As I write this, Eddie is spending his last moments with his wife and close family. I was relieved to be able to see him for a short time yesterday- just to say our goodbyes and thank him for his great friendship.
I had been searching for a goal, a challenge, for me undertake this year. When I stumbled across the Bridge 2 Bridge website, and saw that it benefited the fight against cancer - it was meant to be.
I promised to complete the ride and raise as much money as I could on behalf of Eddie and Joey. Every pedal stroke of my 1000km journey will be for them both.
Ride Website:
http://www.bridgetobridge.org
Foundation Website:
http://www.cureforlife.org.au
Donation Website:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/bridge_2_bridge_cycle_charity_ride_team
Life - Good and Bad
Shortly I will be adding a post about a big event that I have signed up for. I am really excited about it, not just for the event itself - but for the cause it raises money for.
In 2011 I signed up for the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer. It was its first year in Australia, held in Brisbane. The money raised went directly the QLD Medical Institute of Research which performs important cancer research. I managed to raise $2,845 with the help of my friends and family. The cycling challenge part involved riding to Wivenhoe Dam, camping overnight, then returning back to Brisbane (240kms round trip). It was a tough ride with alot of hills, not to mention it stormed on the return journey. But I loved the challenge of it. At the time, it was the biggest cycling acheivement I had ever done. My next event dwarfs that ride.
While I have never had to deal with the harsh realities of Cancer, there are quite a few of my friends that have. Bianca's Dad, my Nan, two of my friends Mums and a friend from work - they have all had to stare Cancer in the face. Some have managed to beat it and live on....and sadly some have not. Some are still locked in battle.
For me, being exposed to Cancer sufferers, has changed the way I think about life. I never used to worry to much about what I did day-to-day. I would just float around doing whatever I wanted without much thought about the 'big picture'. However, I now find myself wanting to ensure that should the worst happen to me - I can be proud and happy with the life I have lived. This can mean different things to different people - but for me, it includes (but isn't limited to):
Make the most of life - its the only one you have.
In 2011 I signed up for the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer. It was its first year in Australia, held in Brisbane. The money raised went directly the QLD Medical Institute of Research which performs important cancer research. I managed to raise $2,845 with the help of my friends and family. The cycling challenge part involved riding to Wivenhoe Dam, camping overnight, then returning back to Brisbane (240kms round trip). It was a tough ride with alot of hills, not to mention it stormed on the return journey. But I loved the challenge of it. At the time, it was the biggest cycling acheivement I had ever done. My next event dwarfs that ride.
While I have never had to deal with the harsh realities of Cancer, there are quite a few of my friends that have. Bianca's Dad, my Nan, two of my friends Mums and a friend from work - they have all had to stare Cancer in the face. Some have managed to beat it and live on....and sadly some have not. Some are still locked in battle.
For me, being exposed to Cancer sufferers, has changed the way I think about life. I never used to worry to much about what I did day-to-day. I would just float around doing whatever I wanted without much thought about the 'big picture'. However, I now find myself wanting to ensure that should the worst happen to me - I can be proud and happy with the life I have lived. This can mean different things to different people - but for me, it includes (but isn't limited to):
- Making sure I spend time with those I love - friends and family.
- Making sure I make time for the activities I find fun - cycling is one of them.
- Healthy body & healthy mind - good diet, low stress, good nights sleep etc.
- Trying new things and challenging myself (physically and mentally). And
- Every now and then - do something for someone else. Something I believe in.
Make the most of life - its the only one you have.
At the finish of 2011 RTCC - High on Life
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