Fellow Members - Please Read

[FinHeavenAJ]

I received an email today and it hit me harder than most emails. Granted, I receive quite a few emails that slam the site and myself, but this one I just had to respond to… but in public. You see, this email questioned my leadership and my lack of “appearance” on the message boards and site. Now, I may not be the best leader and I may not be the most active member on the site; however, I really wanted to share a small piece of what is going on in my life lately… something I held back because I didn’t think it was “right.”

You see, on October 21st of last year my father was diagnosed with cancer. The news has been devastating; life since then hasn’t been the same… it never will be. From October till February my father has been battling cancer one day at a time. Things began to look up for him as the cancer in his lungs was decreasing at a fast rate. However, as of last week my father received the news that while the cancer has been shrinking in his one lung, it has moved to the other lung as well as the liver and other parts of his body. To put it simply, the cancer was found too late and is spreading too fast to stop.

Many people may or may not understand what my family and I are going through right now. My life as I know is has changed dramatically. I am no longer able to consult my father, my friend, for advice that I so desperately want. When it comes to FinHeaven, it’s simply hard to sit down and focus on it as he has always been a factor and has always guided me. I mean, no worries – I don’t plan on leaving the site… I just need some time off for other reasons.

The next couple of weeks will be especially difficult for me as things have started to decline at a fast rate. This entire situation has just made me realize how fragile and valuable life is. I mean, my father is 47 years old… need I say more?

In ending, I really don’t like sharing life stories with people. I’m a rather quite guy. However, I believe this site is like a family. Additionally, I wanted to inform my “second family” of what is going on so you understand why I haven’t been quite as active in the past few months.

Thank you for listening (or reading). Thank you for making this site what it is today. Additionally, I thank (and you should too) the fellow staff for doing a great job while I have been out so many times…

Sincerely,
Andrew Tatum

[mee]

Dude, I empathize and I am sorry to hear about your father. You don't owe whatever lowlife loser sent you that email any kind of response. I visit many Dolphins websites daily and this one is by far the best! And to whomever wrote that email, take stock in your life and think about what really matters.... loser.

[inFINSible]

you know my feelings AJ.... don't waste another second thinking about anything other than what you need to.....this one e-mail, from one guy, is so trivial that it should never enter your thoughts again....It in no way reflects the feelings of the vast majority of members here....

[phinman1]

Best wishes to you and your family.

[DOLFANMIKE]

AJ.....our prayers are with you and your family.
Do what is right by your family and never look back.

As for the person that didn't understand your situation, let that be your lessson as to why you shouldnt be judgemental. This site is simply THE BEST DOLFAN website....bar none. I am impressed that a person as young as AJ could develop a concept like this site and offer it to us. Thanks again AJ.

[PhinKev]

My best to you and your family.

[aquaattak]

im really sorry to hear the news about your ailing father. I have lost two people in my family to that dreaded disease. I definately can relate to what you are going through. Spend every minute that is humanly possible with your dad. That is what he will take with him. It is tough now, will be tough after the inevitable, and after, it will be tough for a while. Be there to lend support to other family members, because they will need you.

Its been 7 years since my Grandma passed and i still miss her every day.

I dont know you, but i can only lend support and help you cope with the situation.
If you need someone to talk to, or any support, please feel free to email me, im here for you, my brother in fin....

Reelfisherman73@yahoo.com

Mike

[CirclingWagons]

I'm very sorry to hear that AJ...I hope for the best for your father, you, and the rest of your family.

[hellhound13]

I'm a new guy that's been reading posts for a long time. The leaders of this board all seem to be pretty cool and fair; don't fret over a few complainers.

Enjoy the precious time you have left with your Father. My Dad passed away about 8 years ago(he was 45) and I feel your pain. Stay strong man.

Holdan

[speedy]

my families prayers are with you and your family

[zonk39]

You and your father are in my prayers, God Bless you and your family.

[PhinPhreak]

AJ,

I know that words don't help much in these matters but my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, there is nothing more precious then family in this world, so enjoy any moments that you can have so that you may never have any regrets.

As much as I know this site means to you, don't even give it a second thought, you have many people working hard(and doing a great job) to help you keep this site the best Dolphins site on the net.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your extended family.

[Muck]

You know where I stand on this A.J. You have my and my family's deepest sympathy and prayers. We've got your back. And this place won't be going anywhere if you have to be away. So don't worry anything else. You do what you have to do.

And to the person who wrote this, I pray that you "see the the light" before you experience something like this....because odds are, you will. Someone who would write something as mean-spirited as you did obviously doesn't have his head on straight. I almost feel sorry for you. But my anger will not let me. You could not have picked a more undeserving target. A.J. is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've ever met. The kind of person you should strive to be. A guy with more class and decency than you could muster in a month.

I'm sure that you are reading this. And I hope that some of this is sinking in. Because if it isn't, well.......I'll just leave it at that.

[PhinstiGator]

AJ, I know what you are experiencing right now. I lost both of my parents to cancer. Make the most of every moment you have with your father.

I will be praying for him and for you and your family.

[TerryTate]

First off, my prayers are with you AJ, had the privelige of meeting you not too long ago and your father seems to have molded you into a class guy....Best of luck as you have to cope with the final stages of what can be a devestating thing.

second, to whoever sent that classless E-mail, if I find out who you are, you will be in my Doghouse, TTT's doghouse, no one talks trash about the founding member of such a kick-arse website such as this one without me getting involved.

Best of luck AJ, keep me updated as much as you can.

MB (TTT)