ah.b.normal has flown west!

[Josh's09]

Hello everyone! My name is David Bell, I am the oldest son of Thad Bell. I believe he goes by Abby normal on this site. He has told me a lot about this group. I can tell it means a lot to him. He enjoys talking back and forth with people who share these similar interests, so I felt compelled to write to you all. Some of you may have noticed he has not posted in about 3 or 4 weeks. I took him to the hospital in early December to be seen. During this time he was admitted. They found cancer in his liver, lymph nodes and bones. He had major sclerosis of his liver due to fatty liver disease. My father rarely drank and never smoked so this came as a shock to all of us, myself, 2 siblings and my mom. A treatment plan was made but the doctors were not optimistic. He was in end stage liver failure and stage 4 cancer. He was given months to live. Still we tried to extend any time we had left. He would not survive chemotherapy or radiation so he was started on keytruda. He went under several other procedures that I won’t list at this time. His first infusion of keytruda went well and he was lucid, though a little groggy through Christmas. Not very talkative, which if you’ve had any interaction with him you’d know is unlike him. The day after Christmas his doctor called to tell us his bilirubin levels were dangerously high from the blood test they pulled on Christmas Eve and we were to take him to the ER. He was admitted again where we found his liver and kidneys were failing. On the 29th of December we were told there was nothing more they could do. The cancer and organ damage was too advanced. We have been released to home hospice where we will continue palliative care until the end. We expect to get another 2-3 weeks with him but it could be more or it could be less. He is still lucid enough to listen, so if anyone wants to tell him anything before he goes, I can read it to him. I personally want to thank everyone one of you that was friends with my dad, I know he got out to see a few of you. So I want you all to know I recognize and appreciate it. Good luck to all of you with your builds. BUILD IT FOR ABBY!

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

This is devastating news and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and your family. I always had great conversations with him and had fun poking fun at each other for our inherent knowledge of all things trivial and experienced. He will be sorely missed for his humor and advice. Take comfort in the fact that he touched many lives and inspired at least some of us to laugh at ourselves when things got too serious. Rest now my friend and keep a spot open for me in that shade tree garage. Sincerest regards, Tim.

 

[Brian74]

This is devastating. I had just read through his thread last week. I really like the way he writes and his posts and projects were very entertaining. Your family will be in my thoughts.

 

[Rttoys]

Well crap. this is so sad. He always wanted to help out and loved helping others here. Dealing with my dad going through his last days and opting for home hospice, I know what you are going through. Thoughts and prayers are comforting, but never heals the real pain. as Joe dirt says “gotta keep on keeping on”. “Live’s a garden, dig it”.

 

[David]

This is devastating to read, I didn't know your dad but my prayers will be with your dad and family. God Bless

 

[Jmar1622]

Thad, it has been a pleasure following your posts about your build, your homestead and random posts on getting laundry done. Rest easy your final days and god willing, we will all meet someday for Goblinfest around the pearly gates. David, I hope you and your family can find comfort spending time with your father in his final days and cherish the good times you spent together. Praying for you all.

 

[ToxicBill]

I read what he posted and was intrigued with what he was doing and liked how he went about it. I'm sorry for what's going on and sending a prayer your way. Build it better on the other side.

 

[Josh's09]

Thank you all for your messages, I forwarded them to David (ah.b.normal's son) who read them to his dad.

Wanted to update everyone that Thad passed away on Friday Jan 2nd around 4:45 pm, surrounded by his wife and sons.

 

[Rttoys]

RIP.

 

[Adam]

@Josh's09 Please let David and the rest of Thad's family know that our thoughts are with them. Thank you for sharing.

Thad and I had many phone calls that started with Cobalt and Goblin talk and ended with talking about family. He told me all about raising his kids and gave me tips for raising my own. He told me about traveling with his wife in the RV and getting to visit neat places and people along the way. I remember him telling me stories about his siblings (and him being proud of one of his sister's accomplishments as a pilot). Family was clearly very important to him and I can only imagine how his family is feeling now.

 

[Markm]

Rest in peace ah b normal. He definitely helped some folks here and I always enjoyed reading his posts about the gob balt.

 

[95Blitz]

Thank you all for your messages, I forwarded them to David (ah.b.normal's son) who read them to his dad.

Wanted to update everyone that Thad passed away on Friday Jan 2nd around 4:45 pm, surrounded by his wife and sons.

I hate to see this, I was just thinking about his project and how it was coming along. He was a good guy, and your right a talker for sure. He will be missed around here.
RIP