Today the world lost a great man and I want to share my story as he will be deeply missed.

Like many of you I met Forrest through my investment in IOC.  I was intrigued why he changed his belief of holding IOC long term instead of selling at 60, so I reached out.  It was a year later, on July 6^th, that Forrest let us know about his cancer through an email with the title “Buying the farm, (my last investment, LOL)”.  A few days later, he gave us hope with the two words: Hipec Treatment.  It was at this time that Forrest went from a fellow investor to a friend.

I am an optimistic person, so I launched into my motivational, supportive and encouraging mode with Forrest, making sure that he understood that cancer was beatable, that he had the strength of will to win this battle and to not let fear overwhelm him.  Over the many months that followed I became aware of Forrest’s character and I found that I had met a man that was teaching me about life.

• He taught me how to act with dignity in the face of your own mortality.
• He inspired me with his strength, spirit and courage.
• He taught me to deal with the trials that life throws at you and to never complain.
• He reminded me to always find humour in life.

On November 29^th, I sent Forrest the last email that he read from me and I am so very grateful that I did.  He did not like speaking about his cancer and along with the wedding pictures I sent him, I asked him to give me an update, good or bad, on his health.  Below was his response and to the end he always shared his love and did not want others to worry about him.

Thank you beautiful pics , lovely couple

Recently I heard a man speak about the pain and hurt that one feels when losing a loved one or a friend.  This man said that the pain and hurt was a reminder that we have a capacity to care and love.  To avoid the pain and hurt is to avoid living.   Well, today I am hurting and in a strange way I am grateful for the pain.