Lost passion, hope it comes back

[deadballpaul]

For the past year or so, I've been steadily losing interest in the hobby. However, I can feel deep inside that it's still there. Sold a large chunk of my collection to move back to be near my parents. Been buying here and there, but passing up cards I normally would have bid like crazy for. The diminished passion seems to have started when my father became ill. Well, he died this morning after a long battle with colon cancer. I feel devastated, but at the same time some relief. I'm sorry to bring this up, but I feel I have some friends here. I know I haven't contributed as much as most of you, but I enjoy this site. I hope the passion comes back, & I think it will, but not sure. My father would probably be still alive & well today if he would have had a regular colonoscopy exam. Please don't shy away from this part of your health exams. Sincerely, Paul

[deadballpaul]

Posted in the wrong section. My heads not on strait right now.

[abothebear]

I'm sorry to hear of your dad's illness and death, Paul. May the Lord be with you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.

George

[terjung]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Hobbies like this are a distraction and an escape from the real world. Many times that is exactly what we need; however, it sounds like you took time away from it for something that was far more important. Good move. You wouldn't be able to replace that time. I'm sure the time you spent with him was priceless. Reflect on that time favorably and be sure now to take some time to take care of yourself and your mom. The hobby will always be there if and when you want to return to it. In the meantime, take care of yourself. Thank you for sharing your story. You have my condolences.

Brian

[leftygrove10]

Paul: I'm sorry for your loss... I loss my dad in 1991 to cancer.... It's an awful thing.... Hopefully they can find a cure for it some day....

[Bicem]

Sorry for your loss Paul, and like Brian said, cards can be a good distraction from the hardships of life.

[Danny Smith]

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Danny

[bh3443]

Paul, my best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. You do have friends here and I'm proud to be one of them. You are in my prayers. Hang in there my friend.
Bill Hedin

[barrysloate]

Paul,
My condolences to you and your family...and I had a colonoscopy earlier this year. If you are 50 years old, it is very important to have one.

[jbsports33]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss, God Bless you and your family. The hobby will still be there in good times and bad when you are ready to come back. I always find a way to make time for it because it's good to stay focused on something to keep your mind off of things.

Jimmy

[Ladder7]

Thankfully you made good memories with him Paul. Too many of us, wish we had the chance to say goodbye. Stay tough, Steve

[e107collector]

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Hopefully you will return to this great hobby.

Not to turn this into a medical thread, but I went for a colonosopy 4 years ago, at the age of 24. They found out I had celiac disease, not colon cancer - thank god. The procedure is a piece of cake, worst part is the Gatorade prep the day before.

Hang in there Paul,

Tony

[Tim Kindler]

Paul, Sorry to hear of your family's loss. Always treasure the great memories that you had with your father. I'm sure that if baseball and baseball cards had anything to do with some of those memories, your passion for collecting will return someday. I have a 62 Topps set that I am building in memory of my grandfather who gave me a shoebox full of 62s when I was younger before he passed away. When I get down or think of him, I always go back to that set and work on it a little more.
God Bless,
Tim Kindler

[Rickyy]

Paul, I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing and offer my condolences to you and your family. I think your advice about exam is a well heeded advice for us all.

Ricky Y

[Zach Wheat]

Paul,

So sorry to hear about your loss. My sincere condolences to you & your family.

MWheat

[Cardboard Junkie]

Aloha! I am sorry for the loss of your father. I too have lost enthusiasm for the hobby. I have collected coins, stamps, rock posters,toys etc etc and cards. As I grow older they have become less important to me. I don't even follow baseball anymore...and to tell the truth I always liked the cards more than the game itself. I am a collector at heart but since the glut of the 80's and 90's.....graded cards....and hoards of ripoff artists. I quit. I am turning my collection over to my family and will now pursue something else. perhaps bottle caps or marbles or cigar bands....what ever....I despise what this hobby has become. I think you are all fine people on this board and I will enjoy lurking here on occasion. Mahalo, Dave.

[ethicsprof]

please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.
i was very moved at the depth and care in your post.
great father and great son.

my prayers are with you and your family,

barry

[ksfarmboy]

I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father Paul. My mother passed away 4 years ago and it really put things into perspective. It really makes you realize how important your loved ones are in your life. I lost the passion for many of my hobbies but gained a greater passion for my family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Clint

[4815162342]

Paul, my grandfather left this world because of the same disease. May God bless and comfort you and your family.

Matthew 5:4

[jerseygary]

Paul, I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad. My Pop died almost 2 years ago and he was the one guy I talked baseball with. We would talk a few times a week on the phone and most of our conversations revolved about baseball and it's history and characters. We'd try to out-trivia one another and some of the funniest memories I have is him calling me at work, not saying hello or anything, but firing what he thought was an impossible baseball history trivia question. More often than not I'd get it right and he'd mutter a swearword and slam the phone down! Still brings a smile to my face thinking abot it... When he died, I lost all interest in the game and more importantly, its history. After about 6 months I started writing and illustrating a blog where I draw and write about the kind of players I used to talk to my Pop about. It doesn't bring the guy back, but at least in a small way I feel like I still talk to him, however one-side.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

[deadballpaul]

My father's service was yesterday. I want to thank all of you, for your kindness & support. Many of you shared the loss of your own parents & loved ones. I'm sorry for your losses, & thank you for sharing. Your kindness really did help. Sincerely, Paul

[GrayGhost]

Paul:

[Exhibitman]

Sorry for your loss, Paul. I'd urge you not to make any decisions about your life or hobbies while you are grieving. Let time give you some perspective and you may find the hobby to be a source of diversion and fun once again.

[rc4157]

Paul,

My condolences as well. The memories of your father will be with you always and if you choose to continue in the hobby, perhaps it will be in remembrance of him.

My best, RC

[deadballpaul]

I think I'm back. It's a great hobby, & I thank all of you for everything. My Dad loved baseball, & so do I. Happy collecting to all. Sincerely, Paul

[Ease]

Welcome back!

[Brendan]

You made the right decision. Welcome back.

[Leon]

Great to have you back Paul....now please don't bid on anything I am bidding on.....ever

[deadballpaul]

Leon, good luck with that.

[teetwoohsix]

Originally Posted by deadballpaul

I think I'm back. It's a great hobby, & I thank all of you for everything. My Dad loved baseball, & so do I. Happy collecting to all. Sincerely, Paul

Awesome !!