Comfortable at home.

[Outrider]

Hey my friends. Sorry it's been a while since the last update, but I've only felt strong enough to post today. The doctors have let me come home from the hospital so that I can be in the comfort of my own home whilst awaiting the ineveitable. All that can be done has been done so now it's just a matter of time. They haven't given me a time frame but knowing how tired I feel and how aggressive the cancer is I would guess it will be short - medium term. I just ask that when the time comes it's quick, I can't take anymore pain now.
My brilliant wife bought me something special to cheer me up so I promise I'll try and post a pic of it for one last Outrider effort. :)
God bless you all my friends. Your kindness towards Deanne and I will never be forgotten.
Craig.

[vader9900]

Glad you are home with someone who loves you! Your strength and positive attitude is amazing, you will forever be with us!

[Flatline]

Take this time and be happy my friend like Dave said I will never forget you. joedios flickr and the Joe community will never be the same withput that Outrider majic............. :(

[LordRaven]

We love you and miss you man. Always with us...

[Otto the Otter]

You will not be forgotten my friend. I hope you were able to enjoy the tributes posted on the site over the past week or so.

[Da Talent]

Rest up. This place isn't the same without you Craig.

[Dreadnok Dread]

Rest up man! Spend time with your loved ones and your shirts is on the way! Love you man take care!

[miragearmor]

Wow, this is one of the most humbled moments when I've become speechless.

Do what you can to make yourself comfortable.

I hope for you that when you look back, never forget the good things you've done for people in life, even if you've done something good during a short period of time.

Thank You for humbling us, Craig.
You'll always put a smile on our faces. :)

Brave Outrider. We honor you.

[ender098]

Brother Craig, words can't express my sympathy. I honestly don't know what to say. Everything sounds so trivial and crass when I type it. I just hope what time you have left is enjoyable and if not, then at least bearable. I will miss you, you have been a true friend and mentor. Even though we have never met face to face, I will always consider you a friend.

-Frank

[Sonneilon]

Hope you can get rest and be as happy as you can be.

[vespapilot79]

Even though your far away and our only contact is here..I feel like im losing a best friend. Your work will always inspire me to strive to do my best in what I create. Although, your work is far beyond what I can do right now.I will someday achieve Outrider greatness!!It has been a great pleasure meeting you and seeing the work you have put out.I pray that God gives you and your family strength thru this tough time..We will all meet again with our joes in tote someday and have one helluva battle!!Godspeed Craig. Sean . Bakersfield, Ca.

[KALASH69]

Aw man, Outrider. Hang in there dude. Live what time you've got to the fullest with family and friends. Don't waste a second.

[The BATman]

Hey Outrider, we don't know each other or anything, but you'll be missed, man.

[neapolitan joe]

I'm with You.

[sithviper]

It's been an honor to know you.
We all at the Sithviper compound salute you and your wife.

-Mike

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn239/sithviper/JoesSaluteIMG_1947F.jpg

[tycondrius23]

glad to see ya posting a few things again Craig.
hope you can hold in there longer then any those Docs say. still praying for ya .

[GoCards]

Just know that you and your family have friends the world over that will always think of you. You'll always be an inspiration.
-Scott

[Wausauviper]

Craig-
Thank you for all you have done and everything you will continue to do, and no matter when what happens, happens, you will always be remembered for what you have done, and what you will continue to inspire in all of us. You are such a natural at what you do and as many others have said, you always raised the bar, and all of us have strived to be as good as Outrider. Our prayers are with you and your family. Take care my brother and may the rest of your journey be free of incident.

Mike "Wausauviper"

[Mobius_1]

Your Determined will and strength to perservere is an inspiration to us all. the very knowledge of knowing that i may wake one day to see you gone rips a part out of me that can't be replaced by swapping it with a new o-ring. the day we go without you is the day this community loses one of it's finest. Blue skies Uncle Outrider, may we forever soar in your humble teachings.

-Nick

[General Scarlett]

MLKjr is quoted as saying:

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.


My wish for you Craig is what you asked for-quickness in the finite. You are indeed 'one helluva classy guy'.

As I stated previously, I asked my class to pray for you and your family. They were more than happy to do so. Here is the prayer I used-and while not everyone on JoeDios is of a religious nature, I'm sure that they will appreciate and honor that you are, and join their hearts to yours in the sentiment:


In you LORD, I take refuge, I know that you will never let me never be put to shame. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me. I will rejoice and be glad in your love for once you have seen my distress you will not abandon me into my enemies hands, but will set my feet free into open spaces. I ask graciousness from you for the grief of my eyes, my spent body and weary bones. With your glory I believe that you will lead me in your greatness to enjoy forever the land of the living, so I raise up my strength and my soul to embrace courage and rejoice in your love.



Peace Craig, always Peace.

Prudence

[silentdusty]

Craig,

It has been an extreme honor to know you here. I hope your time with you and your family is special and precious. I was glad to see your posted photo, hopefully we will see some more. My family and I will continue to pray for you and Deanne. God Bless.

Dustin

[ToneGunsRevisited]

You have been the best among us and even now, with a blade over your head, we learn from your attitude. There will be just a few times in live that someone like you will be with us to teach us how to face the best and the worst.

In no way it's a goodbye from my part my brother, probably we'll be able to chat more. I just can say thank you for you be who you are!

[Self-Modifier]

I haven't said much of anything through all of this because, to be honest, I'm not good at coping with this sort of thing. But I know I'd regret it if I didn't say something now.

So... It's been a pleasure to see your work on this site over the past few years. Your passion for this hobby is evident in every picture you've ever posted, and every "O-Ring vs. 25th" debate you've particpated in.

You will be missed more than you may realize.

[giTom]

Rest easy, friend. Be at peace with the ones you love. Your work is always brilliant. Know that you have influenced so many with your skills.

[rds13601]

Just relax and take care my friend. I'll be praying and thinking of you!!

[Scuba Steve]

Although I am at a loss for words myself, I feel I must take this last opportunity to once again remind you of how much you inspire us all, and how much this little hobby of ours is gonna miss our Outrider. Thank you brother for shareing your tallent with us all these years. I will always be honored to have known you. Every where I speak of joedios for the rest of my life I will speak of you. I look forward to meeting you face to face one day in a better place and we shall talk of greater things! So on behalf of my family best wishes to you and your wife, and thank you for being a part of our lives!

Patrick McDonnell
Scuba Steve

[Scarrviper]

Craig,
I already put up a message for you on Flickr, but I might as well say something here too. It's good to know that you are finally at home and seem to be at peace. I don't want you to give up, but I understand.
Kurt.

[lehsreh]

like most here i really dont know what to say. things here at joedios have been different for awhile now, but everything changes. you and your great work and love for the o-rings were the one constant. i just want to say im truly sorry, and no matter what, you are and always will be the personification of what is joedios. it goes without saying that years still to come we here will still be looking back at all your work, trying in vain(and getting jealous) to get up to par with your work. any new members of joedios will know you as well. but dont give up man, drs arent always right. my sister is a nurse and she can be down right stupid.

[Tracker]

I am glad your home and your be able to be comfortable. i have always enjoyed your dios. In-fact i know I've placed few as my desk top wallpaper in the past like one you did with a Sky-Striker in the air with after burner going that absolutely looked real.

[Cobra Freak]

My best wishes for you man. I agree with many people it has been very different here without you and will never be forgotten at Joedios. Thank you for all your awesome work over the years! it's been great knowing you Outrider :)

Later days brother,
Andrew

P.S.
Don't worry I will try to keep the nFo from taking over ;)

[Mobius_1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_imfiEI4Lk

this song fits just right. i love this band, and when i hear this song, i think of you Uncle Outrider.

[ThinkTank]

You have been courteous, encouraging and courageous. You are a true inspiration and your legacy here will not be forgotten. In the future, when our medium is recognized, you will be known as a great master. Try to rest easily, knowing that you have made a lasting contribution to a worldwide community.

[SIC DETH]

You will be Greatly missed. If I had the power and know how I would love to have a book published with all your Amazing work. The future needs to know how its done!!!! you are the !!!Best!!!

[battlewagon]

Craig, you will always be an inspiration to me. You are in my prayers and I wish you the best!

[Marty]

You're still in my prayers. Your pictures have always been inspirational. Always the best locations, most interesting themes, most realistic posing, greatest effects and razor sharp focus. Your comments to other members about their pictures are always constructive, encouraging and respectful. I haven't taken many photos, but when i do I'm always thinking "would this be worthy enough to show Outrider?" You're an inspiration. Possibly the greatest member of this site and greatest ambassador of the hobby.
God bless you
From your fellow Melburnian
Marty

[General Jones]

Hey Craig,
I just wanted to thank you for making this site one of the greatest on the internet. The quality of your pictures has never been below excellent. You have dealt justly with your fellow "Joeholics" and have inspired us to be better. Better at taking pictures and being better people. Although the "inevitable" is coming, it can't take away our memories of you and it can never erase the influence you have had on us.
God Bless you and your wife and may he grant as much time on this earth as possible.
Thanks Craig,
Dave "General" Jones

[Hammerfel]

Hi Craig,

I PM'd you links to my private Picasa gallery where my dio for you is in progress. I'm terrible at finishing things, but I wanted you to see what I had done so far anyway.

You are a mentor of mine, Outrider.

[EasySimpleStuff]

Outrider, when it came to Joe photos or just being a standup guy, YOU were the man.

Although I've never posted a picture, I always admired the outstanding skill shown in your photos... the idea, the execution... everything...always flawless, and always better than the previous one...

But what stroke me even more than your skills, was the type of person you are. Always encouraging, straightforward, honest and upright. And drink-out-of-nose-funny when it came down to defending O-rings and bashing the modern Joes. Even when battling with you sickness and facing all the emotional stuff that comes with it, I must say people like you are one in a billion... you truly are one of a kind.

Use whatever time you have left with your loved ones, tell them how much you care and dont leave any words unsaid, and remember that eventhough you will be remembered for your awesome skills, You will be missed for who you are...

Tommi
EasySimpleStuff

[Agent Viper]

My God........

You will be missed, you inspired us all with your incredible pictures.

I actually went and painted a Firefly figure just so I can have the Night Ops Custom firefly you made.


you will be missed

[yorktownjoe]

[size=2]Thanks you for all of the great memories here on Joedios. Echoing what General Jones said, all of us who know you are better because of our interactions with you. Thank you sir. You are a true gentleman.[/size]
[size=2][/size]
[size=2]You and Deanne will remain in our prayers. May God bless you with grace and peace.[/size]
[size=2][/size]
[size=2]- Joe[/size]

[silencer]

Never forget you Craig,

Tom

[4-Cobra]

I'm glad to hear your at Home resting with Loved ones,I'll keep you All in my Prayers.You have done GREAT things for our part of the Joe Collecting Hobby,you have inspired countless numbers of us out there.And of course you make all of us work our little Brains to try to come up with Pic's that could even come close to the Great Master of Joe Dio Pic's,and like O-Ring Joes your Pic's will live on FOREVER & NEVER Be Forgotton!!! You ARE The MAN Craig!And I want to Thank you from the bottom of my Heart for being a Friend,and always answering all my questions I've asked over the Years.Rest Easy my Friend...From a Fellow O-Ring DIEHARD!! Larry :)

[Stormer]

Craig, you're an inspiration as an artist and especially as a person. Every comment you ever made complimenting my own pics has meant all the more coming from a master of the form such as yourself, and your positive attitude has helped keep JoeDios one of the nicest, most welcoming communities on the web since before I signed up and will doubtlessly help it remain so due to the impact you've had on everyone here over the years. It's an honour to know you, even from the opposite side of the planet.

[Outrider]

Time for another update guys. I saw both the surgeon and the oncologist yesterday. The surgeon is happy with how the surgery has healed up, and as there is nothing further he can do for me, I don't need to see him again. I then had my appointment with the oncologist, and I put the hard question to him, asking in his opinion how long I have left. He replied that depending on which way the cancer spreads first, he expects it to be six to eight weeks in the worst case scenario, and six months in the best case scenario. I totally respect his opinion, he is an associate professor of oncology and an international research fellow, so he knows what he is talking about. He said again how surprisingly aggressive my particular cancer is, and that I had been given the very best and most up-to-date treatment, which had failed to slow it at all. So there it is guys. My wife and I had already come to terms with the fact I wouldn't have much time left, so we're not letting things get us down, we are just trying to get the most out of each day whilst we can.

[LordRaven]

We all love and respect you here brother. Post when you can, but make the best of it.

Your friend always

Shane

[ender098]

Craig, enjoy your time you have left with your wife. When you get to Heaven, make sure they got a big Dirt mound we can make dios in and make sure to reserve it for the rest of us, we'll be along shortly! See ya there buddy! (Well, at Least Graham and the Rest of the Crew will....Shane and I will have to bribe our way out of the other place! LOL!!!) Take Care my friend!

[frk525]

not to sound cliche, but carpe diem, craig. make the best of the time you've got left and do the best you can, because you certainly have been all this time. god bless you man.

[Self-Modifier]

Just saying "goodbye" sounds so hollow... but that's really what it comes down to. Reading this update brought a tear to my eye, and I think that speaks to your character and the influence you've had here more than any words could. I've never met you, but through your posts and your photography, I feel that I know you, and I know that the world will be poorer without you. You will be missed.

[Sonneilon]

Man... WIth the way things have been going for me, I've come to accept things in my life. I've learned to even embrace some of them. In terms of you, you are in the thoughts and prayers and in my attempted conversations (attempted as in, I don't exatly hear back) with the higher power out there.

It's great you are keeping your chin up. THere's still fight in you!

Take care and take advantage of the time you have left. Keep that smile.

Always your friend
Graham

[troopsofdoom]

I don't think we'll ever see anyone around here again that can compete with your creativity and skill. JoeDios won't be the same.

[vader9900]

[QUOTE=Outrider] My wife and I had already come to terms with the fact I wouldn't have much time left, so we're not letting things get us down, we are just trying to get the most out of each day whilst we can.[/QUOTE]
I am glad to hear this, that is what is important. Have as much fun together as you can!

[neapolitan joe]

Ti voglio bene, amico mio.
Francesco.

[General Scarlett]

'Once more into the breach dear friends, once more....'


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o47/PrncsLeia/Inspirational/Skyline-Australia.jpg

[sithviper]

I really don't know what else to say other than, enjoy what time you have left and that your presence will be missed.

It's been an honor
-Mike

[tycondrius23]

I too are lost for words Craig. but like everyone else says do the best with what time you have left and don't let it get you down.
be strong my friend

[ToneGunsRevisited]

Craig,

As I said to you at our last conversation. I believe that the medics did all they could, but there is always a superior power looking for us and I believe on it. I'm sure you'll have more time around here and maybe, maybe we'll be able to meet each other personally. I say maybe 'cuz it's being hard to save some money, but hey. There are no o-rings coming out =).

[Nekoman]

You really are a great guy Craig, you always try hard and that shows through your work. I'm not sure what else to say, but I know you were one of a kind. Your photos inspire all of us to do better, including myself. I hope you enjoy your time left to the fullest.

[4-Cobra]

I hope all the time you have is filled with great Happiness for you & your Wife,and always remember you will be together again someday.Your a Greay guy Craig...