I, also, have been in touch with Carl through one of his biker forums.
He is doing the best he can of handling and preparing for Saturday's services.
The real hard part will come will be after it is all over with and all the relatives/friends leave.
He will have us and his biker forum friends for support and Carl is very appreciative of that.
Thank you Jonathan and Dennis for relaying messages for us, I'm sure he is very grateful for the support at this sad time.:)
I read today on Carls' facebook page, that his wife Mae Lynn passed away after a long struggle with MS. Please keep Carl in your thoughts and prayers during this horribly difficult time...
I just logged into Facebook for the first time today and saw this from Carl thought I'd copy it here for you all to see.
Carl Swoffordposted toPGR FLA
I just want to let everyone that I am doing OK. I am overwhelmed the support, love and caring I am receiving from my PGR family. This is a very hard time for me; but you all are giving me the strength to face each hour. I can't face a day yet. I just take it minute by minute and hour by hour.
I miss the love of my life.
Just got this post from Kerry, a Triumph Talk Member, attended the Mae Lyne's services.
Its been an interesting day - and it's not over yet for me.
Got to the memorial service early. Met Carl and he greeted me like a long lost brother. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, this is a FANTASTIC MAN. He and. I will be close now, I think.
Had a beautiful ride up. Abundant sunshine and nice temps. Was hot, however, by the time I arrived at the church.
The flowers were delivered and were beautiful. Much nicer thn the photo I posted. They srewed up the card a little,c but no biggie. It read "With deepest sympathy from your Triumph Talk Family".
The Patriot Guard Riders outdid themselves. I counted over 75 bikes and the flag line seemed longer than I'd ever seen. I'll have pictures and a movie to post when I get home (if I ever get home!)
The memorial service was very moving and yet joyful. The poem posted on our site was read aloud by one of the PGR members, along with other eulogizers. Carl held up well, reminding us all that Mae Lyne wanted us to celebrate.
Mae Lyne's Triumph side hack was there, proudly displaying Gary's plate frame.
However, the ride home is a weather challenge. I've been caught in 2 rainstorms (and I mean STORMS!) I'm still about 150 miles from home and the radar looks bad for awhile. OUCH! Thank G-d for rain suits and waterproof boots. Gloves, however, are another story.
Thank you all for letting me represent the Triumph Talk family. It was an honor to do so.
More later.
Kerry
Now the hard part comes for Carl when all his friends and family have left.
So let's make sure we are there to support him.
Dennis (THW)
Thank you Dennis. I truly can't begin to understand what Carl is going through now. To be alone with his thoughts at some point will be very hard indeed. To have a part of you, you are accustomed to always being there, missing...
Carl, I know at some time you will read all these posts. We are here for you my friend. You are part of our family as well, We feel for you, and commiserate. Hang in there, you will get through this. Bill
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