This is never easy

I know many times when I see someone talk about a friend who passed away I feel a bit uneasy, especially if I do not know the person. I am also not the sort that wants others to feel that way, but, this is Doug and the last thing Doug ever wanted was pity or for someone to feel bad for him during his fight.

So, read on with a smile because you are about to meet Doug Prouty.

I had the pleasure to know Doug for many years. He was a teacher and together we were fellow technology conference presenters traveling the nation. He was a character, a nice guy and had a desire to help out any K-12 educator he ran into. I have great memories of late night dinners and laugh fests that brought management to the lobby to tell us to keep it down.

Then, Doug got sick.

His blog turned into his fight and is worth reading to see how his spirit never faltered. http://www.thesnorkel.org/blog/

Last week, he decided to head to a conference he used to chair. Flying from Northern California to Southern. Packed with piles of Oxygen and his friend Mike Butler by his side he returned to his old stomping grounds much to the delight of his friends.

After seeing him in a wheelchair with Oxygen and a smile on his face I commented that he never does anything half ass. Even the process of his early departure from us was done with style humor and respect. We can all learn a lot from Doug, his outlook and his respect for life, himself and others.

Who knows why the events unfolded so quickly once the conference was close to ending or why a loving wife and family no longer have him as close as they want, but, it is what it is. Doug was told he was being left at heavens doorstep a few days ago. I bet in Doug's entertaining fashion, he ding dong ditched the butler a few times before finally giving in.