A Message from Mr Tibb's Brother

Triathlon Forum
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For those of you that missed this, it is posted in the Tibb’s Lavendar Room by Adamb

Hello everyone.

If you’re interested to know about Mr. Tibbs, keep reading. If you’re not, stop reading and go to something else more to your liking. I say that because this will not be a fun thing to read, but knowing how big a part of my brother’s life this board has been, the relationships he has built (or imagines he has built) are important to him, I need to say something to you.

I don’t really know much about this site and who he considers his friends or what he’s done. I really don’t. I’ve posted a few times and read for a week or so, then lost interest. This site was one of the ways he was able to keep his hope alive; a hope he’s had for as long as I’ve known him; that he would be an athlete; that he could run far and fast, bike for hours and most of all, be happy. That’s all he wants, is to be happy, but unfortunately I don’t think he knows how to find that for himself. Scratch that, I know he doesn’t know how to find that for himself. His method to this point has been to build himself up for a fall; fantasize about triathalons he’ll never do instead of focusing on what’s in front of him; a devoted wife and two wonderful children.

He is now in the hospital; he attempted to take his own life. Physically he is fine. Physically.

I don’t know how many of you know him or how much you might like him, what he may have done in the past and whether or not you respect him; but I want you to know he’s a good man. I am lucky to call him my brother.

I think those of you who are interested, those of you who have invested even a small part of yourselves in him, deserve to know some things. He’s a very fragile man, and in that way he is beautiful.

I don’t know if he’ll come back to this site. I don’t know if he’ll ever read my post here. But in case he does come back I would like for you all to be kind to him.

Like I said I don’t know what all has gone on on this site; but if I know my brother I know he’s brought a lot of laughs and tried his best to make everyone happy; to make everyone proud. That’s his blessing and his curse.

So if he comes back, realize that he’s a wonderful, fragile person.

And, Jon, if you’re reading this, I love you.

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Tibbs always struck me as a fine man, very well intentioned, and very significantly affected by the difficulties life seems to randomly administer. We all struggle with them, some more mightely than others.

Should you speak to Mr. Tibbs (Jon), Please let him know that I think of him and wish him the best. I know that seems very insignificant but perhaps knowing he is important to some of us, more than myself certainly on this forum, may brighten his day for just a moment. I hope so.

I’ve found myself on this forum more than once at 3:30 Am when my cats weren’t interested in conversation. There is always someone to talk with and something to talk about. I hope he returns soon for just that.

  • Miss you Tibbs, best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery from myself and your friends at Slowtwitch.
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Amen to that.

Best of luck Tibbs…

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Thanks for bringing that out of the Lavender room.

Tibbs made my day more than once by making me laugh my heart out. I wish him the best and of course a quick and full recovery!

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Jon I hope you recover quickly, and may you find what you need in this life.

Also thanks to Tring-in TO for moving this to the main page.

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I pray for Jon that he finds the peace he needs to feel complete in this world. I pray for you and all of his family to give you the strength to help him in whatever way he needs.

My husband and I are still haunted by the suicide of a close friend about a year ago. There was just never any indication that he was so depressed. We would have done anything we could to help him had we any idea he was so depressed. At least Jon has a second chance to get the help he needs.

Peace.

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one point of clarification. when you speak of the relationships he imagines he has built, there was no imagining there. he built them, they are real, and he is well loved here. certainly by me, and definitely by many, many others who recognize his unique talent and evident humanity.

if he does not come back i will miss him very, very much, and in either case i wish him well. i certainly have a strong preference, and would be sad if he chooses, or needs, to spend his time elsewhere.

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when you speak of the relationships he imagines he has built, there was no imagining there. he built them, they are real, and he is well loved here.<<

Very true. Get well soon Jon.

clm

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I’m not affraid to admit that I got full in the eyes when I read this. I know he had alluded to it upon returning from his earlier sabbatical.

Goodness, he made me laugh… There are a lot of keyboard warriors on this board (myself included from time to time) but I always looked forward to his posts and often caught myself laughing out loud at the office… Only to lie to co-workers giving me funny looks… “Funny email from a friend”

He will be missed if he doesn’t return… But his own health is what is important. Really good to hear that he has some of the helpful support in place that he needs and will need in the future. Best wishes.

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He’s the nicest guy I’ve never met. Hope he recovers soon and comes back here.

Thanks for moving this from the Lavender Room. I’ve stopped posting over there.

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To “Adamb”—

“I am lucky to call him my brother.”

It seems he is also lucky to have a brother like you.

I don’t know the man. He seemed to be able to disagree with others without resorting to personal insults. I admired his ability to take a posting and twist it in a new direction.

I wish him the best.

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I find Mr. Tibbs to be truly funny – in a good way, of course. There aren’t too many people who I find funny, and he is one. I hope he gets well and comes back soon.

I hope his brother prints these responses out and shows them to Jon. Maybe they will brighten his day, if only for a few minutes.

John

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Adamb - Mr. Tibbs is lucky to have a brother like you. My heart goes out to Tibbs, his wife and children, you, and all of his family and friends who will doubtless be striving to do what they can for him. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Peace.

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Tell him he needs to get back on his big wheel and ride it down a driveway. He’ll know what I mean. Best of luck to him.

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Tibbs brought a lot of sunshine to this forum.

Jon, I hope you find your way back to this place… your humor and that different point of view are missed.

Jay

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Words can never say what words can never say.

Get well Tibbsy. Live, laugh & love. These are the things in life that make it worth living. Thank you for adding laughter in my life and in the lives other many other 'twitchers.

There are those of us, both on the this site and off, who have been in the same or similar circumstances. If you look, you will find the answers you seek.

Adamb - thank you.

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Very das to hear. As someone who has, and still does deal with being depressed and overwhelemed, I feelfo rhm right now. I checked myself into a hospital a few years ago to prevent myself from trying something like this. Good luck to tibbs.

I know most of you think I am a dick, and that I was very mean to tibbs over the occy/cervelo bit, but I should tell you that the three of us were in contact. I am in the process of finding a webdesigner, and occy my be my guy.

As for tibbs, just so some of you have a bit if insite into his daily life, we have beed emailing quite a bit as he trys to start to run again in a more minimal shoe. I’ll try to post the pics.

http://tinypic.com/4rccqw
http://tinypic.com/4rccwz

There, if that worked, and I dont think it did, we can all have a lasting image of tibbs in action! well at least his heels. This is how I see tibbs. GREAT GUY!

LaWoof- yes sometimes I do care.

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when i had my baby 8 months ago, tibbs sent me a pm telling me to love her unconditionally, spend as much time as possible with her, etc that’s been the extent of my contact with him but from that alone, he made a lasting and meaningful impression. i hope tibbs gets well. i will be thinking about him.

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fantasize about triathalons he’ll never do instead of focusing on what’s in front of him; a devoted wife and two wonderful children.

I know that for one I am guilty of this, and I am sure many here will agree. It’s difficult to find the right balance. My wife supports me through thick and thin, and that cannot be a one way street.

Feel better Jon.

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Best wishes Tibbsy. You’re the man.