Dougs Transplant Journey

Hey Kate,

I do remember you and Doug telling me about the "Indian girl". I think you did the ride but you had moved during training?

I see you are from Birmingham. I grew up in Trussville, just east of the city. I would love to take the kids up there sometime and show them around, let them experience lighting bugs and hiking. Good memories.

So NCY!!! that is Awesome. You know it was meant to be! WOW, that is going to be such a great event. I know that Doug will be right there in spirit with you. He was a great encourager to many. I wish you all the best and can't wait to see pictures, hear stories.

Please keep us posted on your training and the actual event. You will do great!!!

Thank you for sharing your story.

Dear Nancy,

I was a teammate of Doug's for the 2008 Intracoastal Century Ride.  I met you a few times during the training season and event and then last year at a wine fundraiser in downtown Orlando. I live in Alabama and don't get to Florida often and was so you happy to see you and Doug at that fundraiser.  Doug's journey has aways been on my mind and in my heart.

From the first time I met Doug, I immediately was enamored with his contagious laugh and spirit during our group rides.  He was always there to help someone with a bike issue, fundraising issue or just general life issues.  During our Metric Century in Mt. Dora, I screamed out in pain as a bee stung me.  Doug was right by me and we pulled over to the side as he found and removed the stinger. He had me laughing and distracted my mind from the pain for the rest of the ride.  I actually remember exactly where I was when he reached out with one the first Mentor calls I received.  I was on my Indian resevation in New Mexico, and I spent a good deal of the conversation just sharing some of my tribe's tradition as he told me of his affiliation with the Lumbee Tribe.  Whenever I meet another native, there is a special connection that just happens.  I knew he was good peeps!

I had a couple of conversations with Doug last year.  He provided such a great amount of encouragement  when my mom was suddenly stricken with a life threatening condition called TTP.  I spent 6 months caring for her last year and she is now doing much better.

I was actually honored when Doug called and asked if I would volunteer to be a part of the Match Registry. I was disappointed that I wasn't a match, but hopefully, I'll match with someone in the future.  I regret not keeping up with his journey until I found this site after his passing.  Doug had a drive that I think of often and will inspire me for the rest of my life. 

I have always wanted to run in the NYC marathon, but have never been able to get in.  Even the TNT entry into the event is hard to get.  A couple of weeks ago, the LLS NYC chapter sent out an email announcing that they had a few spots that had just opened up.  I faxed that commitment form in a NY minute!  They immediately called me to confirm and I broke down as I told them about Doug's journey. They want me to send in his story and they are going to share it with my new NYC team.  I am so proud that I can honor Doug during this event and training season.  I'll keep you updated.  I'm a little late in joining the team and I'll have many areas of catching up, but knowing how many events Doug did himself, this should be a piece of cake. 

Thank you for sharing this page with everyone, it has helped me grieve, remember and rejoice in Doug's journey.

Dear Nancy,

I am sad that Doug is gone from this life, happy knowing I will see him again; and he and my dad-Coach Deem from High School football, are together with their Creator.  The last time I saw Doug was at Billy Smith's funeral, or my dad's maybe...I remember Doug telling me that I encouraged him (we went to Church youth group together) to get involved in football and he thanked me and he told me how much my dad meant to him.  He was always so happy and optomistic, what a loss, my heart goes out to you and the children.  I will be at the funeral, and I have looked forward to meeting you since I last saw Doug, wishing it was under more happy circumstances.

Nancy, I'm so sorry.  I saw Doug's name in the obituary and was simply stunned.  I had no idea how much you all were going through until I googled Doug's name and found this website.  I remember the day Doug told us at the cub scout meeting in the Evan's Teacher lounge that he was diagnosed with CML.  I remember always seeing him eating lunch with his kids. (He was also at the school right after I backed into a car in the parking lot and had to wait there to tell the person what a stupid thing I had done!) .

I don't know you all well, but he appeared to be such a family man.  I cried and cried as I read your posts.  You seem very very strong Nancy.  I wish things like this didn't have to happen.  It's not fair. 

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope Doug's life, well lived, gives you some comfort.  It would appear, that Doug was a man with few regrets. 

If we could only all live like that.

-Mindy

I am Claude & Gretchen Oxendine's next door neighbor and am so sorry for the whole family's loss.  Although I mostly knew Doug through his parents, I know that he was  greatly loved and will be missed.  My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time - I pray for comfort, strength and patience as your grieve your loss.

Hi Nancy,

I heard the news about Dougs journey home.  I want you to know that you and Lauren and Dalton are in my prayers.  I feel blessed that I met you all through Lauren.    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Katrina

I am so sorry to hear about Doug. Kay and I went to school together so I spend a lot of time with the Oxendine family while growing up.  Doug would always tease me and make me laugh. My thoughts are with you all at this time.

Purvi Patel

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.  God bless.

I went to high school with Doug and am very sorry to hear about his fight with cancer.  my thoughts and prayers are with his family.