Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
Posted By startswithanx on February 7, 2010
*** So, Jake and I got some news a couple weeks ago. The kind of news that prompted my man of few words to write this here tribute. Check out Jake’s second guest post.
I met BMuttz at the bus stop during my first day at a new elementary school in fourth grade. He didn’t hesitate to say hi to the “new kid” while all the other kids looked at me like I had a booger dangling from my face. He made that first ride to school less frightening and somewhat tolerable.
From that point on I knew him as the nice guy from the neighborhood.
We didn’t really start the BMuttz-Jake torrid love affair until sophomore year of high school. That’s when we started playing on the same sports teams. By senior year, our math teacher separated our desks. A few weeks later, we were kicked out of the class entirely and demoted to remedial math. We both got a kick out of our antics. Our parents, eh, not so much …
BMuttz was accepted into Michigan State University and started rocking MSU gear in the hallways. I was mulling over my college options and nervous about rooming blind. But then it came, the acceptance letter I was waiting for. BMuttz would be my roommate freshman year.
From that point forward we were an inseparable duo, a Starsky and Hutch, so to speak. He was Hutch because he was the smooth, carefree, ladies man. I filled the role of Starsky, a nervous, fidgety, pragmatic dude who always thought about every little problem way too much. Neither of us wore leather jackets. But we could both grow afros like the best of them, mine with a distinct Latin flair, his, traditional-Jew style.
During the next five years Bmuttz and I shared hazy nights in the dorm listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication.” We sweated off the previous night’s hangover as we battled it out on basketball courts. We held each other’s legs doing keg stands while the other sucked on God’s sweet nectar. We celebrated a basketball national championship with about 15,000 of our closet friends at the off-campus party spot. Oh yeah, and there was some studying thrown in there, too.
There was even one time when we were hooping and happened to piss of a ripped Asian guy. He took exception to the ass-whooping our team gave his team and decided to ambush me with a full sprint and unexpected Bruce Lee kick to my mid-section. As I tried to gather my breath, I ducked punches in what seemed to be slow-mo, “The Matrix” style. Next thing I know BMuttz was on the kid’s back before the guy could swing a fourth time. A two against one fight was not fair. The kid was better off accepting the loss and going home.
I couldn’t sleep that night because the pain in my ribs was unbearable. But I’ll never forget the first person who rushed to my defense. To this day, I’ve never taken a punch square on the face. I have BMuttz to thank for that.
Fast-forward 10 years and BMuttz has a law degree, a beautiful wife and cute dog named “Bear.” They live in Michigan. I’m in Las Vegas doing my thing in journalism and have two amazing ladies I come home to every night. We text like we’re still hanging out every night in college, but we only see each other two times a year at best.
That’s why the news X recently gave me was so unexpected and for a short while, devastating: BMuttz has cancer.
She said he didn’t want to tell me himself. It was probably too hard for him. I heard her words but didn’t process them. I even said, what? BMuttz? and then said his last name out loud —as if she didn’t know it — hoping she was mistaken. Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt like punching the wall. I texted him almost immediately afterwards and told him I would do anything I can to help him and his wife. He shrugged off the ordeal like it was no big deal. He didn’t really want to talk about it or make anyone worry. BMuttz has cancer, and he was more worried about others worrying about him. …
The next two weeks were difficult. I got a few e-mails from him and his wife updating me and others on his condition. I wondered how he was coping. I knew he was spending a lot of time seeing doctors. I texted him every few days with words of encouragement.
I broke down a few more times, especially after a mid-afternoon trip to a bar. Alcohol makes me sentimental. I texted my brother, and he told me I have to be strong for BMuttz. My 24-year-old brother couldn’t have given me better advice.
BMuttz has been more than strong throughout this ordeal. He’s been positive and almost stubborn about changing his life. I recently spoke with him on the phone, and he said he’s continuing to work, and continuing to stay active, even rolling in a bowling league. BMuttz is treating cancer like the government does terrorism, not changing a damn thing or else Al-Qaeda wins. And I couldn’t respect him more for that.
BMuttz still doesn’t know what type of cancer he has. Doctors are working to learn. But he has been greatly affected. He has a tumor near a nerve in his hip that is so painful he has to sleep sitting up. He struggles to walk at times. He is constipated a lot. His medicine cabinet looks like Eminem’s wet dream.
The good news is that he recently began radiation for the tumor in his hip. So, in less than two weeks it should be reduced in size and his pain should subside. He also has a tumor in his lung, and doctors haven’t figured out if it’s from smoking. He wants people to know that might be the cause of his health issues, and people who do smoke, should quit. But don’t take my word for it, get it straight from BMuttz on his new blog right here.
Well, BMuttz, I am taking your advice. And for the second time in consecutive weeks, I’m making a pledge in Cyberworld to better myself. Although I don’t smoke a lot, maybe three cigarettes a week, every time I light up I can’t help but think I’m disrespecting him. The annoyance of a craving can’t compare to anything he’s going through.
I hope my life is forever changed because of what BMuttz is going through. His life obviously is. While at first I struggled with his cancer, I now realized that I was being weak, the opposite of him. He’s a warrior and if anyone can beat this it’s BMuttz.
Jake and X … I am sending all the positive thoughts I can muster your way for your friend. I have been dealing with a lot of loss and illnesses in my family for the last four months … so I know how hard it is. However strong you can be everyday is just right … that is to say, don’t be afraid to keep having the breakdowns.
Wishing your buddy all the best.
Jake – I love you, man. I can’t even say anything else (but I’ll try). You’re the best friend anyone could ask for, and the only person besides my wife who knows what is going through my mind before I do (probably even more than my wife at times). I appreciate the shout-out and praise, but the truth is that I couldn’t be as strong or brave without such a great support system.
You’re a true friend, and I know you have my back no matter what. We’ve been through a lot…a psycho ex, hundreds of miles driven in our 2 mile subdivision, MSU, and Kid Vegas, just to name a few headlines, but the best times are in front of us! Don’t forget that and don’t think otherwise!!
Thanks so much for all you’ve done for me and everything you will do for me in the future. I appreciate it and can’t wait to laugh about my bionic hip and old man cane. Keep your head up, ’cause I know I will.
P.S. You know the giant head in the foreground of the last pic is your favorite person on earth, right?!
Here I sit with the comment box open and don’t even know where to begin. Seriously, I”m laying in bed with my laptop on me, wanting, needing to say something and I’m speechless. Jake, thank you so much for opening up to “us” and letting it out. Now you see why we blog. We’re not always in this for the laughs, there’s a whole lotta fucking catharsis from getting shit out and “putting it into the universe”.
And secondly … I come over here and BMuttz has written. And now I’m 100 times more speechless.
X and Jake and B, you’re in my thoughts. Please continue to keep us updated. You KNOW the power of the internet. Stay strong. All of you.
xoxox,
me
I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I can only imagine how hard it must be to worry, but being strong for him is the best thing you can do, especially since he obviously works hard to be strong for himself. Hope and luck to all of you, that you totally kick it’s ass.
Jake, you and BMuttz have such a dope friendship. This post is just one small example of it. See LMuttz’s beaming face in the corner of that top pic? That’s how we both feel about your guys’ bond. It’s awesome to watch. I can’t wait to see it develop even more over the years to come.
BMuttz, you and your wifey are warriors and will undoubtedly come through this as stronger individuals, but as a couple you’ll be unbreakable. We love you guys.
On a serious note, why can’t I just click on your name in the comments and go right to your blog? C’mon, son! You gotta start leaving your URL in the Web site field. You’re a blogger now! … Rookie mistake.
Nice words, Kid V. I don’t really read blogs or even comment on them for that matter, but so you know I haven’t worked at all today and am just sitting at my desk thinking about better times we’ve all had together than dealing with this setback. Translation-your words got to me. We might be in seperate states and time zones for that matter, but I can feel the love. You’re a great friend and I’m glad I know you. B will be over this soon and I look forward to moving past all this and onto better life adventures with you dudes.
Being X’s big sister I have heard a little here and there about what BMuttz and LMuttz have been going through the past few weeks. Although I’ve never met either of you I feel like I somewhat know you from the stories X has told me. I know for a fact that the two of you are good peeps. My heart aches for the both of you but I’ll take the same stand Jake is taking and throw as many positive vibes as one chick can muster your way. Know that not only are your loved ones thinking about you and hoping for the best, but also the loved ones of your loved ones and many, many more.
My prayers go out to you BMuttz. I know you will make it through this!
Thanks for writing such an awesome post about your awesome friend. Like Bmuttz said he has a great support system with friends/family like you Jake… you are so great i am proud to call you Family. To The Future xoxox
This post was touching, and inspirational. I love how you reminisced on the first day you two met. You two are obviously GREAT friends, and like my “Lizzie G” stated along with all the other peeps on this blog, you both have a great support system. If only everyone on this planet had a TRUE friend like you Jake.
“A friend is someone who, upon seeing another friend in immense pain, would rather be the one experiencing the pain than to have to watch their friend suffer.”
This quote is what I felt Jake would do for you B.
Stay Strong for yourself, your wife, and all your friends, you will persevere.
Thank you everyone for the support! X, my bad, but I think I got it fixed now!
You guys are all right…Jake is a great friend and supporter. If everyone had a Jake…too bad, he’s mine!!
As I type, my dad is groggily waking up in a post-op bed at City of Hope after a biopsy on his liver. After living with its existence for almost two years, I can very readily and adamantly say that cancer sucks donkey balls.
Much love and luck to BMuttz and his fam, and to X and Jake as you deal with the utter lameness of all of this. It’s wonderful to see that you all are in the fight together. Thanks for opening up and sharing this.
Jake new love for blogging is on the same excitement level as MSU Football, or at least i get a similar amount of text about upcoming post/games
I knew today was especially important cuz I know how hard lou’s been takin this. Its good to just let it flow. This is mad homie love, doesn’t get more real. I know muttz been on the brain of all the homies. The positive energy from the crew, unreal strength of B and Lindsay, and a lil help from some Dr’s will knock this shit out.
BMuttz … You will kick Cancer and it’s Donkey’s Balls Ass! No Doubt about it! Stay Strong! You are an inspiration to us all!
I cant wait for Jake’s Best Friends to meet X’s Best Friends. I have heard a lot about you and your sweet Wifey.
So I feel my brothers pain. At times through there lives and through all there growing up, I was there hanging with the older crowd. Ben and my brother were never not together….but besides that I just want to say that as long we stay postive and stay strong for one another that everyone will be okay. Ben man you have a strong soul, I know you’ll be okay, our family is ALWAYS here for you. Thank you for being the best friend you are to my brother. Thank you
Dro
Again, thanks everyone! Such kind words and support from all of you, I really appreciate it. Dro, long time no talk buddy…your bro fills me in, and it sounds like you got your head on straight and things are going well for ya.
We’ll get through this and have a good laugh about it over some J.W. on the Rocks in Florida sometime soon. Thank you so much for your support.
P.S. X – check the name now, sucka! Shit’s tight, girl (gangsta signs are being flashed)
What a great friend you are Jake. BMuttz it sounds like you have an awesome support system and such a good attitude. I wish you nothing but the best and am sending good healthy thoughts your way.
this was a great post Jake. Thanks for opening up so we can all send our prayers and good thoughts B’s way!
My eyes are officially watering as I sit in my cube. This bromance will live on for years and years to come and I am sending all my positive throughts Bmuttz’s way. Live strong, indeed.
[...] Jake shared with you a month ago, his best friend was diagnosed with cancer recently. On Friday BMuttz found out that it’s in stage IV development. Not surprisingly, he [...]
i love to watch Californication, all those pretty girls wowwww–.