Not good news today.
I’ve been diagnosed with terminal stage four lung cancer. It’s already spread through several parts of my body & Doc says I have a few months maybe going by the average for someone in my condition.
Going to be selling my instruments soon. I’ll probably post them in the swap shop when I feel good enough and can get around to it if it’s OK with Ben.
Very sorry to hear of your struggles, Dave. You will certainly be wrapped in my prayers!! Do not lose the faith!!! Jesus IS real, my friend.
Dave, it is tough for me to simply sit and watch when people share news like this. But there is always good news. The good news is the great “speckled bird”. Would you be prepared to come under its wings for healing? (I hope I’m not offending you by asking like this!)
Jeremiah 12:9
9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.
Please check out all my posts in Mark Rocka’s thread Some prayers for my dad please - General chit chat - Forum - Banjo Ben Clark to get some more sense of my views. I also think you know my views somewhat otherwise.
Hi John.
Not offended at all. I’m accepting of whatever the good Lord throws my way.
I’ve been kind of prepared for this due to a few things that have happened recently.
I hope you’re not offended that I don’t listen to other people’s interpretations when it comes to my religion. I believe, and I keep it pretty much between God and myself.
Thank you for the post.
Dave
So very sorry to hear this Dave. You will be in our prayers.
Very sorry to hear this Dave.
Thoughts and prayers for you 
Dave my heart goes out to you buddy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave, I’m unbelievably sorry and I’m holding you in prayer. I wish I had adequate words to express my thoughts. I can’t imagine what that must be like to accept such news. Please tell us if there is anything we can do to help you out, at all. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2
@Dave_Long I am so sorry to hear about this, those don’t even seem like the right words… You have been in my prayers and will continue to be.
Hi Dave, that is good to know and thanks for saying it openly! 
No I’m not offended and I can’t be offended for you not buying my views! But will briefly discuss some scripture later today or tomorrow.
Dave, it breaks my heart to hear this news… I will be praying for you of course and for God to comfort you. Please, please reach out to let us all know if we can do anything for you. I want you to know you’ve been a blessing in my life and in many others!
@Dave_Long, I’m so sorry to hear this. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow, thanks all!
It’s hard for me to put into words how much this site and forum have enriched my life over the years. I’ll just say a lot!
I’ve taken great enjoyment from watching so many here grow not only as musicians, but as individuals. Also, I’ve loved being able to provide what little help I might have contributed, and
watching others provide the same. Just as many of you have, I’ve formed a lot of friendships here on Ben’s site, and truly cherish each of them even if they are mostly at a distance.
Please don’t feel all down about my situation. I greatly appreciate the sentiments and prayers, but am as comfortable as one can be, I guess, with the fact my song is most likely on its last time around. I’ve had a good life, filled with many wonderful times and adventures and will continue to make it as happy and contented as I can, Lord willing. I’ve had a good run, and have nothing to complain about.
Relax, be nice, be happy, love each other, and never be afraid to challenge yourself. 
And I will be sticking around as long as I can to check on that! haha!
Hi Dave, (@Dave_Long)
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have only been around for a year or so so I read back to some of your old post. You have been a positive poster and an encourager! Thanks for that. I really appreciated this post…
I will be praying for you and your loved ones.
I talked with @Dave_Long this morning and we’ll be selling a guitar and mandolin through the store. He also has a great upright bass that will be for sale locally near Grand Rapids, where he lives.
Yes. thanks so much for the help Ben!
The Bass is a 1940 King Moretone that I used in the last several bands I played in.
I’m keeping my fiddle until I can’t play it any more, then that will go as well.
All these instruments are on any number of the recordings I’ve shared here on the forum.
Sorry to hear Dave. Thinking about you and praying for peace, comfort and healing. Your transparency and contributions to this forum are much more appreciated than you’ll ever know.
Saddened to hear this news @Dave_Long, and thankful to read of your openness in sharing it with us. You’re in our thoughts and prayers, and want to offer you encouragement in whatever way we can! We appreciate your ongoing contributions to the forum and for helping make it what it is.
