The high bands were active again this morning. I have worked a number of statessides on 15m. Unfortunately, the most QSOs were so called rubber stamp type. I could hardly keep anoyone who would quit soon telling me he would do something else or he guessed I might have other callers etc.
One of the pleasant exception was a QSO with a veteran doctor, Dave, W0FBI. Last spring when we were in the terrible mess due to the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear power plant accident, I have run across with him for a few times. He used to stay in Japan as a member of the US Army years ago. He and his wife were worrying about the nuclear power problem so much that they would return to Japan and volunteer for the sufferers. I told him not to come to Japan since he could do only little for them at that time. He also even offered me to send anything necessary for me. I was really impressed or, I should say, was touched by his serious concern and kind attitude toward us.
This morning, his signal was not very loud. It seemed he had moved to Ariz. from W0 area. I was almost shocked to hear that he had finished the 2nd course of chemo. He told me that he had had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which eventually complicated lymphoma recently. He had to undergo the chemo due to the latter illness. I know that type of leukemia itself could be managed by a cutting edge drug. But lymphoma is another issue. I hoped he could get through the chemo and recover from it soon. I am sure he would do it.
As a general rule, however, we should remember each QSO could be the last time ever with that particular person. Too bad losing a chance to know more of someone in a QSO. We should never take it granted as if we could see again easily.
It could be the last time.
Some people might think making QSO short is a nice manner when there are other callers to the station. Yes, it's hard to keep them.
ReplyDeletep.s. I was listening your QSO with AC2K on 15m. It's a bit too fast for me. hi Hope you enjoy your retirement. de HL5KY
Of course, I understand that manner of operation which is sometimes suitable in certain situations. But the modern trend seems to be somewhat different from that now, I am afraid.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I won't force the others to make lengthy QSOs. It is my principle to enjoy from heart to heart type QSOs. Our lives are too short to waste time with a game in ham radio.
Another point to be discussed is to what extent those rubber stampers could communicate with CW. I am afraid their skills must be pretty low and all they could do is just exchanging reports and names. The problem is that they convince themselves that it is enough for them to operate CW.
See you on the air again.
Shin
JA1NUT