Editor's Blog: A Personal Update, And An Update About The Site

By David Emmett | Wed, 27/01/2021 - 18:45

In the early hours of January 12th, 2021, Dave Emmett, my father, died of complications caused by dementia and multiple myeloma at the age of 83. He was a warm, generous, immensely kind human. He hated the inactivity age and his disease forced upon him. It left him frustrated and unhappy. So death came as a relief to him.

I post this not to solicit sympathy, but as an explanation and an apology for the lack of updates to the site. My brother Peter and I have been caring for my father and my mother off and on for the past 3 months, up until his death. My mother, still sprightly and healthy, needs help sorting out my father's estate and the thousand other things which you don't realize that the death of a loved one involves.

As a result, I have been neglecting the site somewhat, and neglecting the sport of motorcycle racing. Fortunately for me, but tragically for the rest of the world, the current state of the global pandemic means that very little has been happening in the world of MotoGP and WorldSBK. However, some events have occurred, and I have not covered them.

So first of all, my apologies, especially to the supporters and subscribers of the website. I hope to make amends as the year goes on and bikes get back on track again.

Secondly, as things in the personal life of my family start to return to some kind of normality, I hope to be able to devote more of my attention to the site once again. So starting from next week, February 1st, there should be more regular updates, and I shall start work on in depth background stories again.

Thank you once again to everyone for their support and kind words over the last few months. A very special thank you to those who support the site, either by paying for a subscription, or making a donation to the site, or signing up for Patreon. And I hope to start looking forward to a fuller season of racing than 2020, and one which is just as fascinating and thrilling.

David Emmett

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Comments

The old site was great!

TRIUMPH

Not happy - why have this area so big on the left here? Then the comment area stacked so thin on the right? It was so much better before. NOT HAPPY. And DISCORD?! Not sticking around.

Motoshrink

2 years ago

Permalink

Warmest blessings to Dave, the family and caring community. Tail wind and a slip stream as you move through difficult times. 

My deepest sympathies David. No apologies required. It's no easy task sorting out an estate. Just done a similar thing as executor for a friend. Take care of yourself too!

Hi, David,

I am so sorry for your loss. 

You don't have to apologize. We will continue supporting Motomatters and enjoying your journalism whenever you and your loved ones are ready to get back in business. Take your time.

Kind regards from Spain,

Cristian

Condolences.

Thanks for letting us know David. Some things are more important than motorcycle racing.

You have my sympathy and support, for what it's worth. Dealing with this will take time. Please take as long as you need. Look after yourself & your family, friend.

I think our Motomatters family will be fine. There is always the forum.

to you all, and whether someone, anyone, passes due to Covid or not, it's even more difficult while we're in these times. My Dad is a very healthy 94 years with an 86 year old partner and, although he is very much remaining positive, I'm sad that he is having to endure these times-though having vivid memories of World War 2 does seem to give him a steely determination not seen amongst many. This site is so special because-aside from the sheer quality- it is a human site full of decent people, that comes from the top, of that I am sure. Please take all the time needed, especially for yourself, we'll still be here 😊

...is always the most important thing to take care of David.  The fans of your website know how much time and effort you dedicate to keeping us informed and entertained, and we will happily wait until the time is right for you.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will all still be here, whenever you're ready. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and your family. That is what's important - always.

We all love MotoGP, but family is always more important. All the best to you and your family, David.

P.S. I can't say I'd noticed any drop-off in content on the site, especially with The World According To Ramon Forcada to keep us all occupied! smiley

No amends necessary, David. All this bike racing stuff will be here when circumstances allow. Some things, family first among them imo, take precedence. We commenters will still be here, too, I'm sure. Take care and be safe.

You certainly don't owe us an explanation or apologies but thank you for letting us know about your personal life.  It shows that you have a good relationship with your parents and brother that allowed you to be there in the end.  You help remind me that the time I have (even under COVID cloud) with my parents are to be appreciated.  Especially as they are now into their 70's. 

I have been getting my racing fix via you great collaborators at Paddock Pass Podcast and was glad to hear you back on a recent episode about Top 10 riders of 2020.  

As someone who has lost both parents, nothing really prepares you for the journey post-parents.  As a supporter and avid reader of your site, it hopefully goes without saying that family comes first and I look forward to reading your next article whenever that is (i.e. your articles are that good and I'll wait however long it takes yes).

Again, deepest condolences to you and your family.

Take care of yourself.  Breathe.

Absolutely no need to apologize. Many of us, me included, have been in the same, or similar, situations and understand completely. Keep your head clear, take your time -- I'm sure we'll all still be here waiting to read your words of wisdom. Condolences to you for your father, and best wishes for your mother

What can be written that has not been already expressed in the heartfelt comments above? Experiencing the death of someone close is a part of living life to its fullest. Especially when its the parent/child relationship. It's a stark reminder of our own mortality that we live with constantly.

Always enjoy your unique perspective of the moto racing world, Mr. Emmett. And this latest chapter in your life will most likely enhance, in some uncanny way, what you share with the world moving forward.

Best wishes.

I don't want to accept an apology from you for your distraction while your dad passed away, when the only loss for me is a bit of news about a sport.

Take another 3 months if you have to, some things are more important than others.

 

David,

So sorry for your loss. My own father passed suddenly at the early age of 68. 

Also my wife is currently dealing with her Dad who is headed down the same path as your father.

Peace.

John

My condolences on the passing of your father. We can wait until life settles from this event, but for now, I think I will go out and do a burnout in his honor.

I know the feeling of losing a parent, and no matter the age or circumstances it is not easy. I think everyone has shown you that we understand, we don't expect the world and then some from you. You have to take care of the important things, and there is plenty of time until the racing action starts.

Sorry for your loss, David. Take care and all the time you need. No matter how long you're gone, I'll still be waiting for your excellent insights and reports! 

I am so saddened to hear about the loss of your father.I know you have a lot of great memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I want to offer my sincere condolences

Thanks for the explanation, but no apology is necessary.  My condolences for your loss.  I'm looking forward to your continued coverage of the races whenver you feel ready to do so.  Thank you.

Hi David. We're all there with you and for you: Motorcycling will continue but family relationships are, unfortunately finite (I know, myself.) Take Care, Greg

Condolences to your family, it sounds like it was a blessing in the end.  Having had a similar event with my Mom, can understand how much it can consume of your life and energy.  Wishing all the best now for 2021!