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

Submitted by David Emmett on

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

highside specialist replied on
Site Supporter

And never a need to apoligize for slow winter content.  The bikes are slow right now too.  All the more to look forward to in the coming months.  

 

 

chromium replied on
Site Supporter

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!

Cristian_Marin replied on

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

Apical replied on
Site Supporter

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.

funsize replied on
Site Supporter

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 😊

shaz_jnr replied on
Site Supporter

...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.

Lilyvani replied on
Site Supporter

I'm sure all of this is made no easier with lockdown etc and I wish you well. There are better days ahead.

dan.yasen replied on
Site Supporter

David, condolences to you and family. Take your time. Come back even stronger.

trace_shaka_newsl replied on
Site Supporter

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.

Lieutenant Dan replied on
Site Supporter

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

Max Power replied on

I'm sorry to hear of your loss David, my sincere condolences.

I'm a long term follower and I hope to be able to support your site in the future.

Brian replied on
Site Supporter

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.

jerickson79@gma... replied on
Site Supporter

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.  

Wiggysan replied on

Sending all my love to you, your family & mostly to your Mother during this hard time.

My warmest sympathy to you all. 

ben32 replied on
Site Supporter

Condolences from my family and I David. I hope you and your family can find a way to come together, celebrate your fathers life and be there for each other.

fujinator replied on
Site Supporter

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.

larryt4114 replied on
Site Supporter

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

spongedaddy replied on
Site Supporter

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.

mando replied on
Site Supporter

Tough time to go through - I've been there too.  good health to you and your family.

Jerry Neal replied on
Site Supporter

Being fatherless myself, I know how difficult that journey was for me. Godspeed to Dave and may the blessings of memory sustain you and your family.

MrPotatoHead replied on
Site Supporter

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.

 

jstrasser replied on
Site Supporter

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

buccatini replied on
Site Supporter

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.

lotsofchops replied on
Site Supporter

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.

aj700 replied on

My deepest Condolences. Take care of you and your family. And stay safe. 

jonymentero replied on

My deepest condolences for you and your family, David. I hope we can read you as soon as possible meaning that you have been able to regain normality. Thanks for your work!

Rideless replied on

As other have said, no need for this apology and take care of yourself and your family. We'll be here when you return. 

 

Riesjart replied on
Site Supporter

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! 

ljstones replied on
Site Supporter

Sincere condolences David, thoughts are with you and your family. No apologies necessary, your articles will be well worth the wait when they come. Take care. 

Isam replied on

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

djhankd replied on
Site Supporter

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.

Mr645 replied on
Site Supporter

Do what you need to do, we all adore what you have created here.  As long as your father lives in your mind and your heart, he is never truly gone. 

gbar replied on
Site Supporter

Hi David,

Sorry for your loss and don't stress the website, it's all good,  take the time you need

Makaheng replied on
Site Supporter

Dear David, I'm very sorry to hear a bout your great loss, please accept my deepest condolences. May your dad's soul rest in peace. 

isoia replied on

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

swiftnick replied on
Site Supporter

David, the site will be great again when you're good and ready. All the best.

sd_whitney replied on

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!