and I lost a friend just after Thanksgiving to alcohol (cirrhosis officially), so this is very timely to me. He was my BOY, and the funniest dude I knew. He was funny because he was funny and sharp witted, NOT because of alcohol.

He was my golf buddy and I miss him every day. Golf will never be the same for me and the other 2 guys left in our foursome. He left WAY too early! To see the pain on the faces of his family and many friends (a huge number of us who didn't even drink) broke my heart! So many people, myself included. have on-going feeling of regret and doubt that maybe we could have or should have done more..I know I tried. His wife of 32 years tried. I know everybody who loved him tried. Problem is (and we all do know this), only HE could have done it!

He was a GREAT dude in every single way. He was Rodney Dangerfield and I laughed just looking at the crazy bastard! He had ONE flaw (which is fewer than I myself have)..and his turned out to be FATAL..

JKHokie.. I don't mean to bring everybody down on New Year's Day, but this is something you NEEDED to hear. I just hope it resonates with you just a tiny bit, and along with everyone else's encouragement, shows you how worth it it is and how worthwhile YOU are.

Countless people (probably much weaker than you) have done it...I know you can too. If I can ever speak off line to you and help in any way, please reach out!

Here's to a great new start, and sobriety for all of 2022 dude!