I'm really getting tired of this shit.

[Magrittes Pipe]

A good friend of mine is laid up with congestive heart failure.

He was born with a bad heart. In fact, when he was a few days old, he was the youngest baby (at the time) to ever have open heart surgery. He got fitted with a pacemaker in his early 20s -- and, like many young people in his situation, he went off the deep end. Figuring he wasn't going to live very long anyway, he smoked too much, ate too poorly, and spent himself into bankruptcy.

But then something happened. Maybe it was his wife (a wonderful woman, by the way). He decided that life was worth living. He had cut back on the bad habits, and was trying to make a go of it. Even started his own consulting firm. And now he finds out that 80% of his heart muscle is dead.

You know what the punch line is? He's only 32.

Fuck it. I'm so fucking sick of my friends dying. Car crashes, Hodgkin's disease -- and now, unless he gets a heart transplant....

Shit, I don't even know why I'm posting this here. Just wanted to ask anyone who feels like it to offer up some thoughts/prayers/mad props/whatever for my buddy. He's really a pretty good guy.

[matcom]

1. you got 'em pal

sorry. so sorry.

whatever i can muster going your way

[trumad]

3. Just remember... There's beauty beyond this horizon

Have faith that you go to a better place and you'll feel better... MHOP

[Beer Snob-50]

2. My thou;ghts and prayers are with your friend and his family.

eom

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

4. I offer up all the positive energy I can muster.

Man, hang in there Hedges. Stay strong. I don't know you're friend but I would say it must take a staggering amount of courage to push throught o his point. Having never had to deal with serious illness I can't imagine the strength necessary. I do offer my prayers for his long life!

- J.Strength

[GOPisEvil]

5. Fuck...that's pretty cruel fate. I wish your friend the best.

You, too.

[jus_the_facts]

6. sounds to me like you've been lucky to have ever even known him.....

.....so instead of feelin' fuckin' sick about it....IMHO you should feel as though you're one of the luckiest people ALIVE to have had him in your life at all. {{{{{positive karma}}}}}} O8)

[Mikimouse]

7. It is never fair when a young person suffers...

My strongest positive vibes to you and your friend. Here's hoping for a donor and a long life!

[Rainbowreflect]

8. You & your friend are both in my prayers.

I'm sorry for what you are going through, but loving people is more than worth the pain. :hug:

[GCP]

9. Positive thoughts going to you all

Just think though, 50 years ago he wouldn't have lived past a few weeks if that. I hope and pray he's on a transplant list, at age 32, he should be kicked to the top, but whatever happens, for good or bad, you've had a good friend for 32 years and it sounds like he's lived well.

:pals::grouphug:

[democratreformed]

10. I lost two brother-in-laws recently.

Albert was 40 when he died of a heart attack on May 11. Bobby was 35 when he drowned on June 3. Then, my daughter called this morning and told me a friend died of a heart attack/ blood clot last night. She was 50ish. It just really sucks. Really, really.

I'm so sorry for you and your friend. Best of luck - maybe something will come through. I sure hope so. To be honest, I would say my prayers are with you, but I don't believe in those. I can say that I will send all the good vibes your way that I can though.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

11. Dying young is the worst. The absolute worst.

I have a couple of pretty nasty experiences in that field, and I'm still angry, years later.

[sus]

12. I'm so sorry.

I can't imagine. I hope things get better. I'm sending positive thoughts your way.

[Magrittes Pipe]

13. Thanks for the wishes, y'all.

You folks rock. :hug:

[tigereye]

15. hopeful thoughts and prayers to your friend

that is very difficult. Hugs to you and him and his family.

[m-jean03]

14. I'm so sorry.

That's so sad. I wish the best for him and his wife.

And I hope you are doing OK, Al. :hug: :hug: