Hello everyone. I just wanted to ask each and every one of you if you could do me a favor. Please, please, please ... pick up the phone, and call a friend or family member that you haven't spoken to in some time. You know, someone who you've been "meaning to call when you get some time."

I received a call today from my brother. My step-father, who was an alcoholic, was found dead by a neighbor today. He had probably been dead for several days. He lives in Mississippi. I live in California, and my brother and sister live in Maine. His drinking had become so bad that his wife left him. He called me every so often, but he was always drunk when doing so. After a while, I just let the answering machine pick up.

He called me 3 weeks ago to tell me he loved and missed us. I still have the message on the machine. I was planning to call him back "when I had some time."

I no longer have the opportunity to do this.

So call someone right now. Tell them you love them, or miss them, or that you're just thinking about them.

That really blows Dana, I 'm sorry for your loss. I've had a not so good run of luck lately, but nothing like what your family has endured recently. I hope that you can all lean on each other to get through this difficult time.

Thanks for the reminder. Sorry for your loss.


Dick

Dana, for what little it's worth, I work in a metal health facilty and please always remember that he had a disease. Achoholism is a disease and your father tried to deal with it the best way he knew how. Try to see the loving individual underneath and inside always. Sometimes we get busy in our own worries and everyday life hassles and avoid displeasarable situations and conflicts. It is only normal and nothing wrong with you and no guilt to put upon yourself for avoidance. it is human nature to do so as self preservation. Try to remember the good times and the positives always and those will get you through. Block out the effects of the disease. Your father was reaching out... he loved you and always remember that. I love you too!

Dana, I am so sorry for your loss.

holly crap Skurvey, if drinking is a disease - i must have the plauge. lol

D, After the 3rd time of hitting the answering machine you just know that dood changed his will so you only got the outhouse dunny! lol

In all seriousness bud. Im assuming you cared for him based on your overtones, so im sorry for your loss. Now donate that 10lb of dope to the drinking afflicted so they can kick that nasty habbit would you! :unsure:

u know v....in the states here, theres such a thing as AA. if you dont know, its "alcoholics anonymous." ... its for those people (such as yourself) how can not control their nasty habits of drinking themselves to sleep every night. you should look into it. it may help you with your problems. lol =P

but anywhoo. dana, even though i only know you as "the one with the Shamu avitar" :-P .... i am truly sorry about your loss. i have a grandfather that lives in germany and hes one of those guys that left his family and is a chronic alchy. sittin on the barstool every night,getting drunk off his arse, and never talks to any of us here in the states, like EVER. it really kinda sucks. but i know how you must feel, and im sorry. :(

Thank you all for you kind words, your thoughts, and your prayers.