I guess it's not all about HIV ;>(

[stevevaboy]

I'm just feeling down this evening and trying to pick myself up.  I just found out a good friend of mine of many years died last night.  He was diagnosed several months ago with brain cancer - he was just a bit older than me, about 44.  He was in Virginia and I had moved from there to California back in 2005, but we were still staying in touch - mostly e-mail and chatting.  I didn't think it was as serious as he had led me to believe, but then I started noticing that I wasn't getting the "who's online knock" for a couple of weeks from him. 

Coincidentally, and eerily, I made a strong effort just last night by e-mailing a friend's mother who I thought just might know someone who knows his family - it's a small, rural area and I'm not from there specifically.  Sure enough, she did and called today to tell me the weird, sinking feeling I'd been experiencing for days was justified.

I guess, in some ways, I feel lucky.  At least there's something that can be done for me, but every effort possible was made for him and he lost.  If it ain't HIV; something's going to get you. 

Just another reason to try to live life to the fullest I suppose... but for tonight I'm just damn sad.

Steve

[Regretsafew]

Hey there,

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.  My prayers are with you.


Hugs,

Joey

[stevevaboy]

Thanks man... to top it off I have a bad cold too!

I'm going the hell to bed and ending this one.... geeez!!

[siongi]

Am sorry for the demise of your good friend.True, we, the HIV + people must live life to the fullest. I work in an organization of about 1500 employees and for the last 4 months we have lost four people and  not to HIV but to cancer, diabetes, cardiac arrest and an accident. Thanks for reminding us this very important aspect of our  life.

[poet]

Sorry about your loss.  You will probably remind all of us about someone we knew well at one point who sort of drifted from us and then we got 'the news' of his or her death which leaped over the distance.  Win

[aztecan]

Steve,

I am sorry for the loss of your long-time friend. My thoughts will be with you.

I think you hit it on the head. Truly, each of us must live each day to its fullest.

HUGS,

Mark

[marco23]

Hi Steve,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend...<<BIG HUG>> Hope you get over your cold soon! Take care of yourself.

[koi1]

Hi steve,

I am sorry about your loss. Yes we are all going to die. So many of us should stop complainging and live ourl lives to the fullest. Easier said than done. But we should all try.

Hugs,

rob

[Longislander]

Sorry about the loss of your friend Steve.

[bear60]

My condolences Steve. 

[DanielMark]

My condolences as well to you, Steve.

[stevevaboy]

THE MORNING AFTER:  Thanks for the condolences all!  I'm so glad to be up in the light of day now, since last night sucked.  I came down with a bad cold, probably sinus infection, on Monday and last night it was in full force.  I awoke in the wee hours just soaked in sweat and running a high fever.  Of course, then I had plenty of time to just lay there and think about things...damnit.

Today's a new day and time to move forward.  I'm taking a day off to recoup.  I'm sure I'll feel better soon and be laughing again as time moves on.

Thanks again for the kind words!

Steve