Hi Al,
I don't usually read down this far, because obviously the news is always sad, but did just now for some reason I'm glad I did.
I remember you posting about your friend Mike awhile ago. Someone asked how you got such a cool avatar and you told the story. Now it will have a touch of sadness around it too, because it will always make you think of him. But . . .that can be a good thing too. He's not on this earth anymore, and yet you have something that you see and use and makes other people smile a bit everyday, and Mike did that for you. I too had a friend die, but of Lupus, and I had not contacted her in 6 or more months. I don't know why . . . just busy I guess. It's been 10 years since she passed. I just came across a card I got from her and STILL I cried a bit and felt so guilty that I lost touch with her. I have to say though that I prayed a little and said that I would just have to tell her I'm sorry when I see her again, because I'm really hoping that I will, and I know she'll forgive me.
As for everyone else, I don't even know what to say that could possibly be even close to adequate. That is too much utter tragedy in too short of a time for any one person to handle. Too much saddness, too much heartache. I'm so, so sorry. It really makes the phrase that you keep under your signature take on a very significant new light.
I truly hope you're doing okay right now Al. Try and have a decent night,
((((Suzann))))