A double dose

[Phil]

Last night was a doozy at my house. I'm not writing here to get any response, but only to put the words down so they're not eating me up from the inside.

Just before bed I decided to check my e-mail again. A note from my sister would usually be a good thing, but this time it was to let me know that her horse had passed away that afternoon.

Looking for something brighter, I went to a Google group that I'm a member of. The news didn't get any better.

A friend I've been corresponding with for three years (and have met in the meat world on a few occasions) has been in Salt Lake City for a week or so because of problems with her son's heart. He was born with heart problems, but hadn't had any issues since a surgery five years ago. Yesterday I found out that he had coded on Sunday, and they took him off life support on Tuesday. Damn it, he was only six years old!

I've got to go now and pick up my seven year old son from school. You can bet your ass I'm going to hug the shit out of him today.

[Shana]

Awe, Phil. I'm sorry you had such bad news last night. I think I'll follow suit and give my kids extra love tonight.

[Cosmic Sher]

Wow Phil. This just makes my heart ache thinking about that little boy (okay, and the horse.. I'm a softy). I agree, hug the shit outta your whole family, have some on a comfy couch and watch something that make you all laugh your asses off. I usually go for The Jerk or Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang. I sincerely hope that's the end of the bad news.

Now I'm going to go hug my kid too & thank my lucky stars that we're all here & fine. :\

[Félix]

Bummer, Phil.

[RandomAnthony]

Sorry about all this, Phil. My kids are in Florida, and I think about that kind of thing when they're gone all the time. I try to tell them I love them about twenty times before they leave. Take care, sir.

[smetchie]

Oh God, Phil. That makes me want to cry. "Damn it" isn't strong enough.

[Phil]

Thanks, all. Today has been better, but that was a hell of a way to head for bed. And Gretchen, me and several other friends are doing enough crying for us all.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

I'm so sorry, Phil. :(

[[deleted user]]

Hug em again Phil, and I'll hug mine too. Sorry about the bad news!

[Sally, la reina]

Sadness. I'm sorry, Phil.

[[deleted user]]

Condolences, Phil.

[Zen]

Well I'm giving a big ole "Phooey" at Death for you, Phil. Maybe a flippant response, but sometimes humor is needed. ;)

[Heidi]

Oh Phil, that's just all too sad... Hugs to you.

[Phil]

Thanks, all. My friend's family is still huddled together in WY, and those of us close to her are compiling an album of photos, writings and memories of Alex. We'll give it to her when she's ready.