ImReadyToQuit

When I was 15-16.. I met my best friend.. I'll call him Ralph.. He was drinking everyday at school.. I hadn't begun my drinking career before we had met..

His entire household was filled with alcoholics... Mother, step father... And the most hardcore drink all day everyday.. His Uncle.. He would literally pass out in a chair.. With a beer, and wake up with it and start sipping... At the time, I was young and stupid and almost thought it was funny.

It must have been 1990.. Well.. I talked to my friend last night and he told me his uncle is in ICU, yellow, bloated and his mind is totally gone... They expect him to pass at any minute (I guess he could have passed today somehow)...

My best friend is well on the way,, He told me last night he doesn't care if he dies.. Hates the world and wouldn't mind "going out" like his uncle...

Dunno why I'm sharing this.. I'll goto the funeral I suppose, neither my friend, his uncle, his mother or step father have ever had any desire to stop...

I have to fight for my life... I hope I win.

TwoJacks

That's very sad, thanks for sharing.

Murray4x5

Fight on...we've got your back.

I used to "fall asleep" because I was "tired" then suck down some more beer when I woke up. Truly scary where that leads to...

Murray

ImReadyToQuit

I just found out.. He's only 55 years old.. He looked 55 when I first met him.. Jeepers... And he could have only be 35 at the time..

Murray4x5

Eegad

Murray

Sudz No More

Sorry to hear, use the knowledge of their troubles with Alcohol to help keep you away from it. Many of the stories I have read here serve as a stark reminder of why I want to stay away from Alcohol. Your story is certainly one that helps keep me grounded in my sobriety.

Dee74

Prayers for your friends uncle and for your friend - I hope he realises before its too late what he's talking about, IRTQ.

D

Stang

Done it many a time myself. I've been around lots of alcoholics also. I remember a guy that had two heart attacks, and part of his stomach removed for ulcers. I said "Richard quit drinking" his response "LIQUOR DON'T GIVE YA ULCERS"! Never would accept that alcohol was a drug and was killing him. He was such a good fella...third heart attack killed him.
I thank God I woke up before I ruined my health and yea it is a matter of life or death.

artsoul

Thanks for the post. When we're drinking, we think it's all good fun. Your post is a reminder that people die every day from this disease. I'm so glad SR is reaching so many.

Kmber2010

I'm sorry to hear this and hope that your friend does change his thinking. Very sad indeed and shows the insanity of drinking.

We are here for you and supporting you.

Ten0fnine

I hope I beat this so my children never have to witness such a sad ending.

It's heartbreaking, but also a good reminder of how many lives are attached to ours. Sometimes we have the ability to effect lives that are seemingly far detached from our own.

Sigh. Thank you for sharing this.

least

Your sad post is a reminder to me of why I'm staying sober. Don't want to make my friends and family cry over me.

julez

Wow, thank you for sharing this sad story. Its a truth that we all need to realize.

ImReadyToQuit

My friend call me this morning.. Uncle Gus passed away at 11:30 last night... Hellish way to go... 4 weeks in the hospital... the last 2 he had no idea who he was or who anyone else was...

I'll definatly be attending the funeral..

Murray4x5

Hope your friend is okay. This may be brutal, but if he heads for the bar after the funeral, I'd walk the opposite direction if I were you.

Murray

ImReadyToQuit

Quite true, he was already drunk when I spoke to him.. Wanted to "hang" out.. I'd like to be there for him, but its not a possibility.

Murray4x5

Must be hard for you though. Your friend doesn't seem capable of seeing himself and his future in his uncle, but for you it'll seem like you're burying both of them. Hope he gets this wake up call.

Without alcohol skewing the way we see the world, sometimes the things we see are hard to look at. Sending you my thoughts and strength...

Murray

mercurial me

If it's not too inappropriate to ask, was this the guy you posted a video about on your camera phone sometime ago?

I'll keep him in my prayers

LaFemme

I'm so sorry, for the loss of the uncle, for your friend who has no hope and for you that has to witness It. I am glad you are sober and no longer on that path. Thoughts and prayers for you and your friends family.

ImReadyToQuit

Not the same guy... That guy did seek help, is in a half way house now.. But he doesn't have much time to live either.. But atleast he's sober.