Christmas songs and movies just about make me ill. Just joking, but not really. And if someone tried to actually get me to go caroling, well that would just be a joke. But thanks Deppfan, maybe next year. This has just been a hard year and the sooner 2006 gets here the better. But I do hope everyone else out there has a good holiday.

I always try (TRY) to remember..there are some people who would LOVE to be me, and you, for that matter.

What's wrong with your friend?

I think you're being a very good friend by standing vigil over him, and by believing the best could happen. Stay strong, and don't let their negative thinking get to you!

Better yet, go out to a homeless shelter or someplace that allows low-income kids come and get gifts for their families. Adopt a family, make treats and take to a shut in. There are many, many people that are far worse off than you are and would love some of your time. You would be surprised how much better you will feel when they smile and say thanks. It takes so little to make them happy.

Cirrhosis of the liver? Really? How old is he? Usually, that is an affliction that takes many years to develop. I assume he was an alcoholic?

26 years old.... He had a heart attack earlier this year, that's when he found out. He went through a devorce and lost custody of his daughter and did a lot of drinking after that... Before he had the heart attack, he had cleaned up and started working to get partial custody of his daughter. I feel so bad because he's been trying so hard and now things aren't looking so good...

Wait, let me see if I can get this straight. He is 26 years old. He was drinking (apparently quite heavily, and, assumably, for some extended period of time) then had a heart attack. At that time, the doctors realized his liver condition and he has since been deteriorating?

Jeez, a heart attack and cirrhosis of the liver at 26. He must have been drinking by the quarts! Was there some other pre-existing medical condition? This just doesn't seem right.

Guybrush,

How is your friend doing? And you?

He still hasn't given up on life... The doctors didn't expect him to make it through the night, but he's still going strong.

I'm doing alright too... just trying not to let it get me too down.

Guy, I wish I had the magic words to make it all right, but I don't. It doesn't seem fair, with him cleaning up his act and all. But life isn't fair. We just have to take the good when we can find it. You and he are in my prayers.

Guy, how is he doing today? Any good news for him? I hope he stays strong, and you too.

So Guybrush - any word on your friend? I hope your recent silence is not indicative of a turn for the worse. Let us know and remember that you are in our thoughts.

Well on the outside he is looking a lot better... He is able to talk and eat on his own...
But his internal bleeding has gotten very bad, and his liver has been swelling. He still doesn't have a good chance of making it (about 7%) but it's the time of miracles and I'm not giving up...

guy keep holding on and keep praying, and i will too

It was so great. last night Aaron was able to stand up (almost compleatly by himself). We sat there and joked around for a few hours... The Doc's moved him out of ICU and into recovery. They're basicly saying that every day he makes it, his chances at a full recovery increase. No one has told him yet how his family gave up on him the first few nights for fear it will lower his spirits, but I'm sure when he gets out they're gonna need to have a long talk.

Glad to hear things are going so much better, Guy! I will continue to pray for you and your friend.

Keep the faith!

That's great, I hope he keeps getting better. A little "Christmas Miracle"????