Said goodbye to my best friend from my high school days today.

He had always had problems with alcohol abuse, which led to a falling out between us when I caught him stealing from me and told him he needed to hit rock bottom. I knew he did all sorts of drugs after, too.

He was in the army before 9/11. Went to Iraq right in the beginning. Was involved in some horrible things...as bad as you can imagine. He was pretty crazy before, but he was never the same after. He was haunted. I didn’t know how to see that back then, I was too naive.

We were inseparable during our teenage years. His mom was my second mom. She realistically influenced me in ways that would later save my life. But this is her second son she has buried in 5 years, the first died from a medical condition, leaving two kids. The third is estranged, and his mom lives alone in poor health.

He had gone to the VA with one of our other friends last week. Finally was convinced to get help. Then the psychiatrist told him he couldn’t be put on any meds to get him off heroin until next month. Witnessed by the friend, who had gotten him a job and thought he was doing him right.

He went ghost after that day, and OD’d four days later.

Today his family held a small private service for him. A very good one, fitting for him. I drove 6 hours one way to tell him bye. It was worth it.

I hadn’t talked to him in some time, as our lives hadn’t been compatible for a few years, but I remember the last message I sent to him...telling him I think of him often and forgave him, and I’d always love him.


I guess it doesn’t get much better than that. I hope he’s finally at peace. He’ll be missed by a lot of people.

My sincerest condolences.

My childhood friend’s older brother went through something similar. He also passed away after a heroin OD after multiple tours.

It’s never easy, and good on you for making hay drive. It may seem like the obvious course to you but many people out there would not have done the same.

I am sorry. While it is never easy to lose a friend, that is an especially difficult situation. May your friend Rest In Peace.

Sorry to hear! It is an evil drug IMO. I just don't know how you can get started. It's not like everybody doesn't know you will be addicted and turn into a drug addict when you go down that path. Once you are hooked, it does terrible things to your mind and body. Seen plenty of it firsthand myself. Fortunately I have not been touched by anybody close to me.

Hang in there. If it matters, you did the right thing cutting him loose. You just can't help them until they are willing to help themselves.

I'm sorry for your loss, chongo. It's truly horrible that his mother has now lost two sons and is estranged from the third.

Perhaps he now knows what good friend he had in you. May he find his peace.

I'm very sorry to hear it my friend. It is an animal killing way to many people.

My thoughts are with you and his family.

My condolences to you, my friend.

Condolences. And don’t beat yourself up agonizing over it. People make choices, and unfortunately he made some bad ones early on. Remember the good times.

I’m so sorry chongo. You did all you could and then some. It probably meant a lot to get that last message from you.

I"m very sorry for your loss Chongo.

I'm terribly sorry.

Very very sorry to read this. Prayers of comfort to his family and friends.

Very sorry about your friend, as I understand it heroin simply [i]owns[\i] you, very, very few people ever totally break the habit and manage to stay clean.

I’m so sorry, I lost my youngest brother a few years back. Prayers for ALL involved.

Sorry to hear this tragic news!

My personal opinion regarding drug trafficking is that those involved in such activities should be tried, found guilty and then promptly hung in the public square!!!

Sorry to hear it, chongo. Awful situation. I’ll be praying for everyone touched by this.

I'm sorry chongo.

This is very sad to hear. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend.

Condolences, Chongo.