Horror has struck, way too close to home.

This is such a horrific story. I'm so very sorry for your friend's loss.

I'm so sorry that this kind of thing happens at all.

So awful.

Glad that the one child is well on the way to recovery, at least.

<sigh>

I am so sorry, O'Bill. Why is it that Florida seems to be the place where sickness finds its home? (Born and raised there and had my fair share of run-ins with sickness.) I wish there was something I could say but it's just so so horrifying and sad. Sad, sad, sad. I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry for you and the other people involved in this tragedy.






As an aside, this sounds more like depression to me; psychopaths don't commit suicide after their crimes. Suicidal men have a tendency to take out their families, loved ones, etc. when they decide to take their own lives.

Correction: I thought I read in the first post that this happened in Florida, my bad. I see now from reading the article that it wasn't.

Sorry, Bill. I'd missed this thread until now. I can only guess how deeply this is affecting you, but your friend will appreciate that you're there for him. Best wishes and safe travels to you.

I only just read the story -- Delavan! That's where I did my student teaching, I know a lot of people there.

Damn, I'm sorry to hear that Bill. I had heard that on the news and was amazed and relieved when I heard the girl was doing better. My sympathy to you and your friend.

The comunity has been outstanding, charity-wise. Everywhere you go there are Help-Boxes and what not to add to the funds begun at the local banks. The area restaurants donated a pretty decent buffet for after the services today. A Chicago Brokerage firm made a 5 figure donation that should go a long way towards burial and hospital expenses. The who's who of the town's government paid their respects in person as well. At the rate the charities are going, the amazing baby Jasmine shouldn't have to worry about college tuition. She's been released from the hospital and is in good shape.

The Press deserves an ass-kicking... and I very nearly got an opportunity to deliver one today. Two of the bastards tried to sneak into the viewing, but Steve fingered them as being among the A-holes that have been hanging around his house (WTMJ); and asked me to remove them. They complied without resistance. A-holes.

I did get a chance to reminisce with old friends that are not so near but very dear to me and that was nice and interesting. It's time to catch up on sleep. Turned out, my Aunt returned to Florida Thursday, with my cousin and her kids in tow. I rarely get to see them, so needless to say a few hours were spent there as well. So, It wound up being 40+ hour day, finishing with a 24 hour drive, and the 3 hours sleep I earned by driving straight through were plenty to get me through the day; but I'm taking tonight off.

Thanks for all the kind words you guys.

I haven't responded before, because I don't know what to say in these situations. But, I've been reading, and I sympathize.

I like the way you worded your post. Sometimes it isn't what you say imo, it is letting someone know you care. Which is what you did.

OCCOM BILL thanks for the update and it is nice to know you made it home safe.

Thank you, Edgar. You are a kind man. My first conversation with my friend in years started almost the same way. Someone started a thread about what to say during tragic times... and that is probably the best answer; Something. A little uncomfortable silence was followed by him opening up and saying the honest, unfiltered truth of what he was feeling and that's all a guy can hope for anyway; is to provide an ear for someone that probably just needs to feel someone who cares is listening. I don't think the "right thing to say" exists... and strongly suspect the right thing is simply whatever makes it clear that someone who cares is willing to listen. I do hope my friend will join A2K and get to know you fine, caring, people.

See, TTH said it more concisely than I did... and thanks Darlin... No worries; I am now surrounded by people who care about me (my sister and her family are the coolest people on planet Earth).

OCCOM BILL I am glad you made it home safe and have family that care.
Also, thank you for helping me when I needed it.
Oh, you called me darlin :wink: