After all these years I finally posted a thread. Correction - I needed to post a thread.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760709/posts
It's a prayer thread. I'll post the body here, because I need the prayer of friends. I posted a thread because I need a lot more than just yours:
I know this isn't news, or breaking news...and this is my first thread ever on FR, after 6 years.
But I have a friend in dire need of as many prayers as he can get.
I've known this guy for 20+ years. We went to school together. He's been probably the best barber I've ever had cut my hair, until now.
Seem like an odd observation? He's losing his grip on more than just barber talent, as he's battling a pretty hardcore addiction (crack cocaine). I've seen it before - coke takes away your honor, your pride, your money, friends, health, etc.
Last night I went and found him in the van he's currently living in - doesn't even know whose it is, and I don't even think it runs. Took him out for a sandwich, and a heart to heart.
I'm very worried about him, and it makes me extremely sad that I can't help him more. He's still barbering, and almost functional, but as he puts it - he'll go several days and everything will seem fine, and then he goes on a bender/binge, and spends all of his money. He's lost control, and he looks like crap.
His family has pretty much given up on him. His co-workers just shake their heads and throw up their hands. And I'm pretty sure there's not another soul out there besides me that is caring about what ultimately happens to him.
Christmas Day he hitched a ride out to his dealer's house, bought what he bought, and walked back across town to the van, smoking that crap the entire day. The only bright point that I heard was that he stopped at a live nativity, to at least reflect on the hell that his life has become. He's not a religious guy, so this seems pretty big to me.
Bad personal choices/life decisions is what led to this, to be sure. But this thing is way bigger than he is at this point, and he need the help that I think only God can give him at this point. Even though he's not much for God, I know that God believes in him, and is his best hope. He obviously doesn't have the strength to handle it alone.
Please, please, PLEASE say a prayer that the new year will be better for him.
(End thread)
I gotta tell you - this is breaking my heart. Mom can tell you that my friends and I all raised a little hell in our rebelious youth, but all of us grew out of it. Dave just spiraled out of control, and this time I fear for his life, not just his well-being.
Thanks guys.
I'm sorry for your friend and for you seeing him go through this. I will put him on my prayer list.
I've a bit of knowledge about what addictions can do ... to your friend Dave and all those around him. The devil outdid himself with this one for it is a circle of hurt which breaks hearts ruthlessly.
He's in my *prayers*, The Coopster ... even as I thank Him for your kind heart.
Oh, I am so sorry to read this! You hadn't tokd me, and I wondered why you switched barbers. What a shame! I will put him on my prayer list and remember him at mass.
Prayers for your friend Coop....