20k dead in Iran- one was my childhood friend

self

[fourdeuce82d]

Just found out a friend of mine I've known for thirty years, and was the closest thing to a brother I'll ever have, was one of the 20k people killed in the recent earthquake.

He and I grew up in Saudi as oil brats- he was a wonderful, wonderful guy. He and his girlfriend were in Iran on a tourism junket. he always had to go and live on the local economy- i.e. he didn't want to stay at the hilton, he wanted to stay at the sort of places a local truck driver might stay at. That was where he was when the quake hit, and he was buried in the rubble. He and his girlfriend were extricated, but from what I gather he died in the car on the way to a hospital. She's hurt, but will survive.

He was a good man, a good friend, and a good person. I personally am (expletive deleted by moderator) wrecked. I wish it could have been me cause he sure had his (expletive deleted by moderator) together a lot more than I ever did or ever will. His family is in worse shape. This is going to crush his parents. They are going to need all the support they can get.

prayers, thoughts, well wishes appreciated. He was 41 years old.

I just wish I could put a bullet in my head and bring him back in some sort of trade- I'd do it. but I know I can't, so don't worry.

I'm just really, really beat down right now, and I'm dreading the coming days and weeks. I dunno...is God trying to make me feel bad for being a schmuck? Is he saying "I could have taken some of the flostam and jetsam that nobody would really miss, but haha, joke's on you, I'm going to take the guy that's really, really special. You, on the other hand, I'll leave behind to take up space and waste air."

That's some pretty sick humor if you ask me. There is no damn exsuse fror traking him none none. IT is not even remotely fair or just or reasonable and I 'm godamm piswsed off.

[South40]

Sorry for your loss but the bullet in your head comment was a bit way weird.

[DB]

"With Rights, comes Responsibilities."

Some of the responsibilities are knowing what your talking about.

[fourhorsemen]

I believe there was a large gathering of Iranians showing condolences to the 9/11 victims.

At one time the U.S. was a strong supporter of a brutal ruthless dictator (the shaw). It is no wonder that relations with Iran have been so screwed up for so long.

Bush's recent speech on 40 years of mideast policy failure hit the nail right on the head.

[Dianna]

I am sorry for your loss and you and your friend's girlfriend are in my prayers.

[ellery]

FRiend, anyone who loves his/her friends as deeply as you clearly do must also be very special. My deepest prayers and condolences.

[LiberalBassTurds]

fourdeuce82d very sorry you lost your friend. Frustrating when it's an unexpected, unanticipatable (if that's a word) event that takes someone close.

Your buddy sounds like a free spirit and a risk taker. Feel happy that he got the most out of time here on Earth. He'd probably be the type of fella who'd rather go out having lived life the way he wanted to, experiencing as much as possible for the time he was here. Sure sounds like he did that. Much better than fading away with many unfulfilled dreams and a life unrealized potential. If he lived that type life, as short as it may have been, then he did well.

Celebrate his life. Turn your shock into something positive. There are ways... Just takes some contemplation.

LBT

-=-=-

[hocndoc]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Please do not hurt yourself, mentally or physically.

We can't understand the way God works anymore than the ants understand why I'm digging up the new flowerbed.

Just trust, and do what you can to fill the hole created by the loss of your friend. Perhaps you can use this energy to change the parts you don't like about yourself to become more like the parts you liked about your friend.

[ladyinred]

While I know you are hurting from the loss of your dear friend, please don't blame God. You are not being punished for anything you did. Instead of finding yourself angry with God, please consider asking Him to comfort you and your friend's family. I am so sorry for you and for the family. May God give you all the strength and comfort you need to get through this pain.

[cibco]

"However, I would be a hypocrit if I stated that my heart went out to the Iranian people. The memory of them dancing in the streets as 3,000 of my fellow Americans were murdered is still pretty fresh in my mind. I neither celebrate, nor mourn; as I find it hard to think of them as human."

Actually, The Iranian people turned out "en mass" in mourning and support of America after 911. Their expression of sympathy and grief was much more human than yours.

Maybe it would help if you read the daily Iran threads. The people of Iran are very pro-US.

[cibco]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1047182/posts

You might like to check this out.

[A Simple Soldier]

My deepest sympathies to you as you mourn your friends passing.

[Cindy]

Snippet: " just wish I could put a bullet in my head and bring him back in some sort of trade- I'd do it. but I know I can't, so don't worry."

Sir,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts today and
thank you for your service to our country.
My condolences for the loss of your special friend.
God granted you 30 years of a special friendship.
Those memories are a blessing.
Cherish them.
Cherish life.

May God grant you peace and wisdom that only He
can give you.

In Jesus Name.
Amen.

[aposiopetic]

Extremely sorry to hear of your loss. You are now called into service once again, to honor your friend by perpetuating his memory for posterity. As your heart and everyone's prayers are heard, believe that you will be granted whatever is needed for the task that lies ahead.

[fourdeuce82d]

Thank you all for your support and condolences. I'm sorry if the initial tone of my post was a bit out there. I'm just really wrecked. I realize I'm going to have to suck it up and help his family, and wallowing in my own grief won't help.

Thank you all again for your support- it means more than you can imagine.

[Rollee]

Please know that people who are reading but not posting are praying for your friend and his family also. And for you. God will give you the grace to bear your sorrow. All you need to do is ask. May God bless you.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ping

[Pan_Yans Wife]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[freedom44]

Iranians did not dance in the streets, that was Palestinians.

Totally different country and people. I never understand why we tend to think of the entire middle east as one country with one voice.

Images of Iranians lighting candle light vigils after 9/11:

http://www.time.com/time/europe/photoessays/vigil/index.html

[stlnative]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I believe the state department is now reportng about his death, but he still remains unnamed in the media.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1047434/posts

[Lazamataz]

Geeeeez. Be nicer to yourself, man. I've traded quips and times with ya and you are a nice guy.

You'd be missed as much as you miss your friend.

I'm a long way from having my s**t together too, but I'd be missed.

Prayers man. Nothing you could ever have done. G-d wanted him to come home. G-d figured he got it about right and wanted him home.