Paul was a fishing and hunting buddy of mine from years past. We shot many a deer and grouse together, and had a great time fishing from time to time as our schedules allowed. He was a pretty good guy to have by your side in the field. He was sober there.

He struggled with an addiction to alcohol over the years and it ravaged his body. This addiction also led him to lose him wife, his job, and drove many of his friends away, including me. I'm sure it also caused issues with his family and the relationship he had with his two sons who are now in their teens. Many of us tried to help, but Paul was Paul.

I tried to stay in touch with Paul, but he lived like a hermit, squirreling himself away, not answering his phone, and only when he wanted to get in touch with you would you ever hear from him.

Paul died some time in the past few weeks, sitting at home all alone in his chair, unlit cigarette in one hand, lighter in the other. Nobody knows exactly when, unfortunately, because of his lack of contact with friends and family. This has to be the saddest way to die. Alone.

Please, if you have an issue with alcohol, get some help. I can call many of you here friends, and I don't want to lose another. I've lost two in the past two weeks, and it is beginning to piss me off.

I'll be thinking of you Paul.