hang in there [not the kitten in the tree poster]

I'm worried about a dear friend.  I was more worried a week ago, but still, i'm concerned.  Danny has dedicated the last several years to a one time [for complicated reasons] shot at getting clemency granted to a friend.  For the last year, he put work aside and concentrated on this effort. He paid out of pocket to help orchestrate a powerful campaign that dealt with local politicians, democrats and republicans, and state officials all the way up to the governor.  He brought in top law professors from prestigous universities.  He felt that this cause was just from the bottom of his soul and could not fathom why this should be denied and his wife supported him whole-heartedly. He is certainly not a young man--in his eighties, but still goes to his office on his bike, weather permitting.  When I expressed to close ones of my concern about his health and this cause, their response was that it may kill him if the clemency is denied.  That was the obvious, but I was actually more concerned if her clemency was granted.  I truly felt that in the event that that clemency call came through, he might just drop dead on the spot, truly feeling like his life's mission had been completed--never even giving him an opportunity to meet with this formerly incarcerated friend.  The good news is this didn't happen.  The bad news is, clemency was not granted.  She's still in prison, having served 22 years and not eligable for parole until 2036.  Danny's morale is broken, and while still alive, he is burdoned with guilt of being unsuccessful and he has to face her in person, after a pat down and long walk through a steel cage, on January 27th.  Never have I met someone as selfless as Danny and I strive to be a fraction of the caring man that he is.  Be well my friend.