A neighbor took his own life last night. A young man with promise couldn’t see his future through his pain. I didn’t know him well nor do I know his circumstances, but I feel for his family and friends. I have been where they are and a loss of this sort leaves not only grief, but questions and regrets.
The desperation that one must feel to take one’s own life is unimaginable. The pain that makes death seem like a solution must be unbearable.
While I have struggled with depression, I thank God I’ve never been suicidal. My mother, on the other hand, made several unsuccessful attempts to take her life and both my stepfather and my uncle succeeded.
My heart breaks for those that knew this man. His loss will leave a hole and so many more questions than answers. Could they have prevented this? What consolation could have saved him? Did he really want to die or was it a cry for help? Why couldn’t he have articulated his pain and its magnitude rather make the choice he did? These are all questions that I still have about those that I lost so many years ago.
While his family and friends sift their way through their loss, I pray that at least the young man found the peace he sought and that his pain is gone. And I pray that in time those who loved him find the peace as well.
1 response so far ↓
1 Rebekah // Jan 4, 2010 at 11:25 am
I found your blog through a recent KUA alumni magazine (Class of ’90) and I really enjoy it. Not sure if this post is the appropriate one in which to comment that I “enjoy” your blog as this is a painful topic period. I do like your open, honest style of writing though and will come back. My husband and I are also big-time dog people – five currently.
Wishing you a peaceful 2010.
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