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I learned earler today something tragic. Today I was affected by death, yet again.
One of my dear friends that I’ve known just about my entire life (at least since elementary school) was affected more so than I. Her husband made the decision to jump off of an overpass onto a highway in the city we grew up in.
His decision to end his life may have ended whatever suffering he was going through …
But it only started the suffering for those he left behind …
His wife no longer has a husband.
His daughter no longer has a father.
His parents no longer have a son.
His sibling(s) no longer have a brother.
Sure, he’ll live on in our hearts and memories … But his choice inflicted pain on those he knew, on those who knew him and loved him …
I heard of this news while I was at work. And all day it’s been running through my head …
What happened to make him want to take his own life?
What could be SO BAD to want to leave behind the blessings he had?
How could he do that?
Maybe it was an accident …
Maybe it wasn’t an accident …
What about his daughter? His wife?
…. what if I had only reached out more …
SUICIDE. The very word in and of itself seems unnatural. A sin against one’s self.
noun
1. the intentional taking of one’s own life
2. destruction of one’s own interests or prospects
My heart goes out to them today and for always … While his pain may no longer be an issue, the ones left behind will have to learn to deal with what’s left … To mourn … To wake up every day and breathe in and out …
I’m not in his shoes. I have no idea what was going on in his life that he felt it would be better if he were no longer on this earth. I can’t even begin to imagine …
But I do know that only once in my life have I ever truly considered suicide myself … The pain was so great …
But suicide is a selfish decision. I knew it then, I believe it now. While I considered it myself, I thought of my mother, my family … The future that had not yet come to pass and so many possibilities that lay before me that I had no idea would be coming my way …
But those who make that final decision cannot see past the pain.
For them, that is the only answer.
And it breaks my heart to think that … to know that …
With the still very recent story of Robin Williams taking his own life, and hearing stories of friends doing the same, PLEASE educate yourselves on the signs & symptoms of suicide!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Smile at someone. Have a chat with a random stranger. Have a heart to heart with an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time.
You just never know what someone is going through …
Sometimes people just need other people.
Sometimes those who struggle feel alone.
Sometimes those struggling feel like they have the world on their shoulders …
You are not alone. You don’t have to go it alone.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, or is feeling depressed — talk to someone! Even if it’s just to call someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline … Don’t let another moment go by where you face those feelings alone.
You need to know that YOU were made for greatness! You were crafted and made to be someone of worth … someone of value … YOU have a purpose here.
But when you make the decision to take your own life, you are denying the greatest gift you could be given.
So please – be kind to yourself. Share love with others.
Everyone gets down sometimes … It doesn’t mean the world is ending. There are people out there who love you and care about you.
I promise …