The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

[FAX]

I learned earlier this evening that one of my best friends (we've known each other since high school) committed suicide Monday. I can't help but kick myself for not reaching out to him more. He was extremely close to my mother who passed at Christmastime. On top of that, his "wife" has been spending time away from the home for weeks on end ... a divorce was eminent. He lives (lived) in a small town and has probably felt extremely isolated. I should have done more.

I want to encourage each and every one of you to reach out to those around you ... especially those who are going through difficult times. Life is both short and sometimes hard ... and it's harder on some than others. Sometimes, like my friend, people have a facade you can't see through. A word of encouragement, a sincere hand of friendship, an expression of love ... these cost nothing but can have great value to those you care for.

FAX

[spanky 52]

I'm sorry Mr Fax. We'll never meet but I like you as a person. You're one of my favorite posters here. I understand your anger. Your friend did a very selfish and cowardly thing. I suffer from depression and can't take any of the medications due to side effects. I've thought about suicide but could never hurt the people that love me and those that I love.

As for your guilt, that's natural. Another poster said we all need to listen more. And help, care and love more. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Hang in there.

[HemiEd]

Mr. Fax, I feel bad for your loss, truly. But, I would like to offer you something I have learned from a couple of these types experiences.

Please do not beat yourself up, you just can't be held responsible for someone doing this. You are your own keeper, and did what you felt was most important with your time, at the time.

I have had two friends do this over the years, and it just eats you up.

They both had the same attitude in common the last time I saw them alive.
"It just doesn't matter."
If any one ever says that to me again, I am going to hog tie their ass, and get them some help. The "It just doesn't matter" attitude is just so foreign to me, I didn't pursue it. But I guarantee you I will next time.

Hang in there Mr. Fax, I am sure everyone that knows you personally, is better for it, and you can only do so much. We are only human.

[Demonpenz]

I would make sure you have your shit together before you go out reaching out to others. If you do than go for it. I had a drinking problem, bad friends, shitty attitude, I had to fix that before I could start reaching out.

[Pants]

So sorry to hear that, Mr. Fax. Like others have said, you should never blame yourself in these instances. We are all masters of our domain and our choices are ours alone when all is said and done.