Suicide

Due to the increasing number of suicides in 2012 and into 2013, a book I have authored, Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," can hopefully offer some insight into a societal issue that no one wants to talk about. "Matt's Last Call" is a self-help guide for those contemplating suicide and for the survivors of losing a loved one to suicide. If we know the signs to look for we can save a life. However, it is important to GET HELP IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT push it under the carpet. ACT NOW! This book is for you.

The book tells of Matt's life to death, his time as a Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps and his career as a Chelan County Sheriff Deputy. Chapters include a Parent's Worst Nightmare, That First Day, The Time Since, Life will Never Be The Same and a Father's Reflection. In addition, the Stigma of Suicide guides you through what to look for and what to do if someone is contemplating suicide. We as adults, parens and grandparents need to set an example for our children. Guide them through the growing up years and keep them communicating with you. Let them know it is OK to talk about being bullied at school or helping a friend or classmate who feels their life is hopeless. Don't be afraid to talk. It is better to talk and have a friend be mad at you than to keep quiet and risk suffering a life-ending choice. There are stories from Marines, classmates of Matt's, and a tragic story about my daughter - in - law who lived to tell her story.

Being an unknown author I need everyone's help. Please share my story with your friends - I know Matt's Marine buddies are spreading the word and I am receiving awesome stories from them about their time with Matt and their own lives. Please help me save lives.

Suicide is such a significant issue across the land that it can no longer be ignored. It will take an army of people who can recognize the signs and be bold enough to step into someone's life when necessary.

Result of Tragedy

I received a phone call the other day from the manager of our Christian bookstore. A person was in the store asking for information on how to publish a book. The manager suggested me as a recent author. The person knew Matt and happened to have been at the scene the night Matt took his life. They asked the manager for my contact information but that was not given out. I called the person, introduced myself -shocked, crying and definitely remorseful that I had called they told me their story. We discussed Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors and what I went through, start to finish, in gettong it published.

I was then asked to hear the persons' story. How that night through partying, being drunk, smoking etc Matt's death changed their life forever. Without looking back all partying, drinking, smoking were stopped cold turkey. They have not spoken to Matt's ex since that tragic night. I learned more through our conversation - just as I had suspected all along. This person accepted Jesus Christ that night. They cut all ties with the old group and never looked back. The group thought the person was a little weird. Obviously that group has no respect for life or death. Always thinking of us, especially every June 1, since 2005. Wanting to send flowers and cards but not daring because of the quilt they had. They asked for forgiveness and I told them them definitely you are forgiven but you were never blamed for what happened. I KNOW what happened. They asked if they could pray as our conversation ended. I said yes and it was one of the strongest prayers I have ever heard. May God Bless you and thank you for wanting to get in touch with me. All is forgiven.