Another Suicide

At 4:42 this afternoon I received an email from our church saying one of our members was in ER in critical condition. My husband knew this man quite well and had a feeling....a short time later I noticed we had a message to contact another member of our church. My husband called him back and was told this man had attempted suicide. We immediately went to the ER and met with the Chaplain. The man had past away at 5:00pm. We were so sad - other church members were beginning to gather...the Chaplain knew we had lost our son to suicide so had a chat with the man's wife and she came out and talked with us and told us what she knew. He has three children who now, along with his wife, are feeling a pain that will NEVER go away. Several people there were blaming themselves for not rescuing their friend. Prayers were being said to help the survivors family and friends. This pain runs deep. There is no worse pain. I know - we went through it 10 years, 2 months and 1 day ago. Trust me the pain is still fresh. No, time does not heal this. People do not understand suicide. For those of you who know me and my story you know what I am talking about. I have written "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," to save lives. My main focus is military and Law Enforcement and first responders because my son was a Marine and Sheriff Deputy. Due to the many pressures they experience daily on the job and in their personal lives they sometimes snap without warning. Our son took his life due to a failed relationship. I don't know why this man took his. Replace negative comments about suicide with a resolve to help in the effort to end it. Let's get those depressed or hurting some help. Stick with your friend, let them know how much everyone cares about them. In September. I will be at Hastings Bookstore (Sept. 12) for a book signing. Also, during the Compassionate Friends' "Walk To Remember" (Sept. 19), the "Out of Darkness" walk (Sept. 26), "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors" will be available for $15.14. This book is not only a story of my son's life but a teaching tool on suicide and how to deal with grief. These last two events will be held at Walla Walla Park. I look forward to seeing all of you at these events. Bring a friend. Let's SAVE A LIFE together with God's help.