Having had a career working in mental health before I began my nursing career, I had to deal with suicides, and it was always something that troubled me. Whenever I had to deal with individuals who committed suicide, I always put myself through the personal questions, was there something missed, did the person share any hints as to what they were contemplating, and the answer was usually, no. You cannot blame yourself when this occurs. Suicide among veterans was another matter that always ripped my heart apart. Well this week my heart was ripped in two, as our neighbor who lives directly across from us, took the life of his Wife, and then his own. When we moved here, they took us under their wings, and we became friends. We talked about his time in Vietnam, and about his struggles with PTSD. I last chatted with him Saturday morning, and he was fine, in a good mood, NO indications at all. Late Sunday morning his newspaper was still on the front lawn so someone took it up and placed it up against their garage. Josie and I thought they decided to take a trip to see their children. Wednesday a police officer rang our doorbell and asked if I had access to the neighbor's home, but I did not. Immediately I had this terrible feeling take over, and within a few minutes, my fear became reality as the policeman informed me that when he looked in the window he saw two individuals who appeared to be deceased. I dealt with suicide before, but not with someone close, and it has hit me hard. I spoke with a friend at work who is a psychologist just to help me process the grief, and all the unsettled feelings that come and go throughout the day. feelings I am dealing with. I had a chance to speak with their children last evening when they came to the house and I shared our deepest condolences. I am sorry to share this morbid information with you all, and I hope you do not mind, as I consider this group somewhat of a family. It helps me to talk it through. I ask for your thoughts and prayers, especially for the children who are dealing with this tragedy. As an added note, may we all increase our own awareness related to Suicide. It is happening too often. We can all help to make a difference.
Oh Rick my heartfelt sympathy to you in this horrific situation , so devastating to all . I hope you will find a way to overcome the grief and shock -- It is good you can talk to us about it and I hope this will be a step to help you come to terms with the whole event ! God Bless you all , and what a beautiful angel you have here !
I'm so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Praying for your neighbor's family, as well as you. Your capture was the perfect choice - it radiates peace and hope.
Yes, peace to all the world. And yes, very sad to see patients under your care leaving this world. My son, you may remember, Is a Psychiatrist and each time ( thankfully few occasions) he is informed that a patient of his dies in circumstances like this he spends days in a quiet mood contemplating whether he could have done better.
So very sad, but glad you were able to share with us. Please feel my warmest thoughts for you, your family, and your neighbor's family. Such a tragedy for all connected. I like the picture you chose.
So sorry to hear this, Rick. Something similar happened to my husband. He still wonders why he didn't see the signs in his friend. Sometimes they just don't show any signs. And it's heartbreaking. Praying for this family.
December 20th, 2021
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