"Suicide, Choices & 'The Dance'"

“Mother’s Day was lousy for my children this year!”

Several months ago, the shrill harsh ring of the phone pierced the late-night silence of our house. The digital display on our clock read 10:30 PM. My mother was on the line with tragic news. Christine, my ex-wife, who had left the kids and me nearly ten years ago to start a new life, had now ended her existence. Earlier that day she had driven her car inside the garage and let the carbon monoxide do its deadly work. In her note she wrote, “I can no longer pretend to be happy.”  

For me it was sad news but I had happily remarried years ago and was no longer involved in her life. For my children, their mother’s death would be devastating. Stephen, the oldest was away at college and Lisa, nearing graduation from high school was spending the night with a friend.

“How do you tell your children that Mom committed suicide?”   

Early the next morning, I picked up Lisa, gathered the belongings and hustled her to the car. As we drove away, sensing that something terrible had happened, she kept asking: “What’s wrong, Daddy!” A few minutes later the car engine muffled the sound of her screams and heaving sobs as she heard the awful news. Her probing question still disturbs me: “Why, Daddy… why!”

That same morning, Lisa and I drove to Stephen’s college. He looked confused as we entered the dormitory room and asked everyone to please leave. I will never be able to erase the image of Stephen’s contorted look of shock and horror when he found out why we were there. In anger, he yelled: “It’s not fair! It’s just not fair! Why would she do that to herself?”

The next day, we drove to Virginia Beach where both grandparents lived and immediately received a call from the funeral home. Because Stephen was the oldest member of the family, all of the decisions about the service and the burial arrangements of their mother, legally needed to be made by him. What an awful task for a nineteen-year-old. While at the funeral home both children were presented sealed envelopes. We left and found a place where Stephen and Lisa could be left alone to read their mother’s final words and then… cry and cry and cry some more!

Why am I writing this? According to recent estimates, every fifteen minutes someone in America commits suicide. That works out to approximately ninety-six people a day and at least thirty-five thousand per year. Actually it gets worse because suicides are often falsely or mistakenly reported as automobile wrecks, household accidents and homicides. Also, for every death by suicide there are at least ten attempts made. My prayer is that this story will help someone considering suicide… STOP and think about the horrible consequences of your actions.

Stephen and Lisa’s mother killed herself because she could “no longer pretend to be happy.” It was said at her funeral that Christine had two distinct personalities: One was bright, witty and cheerful while the other was brooding and often unsatisfied with herself or others. Depression had stalked her for years and treatments had proven only moderately successful.

Although depression often plays an underlying factor usually it’s something more specific that leads to suicide. Common causes are: retirement, family problems, feeling unappealing as a person, being widowed, business failure and rejection either by a person or group. Loneliness for whatever reason can be a significant factor in committing suicide. There are no simple answers.       

But there is another choice… another option.

Click Here for Part 2

-------------------------------------------------------

If you are considering suicide or know someone who is... call for help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or click on www.suicidehotlines.com

For an article that will answer the question: Why Live? Click here

http://suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/whylive.html

A true story of one who almost did but didn't... Suicide and Janice: A True Story

Letters to this website and Suicide: Three Letters and Suicide

Our website has helped many who have considered suicide. Click here to read more.

Are you struggling with thoughts of suicide and want prayer? Click here.  

Do you have a question or concern? Write me at this address:LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com

Prayer Requests • Weekly Devotion • Devotional Aids • Ministry • Devotions • Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit • Hot Issues • Turning Points • Divorce • Prayer • About Sowing Seeds of Faith

©2000 RED

Problems with the web site? Contact the webmaster.

RedEyeDesigns
www.redeyedesigns.com