| Dear Sisters and Brothers, By now I suspect that many of you have heard of the suicide of my wife’s grandson Taylor. He was twenty-three and has had emotional problems his whole life. He had spoken to his mother asking her to bring supper home less than an hour before she found him. I share this because over the years, I have had to deal with suicides on several occasions. I have no formal training in this area, and what I think I understand is from reading and dealing with loved ones left behind, unfortunately many of them young people. What is most disturbing is that they have tended to have been serial as was the case with Taylor. The sister of one of his close friends committed suicide a month and a half ago, then her sister three weeks ago and now Taylor. All in the same matter. All of them unsuspected. No known trauma, new problems, no indications. Years ago, Iwas heavily involved with teen youth retreats and during prayers at the healing services the last night, the students would often ask for prayers for friends or classmates who had committed suicide. Almost all knew of someone. What was revealing more than anything else was that no one had a clue what they were planning. All were also second guessing themselves as to why they did not see it coming. Taylor’s family is now doing that as well. Looking back at everything they could have done that would have prevented it, and yet, there is nothing they could have. I firmly believe that parents and grandparents do the best they possibly can. They raise their children with the hope they will be healthy and happy. I also believe that with more communication that we have today, having of high-profile people committing suicide, many feel it is an acceptable way to deal with pain. In one respect, if there were no other options, it might make sense. The problem is, there are many options beside killing oneself. One certainty ofsuicide is those left behind are forever changed, grieving the loss of those they love. Grieving in a way that is different than dying of old age or disease or even accident. I thank all who have been praying for Taylor, his and our families. It is comforting to know others care. Thank you, and for those who have also experienced this tragedy, know that you are not alone. If you need support, please let me know. Peace, Bryant+ |
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