On December 12, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devastating for everyone involved. Perhaps this story will help someone contemplating suicide decide not to.
Suicide is not the solution some may think it is. Unresolved problems and issues will haunt family and friends for many decades.
My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, always asked for his uncle. He eventually learned to point to the sky and say, “Uncle Scott.” But the reality is that he missed out on the benefit and support of his uncle as he grew up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be lost for decades.
Suicide is permanent. And the effects it has on loved ones last a lifetime too.
My brother was only 22 years old when he decided to commit suicide. He was only 24 years old.
I remember going to the wake and seeing his lifeless body. They could not erase all the signs of violent death from him. And that image will stay with the living for the rest of their lives.
In the end, the temporary pain that someone escapes by committing suicide can be overshadowed by the pain and sadness of family and friends. That pain can continue through the decades as long as you think about it.
Missed opportunities for interaction also impede the growth of everyone else. Countless interactions that would have occurred have now been lost. Who knows how such an event changed fate. The family you might have had will no longer exist.
The triumphs and setbacks of a lifetime will never be realized. The fulfillment of a lifetime was interrupted by a decision that may have been made rashly in a moment of confusion or personal pain.
We never know who is at our destination to meet and interact with throughout life. All those ‘theaters’ of life can never exist because one of the characters on stage will not be there to fulfill her role.
So the total sum of the tragedy is really unknown, but it seems likely that over what would have amounted to decades, that sum must be quite high. I guess we won’t get a chance to find out.
Although I am revealing this personal family tragedy to the masses through this article, if it saves even one life, it will be worth it. Drop me a line if you ever want to talk, I’d love to hear from you.