In 1999, a very good friend of mine took his own life. It was quite a shock to me and the many others who also loved him. Since that time, another very close friend has also taken her life. In 1999, upon hearing of Scott's passing, I wrote the email pasted below and sent it to basically everyone I knew. The modern world is a complex landscape to navigate. Life moves on and sometimes we move with it. This is just a gentle reminder to reach out to those that you love.
During the holiday season, I still email this to friends and loved ones. As a reminder that there is probably someone close to us that is in pain and needs loving support.
This is the note I sent in 1999.
"Hi,
I am not usually a fan of bulk emails. For most of you this will be the only one you will ever read from me.
However, recently a very good friend of mine committed suicide. He was a bright, wonderful, beautiful person. At one time, I saw him every day. We worked together, we partied together. I moved away, he continued his education and began his career. I was often too busy to pick up the phone and over the last couple of years we had not communicated much. I made the mistake of thinking that since I did not hear from him often that everything in his life was going very well. He seemed very cheerful on the few occasions we did speak. I never thought to get past the quick chat of two old friends catching up. We all tend to get very busy in our lives/careers
and forget that maybe someone out there could use a little helping hand. I know that each of you must have a friend who was an integral part of your life but over the years has drifted a bit. I would ask you to call them, tell them you love them, and ask if there is anything that you can do for them."
Added later:
"I know it is too late ***** and ******, but my heart and soul is with them. For once in my life, I hope that heaven exists and there are angels to give them comfort."
During the holiday season, I still email this to friends and loved ones. As a reminder that there is probably someone close to us that is in pain and needs loving support.
This is the note I sent in 1999.
"Hi,
I am not usually a fan of bulk emails. For most of you this will be the only one you will ever read from me.
However, recently a very good friend of mine committed suicide. He was a bright, wonderful, beautiful person. At one time, I saw him every day. We worked together, we partied together. I moved away, he continued his education and began his career. I was often too busy to pick up the phone and over the last couple of years we had not communicated much. I made the mistake of thinking that since I did not hear from him often that everything in his life was going very well. He seemed very cheerful on the few occasions we did speak. I never thought to get past the quick chat of two old friends catching up. We all tend to get very busy in our lives/careers
and forget that maybe someone out there could use a little helping hand. I know that each of you must have a friend who was an integral part of your life but over the years has drifted a bit. I would ask you to call them, tell them you love them, and ask if there is anything that you can do for them."
Added later:
"I know it is too late ***** and ******, but my heart and soul is with them. For once in my life, I hope that heaven exists and there are angels to give them comfort."
