I think one of the reasons this is so hard to talk about is, just like you said dear Alffe, the finality of that decision. But, I wonder, about the 'decision' in it. Its like being stuck in a really strong current. Some people survive and get pulled out or thrown a life line, and some, unfortunately do not. I look at it now as a very tragic accident. That is what suicide is, a very tragic accident. Accidents can be avoided. Some of them we can't make sense out of, others we can look at and say, oh there were drugs or alchohol involved causing it. There are just so many factors invovled in any one suicide. But, it is still a tragic accident!!!! And, in accidents, people get hurt. People die. People have to pick up the pieces. And people help people. That is what it is all about.

I was so moved by your reply about the repairman dear Alffe that I was in tears, for you, for him, for his brother. It filled me with so much emotion. I have never felt as strongly as I did at that moment to come on and post. But, then, I am having some issues to deal with that are making things really difficult right now. So I can see how, I think, each of you would have felt, and that poor man's brother.

Yes, depression, can be seen as a terminal illness. For some it can be more easily treated than for others. Blazing a path is a difficult thing to do. Like the first great explorers, it takes those willing to go where others have not. As can be seen with Pter, there are other ways to fight those thoughts, but there can be mitigating factors too.

So, I am exploring here. Everything that I can learn will help me, and anyone that I hope to help. I have seen the pain in anothers eyes from having lost loved ones to suicide, and the questions that remain after years. It is really heart wrenching. A statement that was made to me..."I don't understand how anyone could make that kind of choice" And all I could say was, I understand. I wish that I didn't. I really wish that I didn't understand. But, hopefully, understanding will enable me to reach out to others in prevention.



((((Nikki))))) Yes, I can imagine the possibilites.

Keep talking my friends. You are trail-blazers