[diamondheart]

Although I didn't know her well, everyone who I do know who commits suicide affects me deeply. DH & I were sorry to hear of our friend Michi taking her life this past Friday. The really sad thing about it was that she was admitted to a local hospital under suicide watch and she fooled the video camera and managed to hang herself in the 15 minute interval she had between someone checking in on her. Michi was brilliant, yet haunted by a tortured past.

I keep thinking of what I would have done to help her, but I wonder why I do that. She won't be coming back. And I feel so sad, because of all the wonderful things she'll miss in life and all the opportunities she had. As her post doc mentor said, all the good things in her life couldn't make up for the bad.

We will miss you Michi and your beautiful heart. Whereever you are, we hope you are in peace.

xo, Claire

[Julie]

Hugs Claire for your loss.

[moose53]

I'm so sorry, ((((((Claire)))))).



It took me a long-long time to realize -- as someone who's been on both sides of suicide -- that that ONE INSTANT in which one takes a step to stop everything would be a very brief instant if one would just allow the instant to evolve instead of taking a permanent step to a temporary problem.

If we all had the wisdom of hindsight and foresight at the same time -- suicide doesn't fix anything -- it transfers the pain to others who don't deserve it.

I lost a brother to suicide when I was 22 and he was 21. I've attempted suicide many-many times myself. It's taken decades for me to realize that the feeling of total hopelessness that used to drive me to attempt suicide doesn't last ... You'll hear a child laugh or the phone will ring or the lights will go out due to a power failure -- something will happen -- and the instant will shift.

If you don't act on that INSTANT -- your feelings will change. For anyone who happens to be thinking of suicide right this minute -- wait for the change/shift away from suicide. I PROMISE YOU -- it happens.

Barb

Suicide Prevention Cards

1-800-suicide

My Suicide-Related Bookmarks
(press the [page-down] key seven times)

[Curious]

(((claire)))

i hope people will remember her for her life and not label her and remember just the end.

my sympathy to all her friends and famliy.

[Alffe]

Claire I am so sorry that Michi ended her life. I'm sorry for all those who are struggling with her choice. Let's pray that she's found some peace.

Have you read "The Next Place"? I forget the author (Hanson?) It's beautifully written and very comforting. (((Claire)))

[Doody]

((Claire)) I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like she was determined. Please don't 'what if' yourself.

[~KELLWANTSANSWERS~]

{{{{claire}}}}
Sending you and your hubby my deepest sympathies.
Also sending out a prayer to your family and your friends family...
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news!!
Take care.
~Kell~

[GFPaperdoll]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, each person is so special and by just being here helps others cope. Just a smile at the grocery store could alter someone's day, week...