"The ultimate selfish act"

Suicide.

I know someone who killed himself this week. I wouldn't say I knew him, as much as he was an acquaintance: he was married to one of my closest friend's sisters.

This man was a pillar in Genesee County - very well liked, very prominent and active. He had a beautiful wife, a brand new HUGE house, cars among cars and wealth.

It just goes to show you that despite the material things, money cannot buy you happiness.

I do not know why he killed himself. Unfortunately, because of who he was, most people know how he did it, when & where. This is a stigma that will last with his family for the rest of their lives.

And that's what leads me to the idea that suicide is the ultimate selfish act. No matter why you do it, your family has to deal with the aftermath. They have to deal with the questions, the shame, the sorrow and the anger.

I keep asking myself, why did he do it? What was in his mind the days before? How did his beloved wife find out? The scenario plays itself over & over in my head.

I know life isn't easy. I will openly admit that I have struggled with depression in the past but suicide has never, ever been an option to me. Why would I leave my family with that? What in life could be so terrible that I would not to live anymore?

I don't have any real point in this post, I suppose. I am just absolutely devastated for my friend's family, and for the family and friends he has left behind. It's a terrible legacy to leave for them.

The ironic thing about this whole situation? The man owned a funeral home for decades and an EMS company. He counseled people in their grief. He dealt with families that lost their loved ones to suicide.

My heart goes out to them...and to him.