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Tena DiRuocco's avatar

One of my dearest friends has been suicidal for many years, and has made several attempts. He was just diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this past week, stage 4. I’m expecting that call when it gets too bad, and I can’t honestly say I’d blame him for ducking out, since he watched both his parents lose their lives to the same disease.

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Marcia Woodbury's avatar

Connie, I’m so sorry you lost your brother. Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of losing my son Ryan from Glioblastoma Multiform. He offered himself up to UCSF for 2 clinical trials that gave us 20 months with him instead of 3-6! Wonderful memories are in my view as well!

Your story about your feelings regarding losing your brother really hit home and I want to thank you for your them. Marcia Woodbury

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jen segal's avatar

I’m grateful you can share these memories of Chuckie. My eyes welled with tears when I read how strangers / not strangers would lean in to share their agony with one who understands it. The intimacy. The caring. You’re bringing them a bit of solace. Thank you.

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Terry Kubiak's avatar

Thank you Connie for opening your heart to all of us. Your writing has a profound effect on me.

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Sylvia Lewis's avatar

Peace be with you and your family.

Cousin R"B"R

Former Sister-in-law Jessica

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Virginia D'Andrea's avatar

Hugs to you ❤️

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Ronald Steele's avatar

Dear Connie

How sad that Chuckie took his own life. It hurts when someone close dies. When it is by suicide it hurts more. I sorrow with you.

Nevertheless, we all die young or old. The important thing is where will we go after we die. The Bible says " It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgement." I can say I am going to go to heaven. Not because I am good, but because I am a sinner. You see, Jesus said " I came not to to save the righteous but to save sinners".

You see many years ago I accepted Christ as my Savior. The gift of God is eternal life.

I was saved January 20, 1955.

God loves you. Christ died for you.

Believe it and you will have the joy knowing.that you have eternal life.

Get your Bible and read John chapter 3 verse 16 especially.

God bless you.

Ron

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Alyson's avatar

I lost my husband to suicide 2 1/2 years ago . He battled alcoholism as well and ultimately it killed him in his 3 rd and final relapse. He was a very gifted individual. Suicide steals the best and brightest.

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Not Just Horsing Around's avatar

I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved brother. Sometimes, I weep when I read many of your beautiful poignant words, but always weep at Chuckie stories. As always, thank you for sharing.

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Erin's avatar

Losing a sibling is agonizing and becomes unbearable when it’s the result of suicide. It is the only grief affecting your past, present, and future. I still haven’t decided if losing two brothers a year apart, both on Memorial Day, was a gift or curse. You are right. The memories of the day they died don’t age. The screams of my surviving brother and wails of my young daughter are seared into my memory. Thank you for sharing. You have helped so many feel less isolated today.

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Susan Rogan's avatar

We are so blessed to be living at the same time as you. Thank you.

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M Gazelle's avatar

When my brother committed suicide, I didn’t want to feel better for a long time because that would mean I forgot him. I know better now. Peace and love be with you this day. ❤️

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Untrickled by Michelle Teheux's avatar

Hugs. That's really all I can think of to say.

Thank you for sharing.

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MELA's avatar

Thank you for writing about Chuckie.

I’m not sure if this article I just read will help anyone in the comments, please delete if I got it wrong by sharing. https://devonprice.medium.com/supporting-the-suicidal-no-matter-what-543e13db95b8

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Gaya  Gayatrinath's avatar

Since I too went through something similar but not the same experience, I know how much you would have struggled before you decided to put down the boulder

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Liberal Old Lady's avatar

Beautifully written. My Uncle Bill died by suicide, but he was 80 years old. His death still resonates in our family. Thank you for this essay filled with hope that the future will bring out the joy of his life, rather than the sadness of his death.

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