I don't know why some things happen. I'll never be able to understand the paths some people walk. I'm not sure I even want to write about this, but I think I need to. New Year's Eve, I received a phone call, during my lunch hour, informing me that a friend of mine had been found dead. I don't even know what to type or what to say. While it was unintentional, his own choices were the cause and while it's something I feared, it's something you never expect regardless of what you see. I will miss him. I will miss the person he was before he started down his destructive road. I will see pictures of us and our friends and think of good times, football games, and road trips. I will remember your sense of humor, your laugh, and your friendly nature. That's how I will remember you.
It's hard to put my thoughts into words. How do you draw good from tragedy? I guess...I'll just use this post as a plea. For anyone out there that feels at the end of their rope...for anyone who doesn't care about themselves anymore...someone cares about you. I'm proof of that, here I sit on the other side of someone who gave up on themselves. I know life can be utterly horrific and you might feel completely alone or hopeless...but you always have options! If you're convinced you don't have any friends or family that would care, then tell a pastor, a co-worker, make a phone call or web visit to one of the sites I've listed below. People care about your life! Accept the help when it's offered...it's offered because you are loved.
For those of us left behind...don't blame yourself. Don't question what more you could have done...none of the "what if you'd picked up the phone that one time?"...or if you'd called someone for them again. There is only so much help you can offer...in the end, it's always up to the person on the other end to take your hand. You just can't blame yourself.
Each life is precious...it's like the title of my blog...the subheading "each ordinary life is extraordinary." We were all fearfully and wonderfully made...God tells us so in His word. Every single person has value...you have value. Someone cares enough to help you...a friend, a family member, even a stranger...you'd be surprised.
There is help...
http://www.thehopeline.com/ 1-800-394-HOPE
http://www.hopeline.com/ 1-800-SUICIDE
http://teenchallengeusa.com/
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
http://www.na.org/index.htm
http://www.walking-wounded.net/html/christians___suicide__suicidal.html
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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