Lost a friend yesterday - hug your family

[disneysteve]

We learned last night that a friend from our synagogue died yesterday afternoon of an apparent suicide. He was about 50 and has 2 teenage children who my daughter is friends with. Nobody has any idea what happened. Another couple who are close friends with him and his wife went out with them this past weekend and said everything was fine and they had their usual good time.

You can never know what the future will bring, so appreciate every day with your loved ones.

Since this is a finance board, it is not difficult to tie this in. This 50 year old wife is now left with 2 teens, one who is shopping for colleges currently and the other who will be in a few years. Hopefully, he was insured with a policy that will still pay out in the event his death is ruled a suicide. Otherwise, I can only hope that they were good savers and will be able to manage well with the loss of his income and benefits (he was a high school teacher).

Hug your husband. Hug your wife. Hug your kids.

[cschin4]

I have survived a suicide. I would be happy to discuss that and offer my advice and condolences during this time. But, sorry to hear about your friend.

[cschin4]

Life is fleeting. I take great comfort in the Book of Job.

[GREENBACK]

Very sorry to hear that. A similar situation happened with me a few years ago. It's sometimes hard to know what others are feeling when this happens.

[JustDave]

Sorry to hear that. Best wishes to your family and your friend's family.

[cschin4]

Suicide is very misunderstood. Everyone just wants to say "oh, they were depressed" and thus fluff it off. It is much more complicated than that. There are often NO SIGNS to tip off the survivors so please do not heap guilt on their heads by even implying this. And, sometimes the deceased just had a weak moment in their lives and made a hasty decision of life ending consequences who really had no intention to leave or hurt their family.
I have been through this and had to learn to forgive the one who had taken their life. It is very difficult to not allow a deep seated shock and anger to harbor in oneself as it really turns the notion of your world completely upside down.
So, don't pretend to "understand" when you really don't. Don't try to make excuses or somehow explain the situation to the bereaved as you just do not know. Don't blame the deceased or heap guilt on the survivors. It is a very difficult situation and shocking to everyone.

[creditcardfree]

Suicide is very misunderstood. Everyone just wants to say "oh, they were depressed" and thus fluff it off. It is much more complicated than that. There are often NO SIGNS to tip off the survivors so please do not heap guilt on their heads by even implying this. And, sometimes the deceased just had a weak moment in their lives and made a hasty decision of life ending consequences who really had no intention to leave or hurt their family.
I have been through this and had to learn to forgive the one who had taken their life. It is very difficult to not allow a deep seated shock and anger to harbor in oneself as it really turns the notion of your world completely upside down.
So, don't pretend to "understand" when you really don't. Don't try to make excuses or somehow explain the situation to the bereaved as you just do not know. Don't blame the deceased or heap guilt on the survivors. It is a very difficult situation and shocking to everyone.

Very good points. ((Hugs)) to you Steve while you and your family grieve the loss.

[Broken Arrow]

My condolences.

[mommyof4]

I'm very sorry to hear this.

[Ima saver]

I am so sorry, also.

[buildmybudget]

My apologies as well;thankfully they have your financial savvy for guidance. =)

[FrugalTexan75]

I'm sorry for your loss, Steve.

[beebop25blue25]

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. We also lost someone to suicide last year and it's not easy.

[snafu]

How very sad for his family, your family and all the others who knew and cared about him. May the sorrow you all feel be eased by good memories.

Thank you for the reminder of what's truly important as we rush about our busy days.

[PetMom]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.