Mine was on January 14th, 1999. That day was the MOST defining moment ever in my live... for it was the day our 24 year old son died by suicide. I tried to 'buy' my way through grief only to loose everything to bankruptcy. Since then, I've learned 'stuff' is just that - stuff... it's amazing what you don't have to have to live. I also know bad things do happen to good people and families. Since that day my wife and I have been involved with the American Society for Suicide Prevention and participated in a variety of training and events. I have become much more compassionate towards others and less focused on me (corporate mentality - you have to do everything in your power to get ahead and to he** with others). Personally know I prevented one suicide in our family. And maybe more in the community... as I have presented 'Our Story' at several events and at the local VA Hospital's Suicide Awareness activities. In 2011 I stopped hunting with long guns because I scared the H*ll out of myself in the woods. I came extremely close to mimicking our son's dirty-little-deed. I had always been squeamish sitting in the woods alone with a rifle on my lap... just 'thinking'. On that day, I unloaded my Remington 700SPS .260cal rifle, handed it to my best buddy and walked out of the woods - to forever after only hunt with archery equipment (and I enjoy it 10x's more because I'm not uncomfortable). If there's anyone on this site that wants or needs to talk about suicide behavior or suicide grief... feel free to drop me a PM. My wife and I are certified in Suicide Outreach and SafeTalk by the afsp. This is a photo of our son. Next to him is our daughter's first born who is now serving in the USAF.
My last defining moment was when my brother was killed in an auto accident December 08, 2007. I have not been the same since. Part of me died that day. I still cry sometimes when I think about him. I Miss Him Everyday!!
Thanks. The hardest part for transition has been finding people to talk to who will understand. But on the flip side, not having anyone to relate to has made moving on relatively easy.
