Thank you for writing this post. It gives me a somewhat better understanding as to why it's so important to try and intervene when someone wants to end his or her own life. I am sorry that Major Galloway has past away by putting an end to his own life. Most of all, I am sorry that you have lost a friend.

This reminds me of the time when a friend of mine killed himself. I was pondering the same thoughts reflected in this post. I still do to this very day even though it was quiet a while ago when this happened.

Anyway, great article. I am glad that you are opening yourself to anyone who may be contemplating suicide. I never understood why people would end their own life, no matter how many points of view I try to take when looking for an answer as to why. However, I hope if another friend starts to consider suicide, then I too will try to help them.

Regards,
Ryan

There are those of us who understand the the pain of having to put your Heart on a shelf, and the difficulty in finding that Heart when you need it again.

We need you more than you may think.

I will pray for this fine Soldier and his family and I am so very sorry for their loss.

Beverly Perlson
The Band of Mothers

Chris was an extremely passionate person and for those of you out there that shared some kind of personal relationship with him I feel for you greatly right now. I know how Chris was able to reach out and touch people.

In the months leading up to his death, Chris was always around to reassure me as I took on the new role of motherhood. On my worst days when I was sure I was a complete failure he reassured me, he shared stories about his beloved children and was always there to talk me through. His family was his life and it constantly came through.

I often wondered why he had gone quiet but nothing could have prepared me for this news. My sincerest sympathies to his family. He often talked about how amazing he thought they all were, from his wife and children, to his extended family. I hope you all know just how much he loved you.

Rest in peace Chris and thank you.

Going through life, filled with turmoil, and pain, and sorrow, self doubt, self loathing, and such hurt that you can't even look into a mirror, is no way to live. But, people live that way, each and every day. They are out there, walking on the streets, shopping in stores, working next to you, living with you, and you don't even know it.

Most people go through their lives and don't pay attention to much around them. They are totally oblivious to the pain people carry around inside them. Maybe they are carrying it themselves, and its just that they think they are so alone. We need to be more in touch with each other. More tuned in to the lives of those around us.

Perhaps if we just reach out a hand to the person next to us, the world would be a much nicer place. I find it so amazing that when something happens, when there is a major crisis, or disaster, that everyone thinks to do something. But day to day, we are so oblivious to the needs and personal crisis of the person standing right next to us.

Great post CJ. Something for all of us to learn from.