(Warning: content deals with suicide)
When I was 13 years old, my older brother killed himself. I not only was the one to find him, but I was also the one left on the sidewalk by myself when the adults showed up to handle it.
I was the one sent back to school a couple of days later with my own crisis that plagued me for decades. Thankfully, times have changed, and so have I.
Before that day, he had confided in my father that he wanted to die and had sat contemplating it (known as “suicidal ideation”) with a gun in hand recently.
It made no difference that my father hid the bullets because later he disclosed where they were when my brother called him, throwing a fit that he was not a child and how dare the man hide his belongings.
I can’t speak to why my father did what he did and neglected to do what he should’ve done. But I can tell you when it comes to suicidal ideation, “lethal means” - having what it takes to pull it off - must be reckoned with. Because burying your head in the sand and telling yourself it won’t happen in your house, in your family, is likely to play a role in a tragic ending.
““Courage can’t see around corners but goes around them anyway.” ”
As Mignon McLaughlin states, “Courage can’t see around corners but goes around them anyway.” This type of act requires an honest look at ourselves and others. It requires throwing our shoulders back, being brave, asking questions, and getting help for ourselves and others. It means doing whatever it takes to make a way where seemingly there is none.
““Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
I pray we can, before it’s too late.
So… What is nudging you from around the corner and needing your attention?