[J P Stein]

I have had entirely too many of my friends & acquaintances end their own lives.
I have a lot of trouble getting MY head around it.

It seems to be a very selfish act but I can't walk a mile in their shoes. I have had short term bouts of depression but I watched a friend struggle with it daily for years. The struggle is now over and I'm sad and not alone in that sadness.

I don't know if his wife is more sad or relieved...the ups & downs must have been terrible for her.....he had no kids. His father went the same way and I know it it influenced him. One is left with the feeling that one should have done *something* to help them. We spent a lot more time talking about his problems than mine.....but that wasn't enough.

I'm sorry about Wiliams but I haven't a lot grief left over for someone I didn't know.