As you know, the other day, beloved comedian, actor, friend, father and husband Robin Williams lost his battle with depression. When I heard the news, I was devastated.
My heart ached for his family, friends, everyone who he loved, and everyone who loved him.
But mostly, my heart ached for him and the pain I know he felt.
Maybe that's why
Matt Walsh's article caused me so much anguish.
This semester, I found myself in a pretty bad depression. I felt alone, like no one cared, and I was hours away from any of my family or friends at home. One sleepless night, I found myself contemplating how easy it would be for me to simply roll off my lofted bed and end the pain I was feeling and the pain I was sure I was causing others.
Thank God that I never went any farther than that, and a breakdown after daily mass and discussion with the chaplain of my school forced me to reach out to others. But, this isn't the first time I've felt like ending my life was the only option, and other times, I had a plan, and attempted to commit suicide.
I have been at the brink of life and death. I have found myself grasping for relief and peace from my suffering. I have seen the light come in the form of ending my life.
So when someone says something about how, by commiting suicide, you are showing "The willingness to saddle your family with the pain and misery and anger that will now plague them for the rest of their lives", I'm bound to disagree. Vocally.
Were we there when Robin Williams sadly ended his own life? No. no one was, not even the all mighty Matt Walsh. Maybe when he chose to end his life, he thought he was relieving his family, and in a way setting them free of various burdens that he could have felt were put on them. Maybe he realized the wrong too late. Maybe as he died, he regretted it and cried out in sorrow.
We don't know, and it's wrong to assume that anyone who committed suicide suicide understood what his family would have to endure after his actions.
In memory of Robin Williams, reach out to people. Love them, show them that they and life are beautiful.
Holy Archangel Raphael, appointed by God to guide, protect and heal, I entrust to you all people who at this moment are contemplating suicide. You guided young Tobias on his journey and protected him from the spirit of death which sought to destroy his life. I ask you to protect all people from the road that leads to physical and spiritual death, especially those in most danger of despair and suicide. Just as you led Tobias by the hand, lead them away from the sadness of addiction to peace and joy. O holy Raphael, whose name means, "God has healed", bring them the Lord's healing. Lord God, hear the prayer I make together with your faithful servant Raphael. Amen.
Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us![/caption]
My iPad![/caption]
The Best Jailors during Capture the Flag :)[/caption]