There are things in your life that you never imagine you will have to do. One of those things happened to me on Thursday.
My good friend (and former roommate) called me and I missed the call because I was at work. I saw that my phone said she had called, thinking I could return the call later. Fifteen minutes later a text message from her said "please call. emergency." I knew something was up. I called and she is crying and in hysterics. Crying uncontrollably. She says she needs help. Her brother had committed suicide the previous evening. She needed to go to her sister's (our other roommate) workplace and tell her the news, but didn't want to and couldn't go alone. She requested that I come pick her up.
Whoa.
I dont' know what I'm going to do. Of course I leave work right away to go pick her up. The entire car ride there I'm crying and don't know what to do. How can I possibly deliver this bad news to someone? I'm very upset and nervous, but just pray that I can be strong for these two friends and sisters.
When I arrived, all I could do was hold my friend and cry with her. A few minutes later, her sister called and said that she had called their mother and already knew. We went to her workplace to pick her up.
After they were together, they both quickly packed a bag and after a quick prayer together, headed to their hometown, about two hours away.
I felt so helpless, like there was nothing I could do or say to comfort them.
I've never had to deal with suicide so closely before. I had met their brother before and he often came to visit his sisters and stayed at our apartment. He was a talented young man, a fabulous trumpet player and a very compassionate person.
Dan and I are going to his funeral today.
Ben was 18. He graduated from high school in May. He will be remembered and missed by all.