Missing A Friend
This is a blog I have been thinking about doing for some time now, but for reason’s you’ll soon understand, I’ve been apprehensive! The outfit I’m wearing belonged to a friend of mine, who graciously loaned it to me for one of our “wild game dinners.” The necklace was made from various bones, antlers, and feathers from game taken by my friend. The same with the outfit-all hand made from deer, bear, and raccoon! I don’t want to mention his name, as it could cause pain where none is intended. You see my friend (and co-worker) took his own life several years ago, shocking his family, and all who knew him.
My friend was an extremely funny guy, and the greatest practical joker in the plant. He didn’t seem to let the “bumps” in the road get to him, but that is where “we” his friends were wrong. In retrospect it seems some of his closer buddies should of noticed the signs of a hurting soul.
This man was a “hunters” hunter! He played by the rules, and never took the easy way, in pursuing his quarry. He was a very successful hunter, and a first class archer. He won many of the various archery tournaments he participated in, and had the “fire” of a true competitor in his eyes! He had alot going for him; good job, great sons, handsome, well liked, but something was obviously missing. I guess I need to say my friend had been married and divorced three times. This was probably the “closet” in which his demon hid!
I am 100% sure that if he could, he would be hunting with his sons today. He had much to live for. His family and children must miss him terribly! What a tragedy and waste of such a talented human being.
Now here is the main reason I’ve told you this story. If anyone reading this is depressed and feels like he can’t cope with life, and that no one understands, please talk to someone! Seek out a pastor, priest, close friend, sibling, but do not “go it alone!” You need someone to “cover your backside!” I once heard a sermon where the pastor explained when Roman soldiers went into battle, they always fought in pairs. As a warrior you could only take care of what was “in front of you!” You couldn’t see the enemy who might sneak up behind you, thus your partner “covered your backside,” and you of course covered his. By all means get help, and if anyone suspects something is amiss in a friends life “speak up!” Better to rock the boat a little bit than to have a good pal go overboard.
Mike
February 26th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Depression runs in my family, so I know the damage it can do. You are so right, if you are depressed get help, and if you see someone you think needs help offer it.
I’m so sorry about your friend. Any time you lose someone it is sad, but losing someone because they choose to take their own life seems especially senseless.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
A good message that you provide here Mike. Depression is definitely something that at times can’t be seen on the outside so we all must watch out and look for the certain signs. Sometimes though, no matter how hard we try, we just cant see the world how they see it.
So sorry about your friend, but a great post, that even if it only helps one person, has definitely done its job.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It is a good reminder to be kind to all around us. SO many people that would not on the outside appear depressed are actually fighting huge spiritual battles inside. Thank you for your thoughtful message.