Statistically, suicides happen in clusters. One person goes for the the self-pitying or accusatory note, the drama-queen announcement or the sullen silence punctuated by the discharge of the gun, and then 3 or 4 copycats --- sometimes old school friends, siblings, or persons similarly situated --- do the same. Because human hope is a shared thing. One person's hope holds back the deluge of despair for many; conversely, one person's treasonable defection to death make many think, "What's the use?"
G.K. Chesterton, depressed and almost despairing, seriously considered suicide when he was in his 20's. He turned from this temptation and became one of the funniest commentators on the passing scene, and at the same times, one of the sternest rejectors of suicide that I have ever read. (In fact, I did not understand his sternness toward suicides until I read that he himself had passed through that dread crisis and had emerged on the other side, on the side of life.)
I agree with this author, and with G.K. Chesterton: Suicide --- especially, especially "rational" suicide--- is a kind of treason.
They told my mother to go home and die in comfort the first time she had breast cancer. She survived that time and again 20 years later.
I wonder how much pressure from liberal family members and Obama care supporters of the ‘end of life planning’ group have on those with aka terminal illnesses.
My friend, who is older than my mother, had a brain tumor for several years but the tumor is now shrinking and she will not be facing death any time soon....but what if she had committed suicide (not an option for her)before the good news?? She is over 85 now, and living alone, driving, taking care of herself, and sewing cute things for Christmas gifts....Positive thinking produces positive results.
Maybe this woman will get some good news soon to change her mind.
Beautiful words from Mr. Strangman.
I agree with you, Mrs. Don-o, regarding G.K. Chesterton’s assessment of suicide. I hope this woman listens to the author of the letter.
they HOPE....
I still feel my mother, over 80, with cancer, wanted to believe that she could make it..
..sadly, she, they, whoever...encouraged her to go on Hospice, which just let her lanquish, alive, but not treated...a slow death without any hope... IMO....
I wish we had given her the gift of hope....
Isn’t this typical of today’s narcissistic generation? Whatever you do or plan to do, from the most insignificant action, thought, or whim to the largest most life altering, you share on social media?
I am sorry that she has the brain tumor. So she can legally and apparently easily off herself if she wishes. I disagree with that choice, but notifying the world and getting herself in the news and on magazine covers so she can go out with great fanfare while encouraging other people to follow her suit is not only shallow and annoying, but evil.
Valerie Harper was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, given 6 months to live..its been what, over a year and she is still with us, if Valerie Harper had this woman’s mentality she would have missed out on that year and many years to come
The world does not need a pop icon like this and DAMN the mainstream media for making it happen!
The open support for suicide is a result of utilitarian bioethics. Promoting abortion, suicide, assissited suicide, and of what hitler did to the disabled. I believe it also teaches that there is no moral equalivance, right or wrong is what is right or wrong for an individual according to his own ethic. Utilitarian bioethics appear to be popular with obama’s czars, which is no surprise when you go back to the eary Twentieth Century progressives who wanted to rid society of the “eaters”, the older, infirm and mentally incapable who could no longer “contribute” to society, the group hillary clinton says she is inspired by. It is no supprise that many of obama’s czars consider overpopulation to be our top concern including the new ebola czar. I appreciate the efforts of Denis Strangman.
Beats offing yerself or being an AMA paying guinea pig!
This is a sad thing and I figuratively weep for our society where a major magazine pushes this.
People magazine’s normal fare of unimportant gossip is bad enough.
Giving cover story sympathetic coverage of this is not right.
I assume this young woman is not religious and sees only this life without regard for the next. Life is a precious gift and even though this life may be difficult or even full of suffering, the next life promises an end to all suffering and an eternity of joy and peace. I can’t help but think that those who end their lives do not find peace in the next life. I do not know if they are condemned to eternal torment, but I believe they do not find peace and eternal rest. Pray for this young woman.
Prayers for the woman.
My uncle died of a brain tumor at home. Even when he could no longer speak, he would try to communicate with eye blinks, and enjoyed visits from family and watching Jeapordy, Wheel of Fortune and Cheers on tv. He was surrounded by our family until the very end.
About 3 months before he passed away, my aunt was having serious doubts about God. She was talking to my mom on the phone. Our family had been toghether at a healing mass a few days before, where our priest said prayers and annointed my uncle with oil. We all laid our hands on him during the prayers.
My aunt said that she didn't think it did much good , but that it was nice for the family. She said "it's not like he got up out of bed and started sweeping the porch." (He had not been able to get out of bed for months.) My mom finished her conversation with her and hung up. She said it was sad that the mass didn't give her any comfort.
Five minutes later, the phone rang again. It was my aunt. She said my uncle was out on the porch sweeping! Not only was he able to get up and sweep, but they also got to go to the Indianapolis 500-something my uncle had always wanted to do.
While he did not get a miraculous cure, (He died 3 months after his visit to the race.), he did get a miracle. And it happened right when it was needed the most-when my aunt was doubting.
I sincerely hope this young woman will reconsider, and not go through with suicide. I pray she will trust in God and leave herself in His care and give miracles a chance to happen.
I hope she will also think about what she means to those who love her, and what gifts she might give to them. If she takes her own life, then all possibilities are gone.
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My late husband did this. He was mentally ill, we’d separated, getting a divorce and he did this. And no one found him for days. I couldn’t stay with him anymore, but I never wanted him to die. I am appreciative (more than I can say) that I’m safe now, and our children are safe, but the despair and pain and horror and depression just about ruined my life for about two years. And that was just me. My boys were crushed. Still struggle with it. We’d been married for 23 years. I am brought to tears just remembering that time, 7 years ago.
I understand that the circumstances are different. But life is precious. i’ve been willing to do it before, but my dearest friend got me some help, even though I didn’t want it at the time.
Don’t give up Brittany. I wish I could talk her out of it. Yes, although she’ll have pain and lots of other things. Don’t give in.