Bereavement

My son, Jonah, died June 9, 2017. He took his life. He'd been dealing with depression that he'd hidden from almost all of us. I have never posted this before on DU, the death of my son.

I do know what you are going through.

I will add this. Because he chose to take his life, it's actually easier than if he'd died from some terrible disease, or been murdered, or perished in a car accident. He chose to leave this life. As sad and tragic as that is, I can live with it.

Yes, I miss him every day. I do have a very strong belief in an afterlife and that I will see him again, which helps.

When my mother died, back in 1999, my wonderful husband made a comment about how could things go on, given that she had died. Because it did feel as if the world should come to an end, if she was no longer here.

So yeah, when we lose someone very close to us, it's hard, beyond hard. It's as if everything comes to an end.

I'll add this. There was a wonderful celebration of his life, in Portland, OR, where he'd lived not long after graduating college. He played Ultimate Frisby, and was admired and respected in that community. There was another celebration in Overland Park, KS, where he'd grown up. In both places many people who loved him showed up, honored him, celebrated his life.

I'm grateful to all who participated.