Sad Day Today.......

[AutumnMist]

When I woke up today my husband came in to tell me that one of our elderly neighbors hung himself from his backyard tree. His wife found him this morning. I am just heartbroken for both of them. They are in their 80's and I just feel like maybe we could have reached out more to them...something...I don't know. When we first moved to this neighborhood my husband and I walked down to introduce ourselves and offer any help that they needed. We sat and talked in her kitchen and she told us how the years have been lonely for them and that her recently deceased goldfish had brought her so much joy when her days were rough. My husband and I walked back home, packed up our Black Moors tank and all, and brought them to her. She was so happy she got tears in her eyes. We spoke to each other from time to time after that. They were always sweet people. He had some health and mental issues that he was dealing with and I guess it got to be to much for him to handle at this point in his life. I just hurt for them right now. Its a very sad day. :(


Edit: Thank you for your posts. As much as I am hurting right now, I cannot even begin to imagine what their families must be going through at the moment. Please send your good thoughts and energy to them today. Lord knows they will need it in the days to come. :) Thanks again everyone. Your insight and kindness never cease to touch me.

[Sugar Smack]

1. Oh, Jesus. I am so sorry.

That's horrible. :-(

[Haole Girl]

2. Please don't blame yourself

You should not blame yourself in any way, or feel guilty. It sounds like you did try to help, and I know they must have known you cared.

It's very sad...very sad how lonely and destitute so many of our seniors are today. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. I'm so sorry

That's awful. :(

[momophile]

4. I'm there with you on this one

An elderly neighbor shot himself on his back porch a couple of years ago with his wife inside. Apparently he was facing cancer and just couldn't deal with it. So sad. Please take care of yourself.

[Katina]

5. what a kind and thoughtful thing you did

most people would avoid taking the time to talk to his wife and spend time with her...and then to give her your fish, knowing it would bring her some joy on a terrible day, you have touched my heart and confirmed that there is truly, good in the world even in the face of terrible pain and sadness.
Take care.

[Madrone]

6. omg.

How tragic. I am sorry for you and their family.

[Floogeldy]

7. Don't judge him too harshly.

And, no, there is nothing you should have done.

[Suich]

8. I'm so sorry, AutumnMist.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family and friends.

:hug:

[SoyCat]

9. As sad as it seems, you and your husband may have done more for

them with just that gesture than had been done for them in years. You should feel no guilt. I believe that most Americans have no clue about the needs of our elderly. I'm curious if they had children and how often they called and visited.

[Neoma]

10. That's terrible.

:-(

[blonndee]

11. What a tragedy.

It always is so sad to think of someone being so sad or hopeless that they would feel the need to resort to suicide. I'm glad that his widow has you and your husband, though. I'm sure your kind gesture meant the world to her.