Jim- thank for your courage in sharing about a hard subject-suicide, I believe Jim that many more people think about it than we've ever know- life today especially is hard( harder than the 50's-in my book anyway) The young soldiers I work with tell me, they feel no hope anymore in America- that they would rather be with their buddies in Iraq or wherever, why -because it's their family and I do understand, has been my family for 44 years plus, and I don't find the same caring spirit than I have in the Military. Yet-we have such a raise in suicide, the Army is the highest, and then the Marine's are second " combat troops-mostly infantry soldiers and Marines" They see the worse of humanity- and then come home to " what is for the most part- no purpose, no order, no one looking out for the other person. it's all about them-has you have heard many people say I'm sure. But, we both know there are good people in every city- but sometimes we have to look a little harder and be the first one to speak out and show kindness to those who are hurting, or even hold the door for someone-even if they don't say thank you. If I can share with everyone - there is " I believe one of the best books ever written about Suicide" The author was a Russia/Jewish Man to came to LA, Calif. in the mid-50 to become a medical doctor at UCLA, but after a few years and hearing so much about the raise then in suicide- he decided to do both and became ( The founder in suicide prevention- as a Doctor in Psychiatristry) . He has written many book about the subject and taught at UCLA and Marian University in WI, The book have read and re-read many times is titles: "Suicide As Psychache" about the loss of innocent an the mental pain that is connected to the thoughts of suicide. AS a Chaplain for the last 38 years I have counseled many soldiers and police officers ref: to suicide, No please don't think -I'm an expert- that is a big NO and not possible anyway, I believe the only One who can really see inside a person and their mind is God and only God. But we all should be alert for those who maybe hurting so much that their way out of the pain is suicide- we all need a life line " all of us, doesn't matter who they are or we are- or what profession- we need each other and to be able to listen and never judge. The pain in our minds-can be just as real as a serious Illness. Your thoughts. Johjames