Very sad news this week (page 10). A 46-year-old Fairhaven firefighter/parademic took his own life this week. It’s heartbreaking to think that this man, in the prime of his life, felt he had no other choice, that he could not see the light at the end of his own very dark tunnel.
By all accounts, he adored his daughter, and she loved him, too. Now, she will have to navigate life without him.
Some people will be upset that I have named him and said he committed suicide. There is a line of reasoning that says news outlets should not do that. I disagree.
The stigma of depression needs to lift. We can’t do that by covering it up.
This man had an enormous amount of resources available to him, but nothing could pull him out of his despair. He also was a very engaged member of the community, with meaningful work. It boggles the mind that he would feel so desperate. If only people could realize that most of their problems are not permanet, but suicide is.
I hope his daughter is able to gain some comfort from the stories his firefighter buddies will tell, especially about how much he bragged about her.
Good luck, Skylar. You have a tough road ahead, but please look for the people around you who are ready to help. They are there. They are sincere. And you honor them as much as you honor yourself when you ask them for their help. You deserve their help, so ask if you need it.
On another note…
We’re going to get a little weather this weekend. The big storm Dorian (that’s NOT touching Alabama) is going to dump some rain on us, and hit us with some winds. Should be like a nor’easter. But, remember, Folks, a nor’easter can do some damage. So batten down the hatches.
The Apple Peach Festival is this weekend. That means that summer’s heat is heading out and the cool fall days are not far away. I’d like to get the boat out a few more times, but I have to say that I won’t miss the oppressive heat we had this year. I welcome a crisp fall day. Stay tuned for the fall events: Harvest Fun Day, Encampment (with cannon fire), Manjiro Fest (it’s in Fairhaven this year), and then…then…then…HALLOWEEN! Yup…not yet, not yet. Patience, Grasshopper, patience.
Until next week then… see ya,
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