At work I have been covering for someone who has been on long-term sick leave. After two and a half months away, he started back this week on a phased basis but on failing to appear on Wednesday or Thursday, the team were concerned. Our line and HR managers went round to his house, where upon arriving they called the police who entered the house and found his body. It seems he took his own life.
Such a tragedy and waste of a life.
Hindsight being a wonderful thing---the team have reflected on this weekend and are convinced that he had planned the event coming into work for just two days to finalise some personal arrangements.
What drives someone to the place where they think there is no other solution but to end their life?
What does one do in those final moments before taking that irretrievable step?
How does one feel when you know you are not going to see friends and family again...carrying that awful secret away with you as you smile and say "goodbye, see you tomorrow!"
All those years at college studying does not prepare you for the feeling of emptiness and void that exists when you know there is no turning back of the clock....to think "if only I did this...if only I did that......what were my last words to him?....could I, should I have spotted something was wrong when I was with him?"
So for us that remain, we are left dealing with our own emotions, comforting one another and passing through a period of grieving.
Life goes on----but for one, it doesn't.
RIP Dave
