Personal Pennace

[Nymphsong]

So, went to work today...like any other day of the week. Everything seemed normal. Said hello to my coworkers, had my morning caffeine fix, began reading articles related to work and preparing for the day. From across the isle, I here one of the branch managers complaining that she has not seen one of her analysts. This then digresses into some shared humor in the office that she has become a babysitter of adult children. Banter is playful and back and forth between colleagues where I work in government. By nine o'clock however, she still has not been able to get full accountability of her section and elects to call his house to determine when he will be in. The workers wife answers the phone...

Later in the day, I get word that the co-worker of mine who sits three cubicles away from me is dead. He has committed suicide...and the harsh reality of it is just beginning to set in. In the Army, we are asked to cope with some immense pressures. Juggling, family life, separation, the lives of fellow warriors, and the job can be pretty demanding. Throw in some financial strain or other foreign stress and it can become a bit much, even for the best of us...

Later as I am about to leave...I learn that the guy was married and just found out he and his wife were expecting their first born this year...what should be an exciting time has turned into tragedy...rather quickly. (And no, not what you think, they had a strong marriage).

Guess here is a good place to vent as any and so I am...just a tough call to see people survive all that terrorists can throw at them...just to return home and ...forget about the people around them that really care about them.

Not sure what else to say or think at this point...

Nymphsong

[Leif]

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Nymph. Mental illness is a devastating condition, no matter what form it takes.

[Jokingjoe]

Death when you know the person always strikes a little closer to home. I try to use peoples' misfortune and tragedy as a reason to celebrate my own fortune and happiness. While that may sound a little callous, eventually, misfortune and tragedy will strike even closer to home so the reminder to cherish those I love--to remind them daily of that love; to appreciate the things I have because one day they may not be there; it's that much more important.

Learn from others' mistakes and live this dream we call life to its fullest. Most of all, be happy.