re: Bobby Livingston committed suicide

Years ago, my wife worked for a guy who owned a store. On the surface, he seemed happy and full of life. He had a ton of friends.

About once a month, he would lock himself in his office and wouldn't come out for two or three days at a time. My wife said you could hear him crying if you put your ear up to the door. When he finally would come out, he acted happy and full of life again.

After constant pleading from friends including my wife, he sought treatment for bipolar disorder and was put on medication. Still every few weeks he would lock himself in his office. This went on for years until finally he took a bottle of pills with a bottle of whiskey.

I have never seen so many people at a funeral. People were lined up outside to pay their respects. I've always wondered if he knew how many people loved him and if he did, whether it would have made a difference. I don't think it would have. The pain he felt couldn't be relieved by any outside influence.

Luckily, I've never been in a position to even consider killing myself and I'd like to think that I never will. That said, I won't judge others who have been unfortunate enough to feel that suicide is the only way to end their suffering.