My friends shopping ends in drama

[joninliverton]

Yesterday my friend Andrew went on what was going to be an early Christmas shopping trip, with his boyfriend. He was going to Newcastle upon Tyne which is about 40 mins from the town where we live, do a bit of shopping and go for a meal on the quayside. Anyway I got a text from Andrew at 1458 saying he's seen someone jump off the top of the bridge into the river Tyne, he also sent me a pic of the guy sitting on top of the bridge prior to his suicide.

Andrew called me later and said that the guy was drinking what appeared to be beer and the moment he was gonna jump Andrew had to look away, but he was so close that he heard the splash as the guy entered the water. His boyfriend was a bit more brave and said that the man had entered the water chest first. The body has yet to be recovered. Below is the pic Andrew sent me, the guy is at the top of the pic.



http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/quayside-standstill-after-man-falls-7955934

 

[peterh6308]

Man thats awful!! So sorry for your Mates....

 

[joninliverton]

Man thats awful!! So sorry for your Mates....

It's pretty sad that it didn't even make the BBC News. Just goes to show how common these things are nowadays.

 

[gardenboy]

I am afraid we as a supposed intelligent form of life are loosing respect for that life. I recently heard one of the talk show hosts discuss efforts to pass better gun control legislation and his comments on the victims of gun violence bordered on crassness and callousness. Part of the problem I believe that our news reports these events so often that it has become commonplace and with that comes a lack of respect! So by not posting such an event BBC did a service by not promoting it so others would not do the same for publicity!

 

[mikeyank]

I am afraid we as a supposed intelligent form of life are loosing respect for that life. I recently heard one of the talk show hosts discuss efforts to pass better gun control legislation and his comments on the victims of gun violence bordered on crassness and callousness. Part of the problem I believe that our news reports these events so often that it has become commonplace and with that comes a lack of respect! So by not posting such an event BBC did a service by not promoting it so others would not do the same for publicity!

That is an interesting perspective Gardenboy, which I hadn't thought of when reading Jon's sad account of what happened. Much as I cringe when one of these wackos shoots up a school or a prominent person and the next day his picture is splashed all over the media, it pisses me off that a nobody suddenly made his name and image known all over the country, so perhaps it is best to sometimes not publicize something that could attract copycats. Interesting thought.

 

[Stripe222]

Most news stations in the USA do not report specific suicides out of respect for the families, the victim and also not to encourage those in despair to do the same thing. They do an occasional story about suicide in general, usually about teens, addicts, and war veterans.

Suicide is a very real problem and is committed by thousands of people in the US every year. It is at nearly epidemic levels among soldiers coming back from the two wars.

Last year Seattle had to put up suicide protection fences along a stretch of highway that went over Lake Union. It was a favored jumping spot, with several scores of deaths over the last few decades. I couldn't believe it took them so long to put it up!

 

[betudidntknow]

That is very sad Mikeyank. As I share with you and Peter, my best friend, (who introduced me to my present buddy) committed suicide. He consumed a lot of alcohol prior to the act. His method was a firearm. As a result, through one of the jobs I worked in Mental Health, I now belong to an organization which focuses on "Suicide Prevention/Intervention". I've been a card carrying member for many years now. While it doesn't make me able to keep someone from having thoughts or following through with those thoughts of killing themselves, (if they are intent on doing so,) it teaches how to recognize certain signs that people often express or exhibit, that they may be at risk.

 

[elyot1]

A few months ago the sister (who I knew) of a friend of mine from University committed suicide. I didn't know how to deal with it then and don't now. I was sad and then very angry at her for doing it. Friends say it was her life and she could do what she wanted with it. I guess that's true, but when I see all the lives of the family and friends she left behind I wonder if she had the right to do that to them. They'll never be the same.

 

[peterh6308]

A few months ago the sister (who I knew) of a friend of mine from University committed suicide. I didn't know how to deal with it then and don't now. I was sad and then very angry at her for doing it. Friends say it was her life and she could do what she wanted with it. I guess that's true, but when I see all the lives of the family and friends she left behind I wonder if she had the right to do that to them. They'll never be the same.

I pray that know one is truly alone in this world, and that if you were gone someone would miss you. I can't speak for anyone elses views on this subject, but I feel it is a very selfish way to leave this world. Like elyot1 said, the pain and guilt you leave behind doesn't go away anytime soon.

 

[juanjo]

Suicide is a truly tragic thing. A good friend of mine committed suicide not long after graduation from high school. It was over a supposed girlfriend who was simply using him to piss off a couple old boyfriends of her own. She dumped him rather cruelly after she found a new victim to toy with. She implied at the time he must be gay because he was friends with too many gay people.

I never forgave her for her cruelty. I regret to this day that I did not realize the pain he was suffering at the time.

 

[joninliverton]

The body has not been found so no one really know who the person is or why he did it.

 

[johnny]

I had a Dear Friend. He lived in Palm Springs. He was beautiful. He had one of the most beautiful houses I ever saw. I really loved him.He said he loved me.
He entertained grandly, he had two tuxedos and a white dinner jacket,he traveled the world.I never new what he really did.. He was part decorator bought art for people was charming smart funny. He traveled with rich women all over the world.
He was charming. I would stay at his house often. I loved it. He treated me like a king. Best food, best drugs best of everything. Most beautiful pool ever.
He was open and gay. People loved him. He used to tell me he would never be old or poor.
I thought sure...
On his 60th Birthday 4 years ago he killed himself. His sister called me and told me he could not pay his mortgage. His flower shop had cut off his credit.
He loved flowers. His Big Cadillac Convertible had been repossessed. He loved big flashie cars.
At first I cried,then I threw up,Then I got angry.Then I felt dumb.Then I thought did he really love me like he said he did.
Me Me Me...I really thought I knew him after 30 years of friendship. Do we really know any one for sure? What gos on in are private thoughts?
Now I miss him so many gone. But I am selfish I miss him for me. He could not have dealt with being poor.
He would have been so unhappy. And he loved being happy. Loved making people happy. I still don't know if it was right or wrong?
But he doesn't have to worry any more. My loss. Oh..He took pills. Just a true story.

 

[joninliverton]

Sorry to hear that Johnny but the only person who really knows anyone is yourself. But you are right, being in debt and poor should not be an excuse to take your own life, no matter how rich you have been in the past. This thread could go various ways at this moment in time, I mean I just thought about did this guy have savings, or a pension etc..

What that person did on the bridge was selfish because irrespective of his problems, whatever they were, he has left a lot of people traumatised and no doubt his family deeply saddened.

 

[mikeyank]

Thank you to betu, elyot, juanjo and johnny for adding your own personal experiences with people in your own lives who you've lost as they've chosen to end their lives. These personal stories sure drive home the impact of those decisions on the folks they left behind. Very sad.

 

[mikeyank]

I had a Dear Friend. He lived in Palm Springs. He was beautiful. He had one of the most beautiful houses I ever saw. I really loved him.He said he loved me.
He entertained grandly, he had two tuxedos and a white dinner jacket,he traveled the world.I never new what he really did.. He was part decorator bought art for people was charming smart funny. He traveled with rich women all over the world.
He was charming. I would stay at his house often. I loved it. He treated me like a king. Best food, best drugs best of everything. Most beautiful pool ever.
He was open and gay. People loved him. He used to tell me he would never be old or poor.
I thought sure...
On his 60th Birthday 4 years ago he killed himself. His sister called me and told me he could not pay his mortgage. His flower shop had cut off his credit.
He loved flowers. His Big Cadillac Convertible had been repossessed. He loved big flashie cars.
At first I cried,then I threw up,Then I got angry.Then I felt dumb.Then I thought did he really love me like he said he did.
Me Me Me...I really thought I knew him after 30 years of friendship. Do we really know any one for sure? What gos on in are private thoughts?
Now I miss him so many gone. But I am selfish I miss him for me. He could not have dealt with being poor.
He would have been so unhappy. And he loved being happy. Loved making people happy. I still don't know if it was right or wrong?
But he doesn't have to worry any more. My loss. Oh..He took pills. Just a true story.

Dear johnny,

I just read this post of yours for the third time and I have tears in my eyes. You have lead such a rich life thus far, and I love when you allow us to share some of the stories of the people you've known and the things you have done. You are one of the sweetest, gentlest, kindest people I've ever had the honor to know, and I'm so proud that you've chosen me to be your friend.

As time permits, I'd love for you to share more of your life's experiences with us here, as you are a beautiful writer. You express yourself clearly and concisely in your own style. Thank you so much for being on this forum and for being my friend.

 

[peterh6308]

Dear johnny,

I just read this post of yours for the third time and I have tears in my eyes. You have lead such a rich life thus far, and I love when you allow us to share some of the stories of the people you've known and the things you have done. You are one of the sweetest, gentlest, kindest people I've ever had the honor to know, and I'm so proud that you've chosen me to be your friend.

As time permits, I'd love for you to share more of your life's experiences with us here, as you are a beautiful writer. You express yourself clearly and concisely in your own style. Thank you so much for being on this forum and for being my friend.

Well put and totally agree...

 

[johnny]

Well put and totally agree...

Thanks my two favorite boys. You know so much stuff happens. Being born in San Francisco. Never really left. Everyone came here.
Did move to Reno for a few years. Trying to get away from drugs and alcohol.da..Wrong place to go for that. lol
Just the right age to see all the changes start to happen. We have come so far. I don't think people realize. How far we have come.
In a very short time. Now that I can get my lines straight (Good Teacher) Have allot of stories to tell. Did the first everything.
Was young and gay out there with a vengeance. Lot of fun. Even more sadness. Don't have a pot to piss in. Don't cook.
But I am still here. Not sure why? Sure am happy to have found the forum. To share some of this stuff.
Never Ever thought I would get a compliment for anything I wrote.LOL. I like it. I feel my head growing. Best part I can do it from the top of the bed.
.Again.. Thanks guys. Have a good day everyone. Were still here might as well keep trying. xoxo

 

[johnny]

Everyone..I just feel the need to apologize. I went way off topic. From suicide to me. mikes sweet post just got me going.
Took a day off from life today. Mindless TV, the forum, my cat and a little porn. Should have got up and gone to the gym.
Hope I didn't insult anyone. We were on a serious subject. So sorry..
Now I'm going to watch The Notebook that's about mindless as you can get.....johnny

 

[joninliverton]

It doesnt matter Johnny. I think you've been on the forum long enough to see how threads can digress/change.

 

[johnny]

It doesnt matter Johnny. I think you've been on the forum long enough to see how threads can digress/change.

Thank You Sir....