Opinion > Letters To The Editor
Dear Mr. Will:
I put off reading Ms. Pfeiffer's "the Tragedy of Suicide" and the response from my college roommate and close personal friend, John Ramette. I didn't want to revisit this subject, because it terrifies me. John has now twice endured a tragedy that goes to the epicenter of a parent's vulnerabilities -- we have the least amount of control over our most treasured and precious gifts, our family and most especially our children. Above all else, we sacrifice to keep them safe, healthy and happy, but in the end, we have little if any control over any of these outcomes.
Ms. Pfeiffer articulates what I've heard is a stage that most persons directly affected by suicide pass through. That is undoubtedly why my friend John was measured and kind in his reaction to her article. I read (slowly, carefully and twice) both Ms. Pfeiffer's article and my friend John's reply, and I can offer nothing to what John has already said. After all, I'm one of the lucky ones -- what would I know?
At moments like this, I'm only left with feelings of gratitude, prayers of continued good fortune for my own family, and the fears of what tomorrow could potentially bring.
In an effort to be influenced by John's own gentleness, I might offer for Ms. Pfeiffer's personal reflection that her own views might demonstrate more than just a trace of the self-centeredness she so despises. It's a fallen world in which we live, and perhaps we are all called to be a bit more gentle and forgiving. I pray for her loss and for John's.
Sincerely,
Matt Thompson
Edina, Minnesota
Ms. Pfeiffer articulates what I've heard is a stage that most persons directly affected by suicide pass through. That is undoubtedly why my friend John was measured and kind in his reaction to her article. I read (slowly, carefully and twice) both Ms. Pfeiffer's article and my friend John's reply, and I can offer nothing to what John has already said. After all, I'm one of the lucky ones -- what would I know?
At moments like this, I'm only left with feelings of gratitude, prayers of continued good fortune for my own family, and the fears of what tomorrow could potentially bring.
In an effort to be influenced by John's own gentleness, I might offer for Ms. Pfeiffer's personal reflection that her own views might demonstrate more than just a trace of the self-centeredness she so despises. It's a fallen world in which we live, and perhaps we are all called to be a bit more gentle and forgiving. I pray for her loss and for John's.
Sincerely,
Matt Thompson
Edina, Minnesota
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