Don't take friends for granted

Dear Editor,

Suicide has to be one of the saddest words in the English language. It’s a word you are never ready to hear. Dr. Scott Hahn, a professor at Stevensville University, spoke on an episode in his life. He was en route to a speaking engagement when he decided to stop at a nearby house, at the home of friends, Dave, who he hadn’t visited with for some time. Dave’s mother invited him in while gesturing up the stairs. She mentioned that Dave was in his room and would be delighted to see him. Dave’s parents were divorced.

Indeed, Dave was very happy to once again see Scott after a long absence. “Were you going places, Dave, I notice you have your jacket on?” Time had been spent joyfully reminiscing the years past without communication between the two men. Dave plunged his hand into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a rope. “I was going to hang myself. I couldn’t do it yesterday because of children playing nearby.”

Dr. Hahn said he was staggered and felt anesthetized with grief learning the intention of his friend …he may be late for his speech, but he was certain the audience would understand; a tragedy had been prevented that night!

You should not place a friend on a shelf, so to speak, forget him and then pull him down only when you need him. Oh no … that’s not genuine friendship.

Helen DePuydt

Saco