In medicine we deal with the loss of life everyday. Sometimes its accidental, sometimes medical, but maybe worst it’s self inflicted.
Recently, one morning I came into the office and I received a call from the local medical examiner. I knew this wasn’t going to be good. She wanted to get some background medical history on a patient we had known who apparently committed suicide. Ironically, there was no history of depression or any signs of such catastrophic thinking. But sure enough it was him; a long standing patient who was always polite, considerate and respectful to all of us. We were all shocked and saddened by the news.
What prompted me to write this though was a comment that Brooke made when I shared with her the sad news. She responded immediately with how sad it was that all he had talked about for the past few years was taking his early retirement and getting ready to then ‘live his life’. How strange, he did indeed retire but then perhaps felt so alone that he took his own life. What a tragic irony.
Two things came to mind. First, be careful what you wish for, you may just get it. Today is the day you have to live, not yesterday and not tomorrow. Second, no matter how bad your current situation seems (bad relationship, difficult work, poor finances) take a moment and celebrate your life, or at least the fact that you’re alive. Realizing this allows for the opportunity to eventually get it right. Don’t cut that time short. As long as you’re breathing, there is hope, there is a way, even if you cannot see it in the moment. Trust me, trust someone, it is there. Likewise, whether you see it or not, someone, somewhere cares! We did.
So whatever you have going on today, and everyday for that matter, take a breath and celebrate being alive. As George Burns, the comedian and actor who lived to around 100 years old once said: “Everyday I wake up, open my eyes and place my feet on the floor, I think it’s going to be a good day.”
If you’re really in a bad way, please tell someone. Believe it or not, people do care and there are resources out there to help you.
– Dr. V
That is so sad about your patient. This post is a great reminder to have a positive attitude and live life to its fullest every day!
That is just heartbreaking! But wonderful advice. Thank you for sharing 🙂
This is such a great read. It’s upsetting that happened to some you know but situation like that makes us all rethink our life choices and how we should really live our life.
STYLE VANITY
Great lessons learned! That’s really sad. I don’t think I could ever work in the medical field. As interesting as I find it, it’s not easy. I work in the hospitality industry and unfortunately, we deal with suicides every now and then. I haven’t had one at any of my hotels, but I hear stories from colleagues. People don’t want their families to find them, so they do it at a hotel. Luckily I work in sales and events, so I don’t have to deal with it! I don’t think I could handle it!
Have a great weekend, ladies! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us today.
Christie
The Closet by Christie
I am so sorry to hear about your patient, what a sad ending 🙁
But it’s good there is something you can share from it, and I agree, things are never as bad as they seem. You always have another day to turn things around! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I am so sorry. I understand the horrors of suicide. My college roommate, and best friend took her own life when were at Ohio State. It has profoundly changed me forever. Her loss was felt by so many people. Thanks for bringing this situation to light and offering hope. Susan
That’s so sad!! I am glad to hear you haven’t had to deal with that.
That is so horrible Susan – I am sorry you had to go through something like that!