34 Comments
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Richbee's avatar

Suicides. Sign of desperation. Think of San Diego Coronado bridge. A long way down to the ocean to see the waves and good bye.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. Scary.

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Kate Henry's avatar

There is usually a different choice other than suicide. Don't like your life, choose another. That ends the first one without a mess, and has opportunity to be reeeeeally good. ))

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes to that! Thanks

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James Ron's avatar

Good for him, and his mother! Going home is a good thing.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

One would hope. Thanks James Ron

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A.T. Symeonidis's avatar

"Or live anywhere at all." My feelings exactly.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

As long as we choose life, we have hope. Right?

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A.T. Symeonidis's avatar

We should.... but, lately, I struggle with the very idea of hope... Life's a bitch and then you die (the favorite reminder of an old army friend.... who, BTW, died at 101 !!!!!!)

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Wade Terry's avatar

Nice twist to the story….

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Wade!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

What a benevolent, artful way to prevent unnecessary deaths. And the fact that there was no increase by other means. I hope he found that he truly can go home again. Another good one, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Sue. I just ran across this bit of history and felt like this city does what it can to care for its people. I was impressed, but I don't know the whole story, obviously.

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Janice Walton's avatar

I'm glad he decided to go home I always think of the anguish loved ones feel when that is someone's solution.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Our life belongs to us and it is our choice to end it if we want, I think. But suicide can cruelly inflict life long pain on the people left behind.

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Janice Walton's avatar

I totally agree.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I am glad he chose hope. And love.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Me, too. Thanks Mark

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David Perlmutter's avatar

A novel approach to dealing with suicides.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I just learned about this history, and I was moved by it.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

"It's never too late to come home." Lifesaving words. Never neglect to say them.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Bless all the moms, I say!

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

My experience on suicides is that sometimes it’s not a sign of desperation but deep depression. Not always treatable.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Yael. The subject of suicide is deeply complex, isn't it? I admit I know nothing about it, really. Thanks for your perspective!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

What a hopeful ending. He had a home to which he could return where a loving and wise mother would welcome him. Brilliant change of pace, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, KC. Interesting that I first found the photo with no story in mind. Then I researched where that bridge is and the story sort of revealed itself to me. Funny how a photo can do that.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

The addition of the history of the bridge and what was done to mitigate suicides was a nice touch.

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J. Curtis's avatar

Never too late to come home, but damn if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. Beautifully written.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Mr. Curtis!

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Shocking statistics, but that's an impressive improvement.

Also, "its luminous veil of safety" is a wonderful line, and even more so when knowing what it stems from.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Nathan.

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Meg Oolders's avatar

Powerful story, Sharron. 💜

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

My own small example of "stock fiction"! I loved that photo. Thanks, sweet girl.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh, gosh. Hurrah for the luminous veil, and hurrah for the man and his mother. Such powerful words, Sharron. Spine-tingling. xxx

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