Just a warning.

[joedog]

I rarely share personal stuff but I feel this is something we should all be aware of.

Yesterday I got news of a friend who took his own life.
Great young man who came from nothing and turned his life and kids life into something great.

I worked with him at a large company some time ago.
He was God fearing church going great young man.
My industry is full of backstabbing bastards and he lost his job to a worthless piece of **** who wanted to steal his territory.
He took this territory and built it from nothing to one of the top producing offices in the Country.

After losing his job I helped him start up as an indepedent.
His agents LOVED him!!!

He went through a divorce and was very good to his kids.
He was a hunter and a fisherman and I personally never heard a negative word out of his mouth. Including about the bastard who STOLE his territory.
His territory's office has now been closed due to low production but the stealing BASTARD still has his job.

This young man went to his minister seeking help dealing with his divorce but his wife worked for the church and the minister basically dismissed the poor guy's concerns.
His business was some what struggling but he flat out LOVED his two boys!
Divorces sometimes can cause challenges when you run your own business.

I can not even explain how much this saddens me! I'm crying as I type and it's been a couple of days since I heard the news.

Here's why I'm posting.
This young man had close friends who were also good friends of mine.
The person who told me of this tragedy told me the morning of his death he sent letters out to his close friends.
When talking to two of his friends who live closer to him and hunted with him, I mentioned the letters.
These friends didn't even know of his passing till I told them about it.

Both had gotten emails last Thur. saying simply...."I love you man!"
They said it was so out of the ordinary they hadn't even responded, mostly due to confusion from the wording in the email.

The lession I want everyone to learn is don't take anything for granted.
Lifes tuff and some of us hide behind humor and smiles hoping not to burden others.
If you know ANYONE going through hardship don't assume everything is ok.
Especially if it's multiple hardships one after another.
REACH OUT EVEN IF IT ISN'T ASKED FOR!

I am not asking for prayers or nothing from anyone.
I don't even need or want replies.

I just want you to be thier for your friends and DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING!!!!!

I'll miss you PAT!

[Bubba_Bruiser]

Sorry for the loss of your friend, JD. Prayers for the family and friends.

[bassboogieman]

Sorry for your loss Joe. I've known several individuals that have taken their own lives, for various "reasons", and it is one of the hardest of things to deal with. For those left behind it's difficult to comprehend why someone chooses to end their life, or how it could not have been prevented.

[joedog]

Thank you anglers!

I just know how much pain he must of went through before making his decision.
Maybe I know what the feeling of feeling alone when your world seems to be falling apart around you.
Maybe I know the feeling of doing everything possible to remedy your challenges just to get another one daily.
Maybe I know how much he LOVED his boys.
Maybe I know what it feels like when you think God isn't even listening.

Maybe I'm just weak.

I'll miss you Pat!