My dad tried when I was in high school. I was walking home from school and saw the police cars in front of our house. I was very sad for his pain. My heart still breaks at the thought.

I guess I'm different. I didn't see him as selfish, or anything....just as a father that I loved.

He's gone from cancer for over 20 years now, and I still miss him. I guess many would have moved on, but he lives in my heart still.

Then my ex's girlfriend did kill herself in March. I never talked to her in person, but I can imagine what she went through. From what my kids have told me, I don't know that I would have liked her, but NOTHING, nothing, is worth what she did. I will keep her alive in my kids minds on some level. I will wish her well. If I ever get the chance to help her kids ....I will. That's just me.

Sure there are people who will never look back. Those aren't people I respect.

Just my take on life.....

Hugs.

@patti22 - sorry to hear about your father; was the suicide attempt a result of marital issues exclusively or was he already depressed?

Mal my now X partner attempted suicide and I was supportive but also pulled back for a bit because I was afraid he would try again. with therapy it really helped to put things back together. I think in some ways because of my own depression/anxiety I could really relate to how he was feeling and overall be supportive.

look under my posts, under my id or name , go to the first post I put on

It was over 20 years ago. I was 22. From what I can figure out, my dad always had issues, and my mom did too. Their marriage was a sad disaster, although they never divorced.

So my best guess to your question, is a bit of both.

It would be great if we all had enough insight and strength to heal each other......but the reality is that we don't.

Learning how to put myself first enough to find what I NEED for myself wasn't easy.

What I would like to say to you, is that you are WORTH it. As much as I am, as much as your ex, as much as your child......as much as ANYONE else in this world. None of us are irreplacable, but at the same time......none of us ARE replacable.

Look for solutions everywhere. Self help books, internet support, friends, family, theapy, medication........ And know that none of those will always be there for you. All will disappoint at times, but there IS enough out there to fill what you need.

To steal a line from a song, you really CAN drive it home with "one headlight". We all get dinged going through life. Hang on. You will get through this, like it or not, time moves on....and stuff will pass if you let it.

The trick is letting it. Which is easy for some, and was really, really, really hard for me.....until it wasn't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzyfcys1aLM&feature=player_detailpage