On December 12, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devastating for everyone involved. Perhaps this story will help someone contemplating suicide decide not to.

Suicide is not the solution that some may think it is. Problems and unresolved issues will haunt family and friends for many decades.

My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, always asked about his uncle. Eventually he learned to point to the sky and say, “Uncle Scott.” But the reality is that he lost the benefit and support of his uncle growing up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be lost for decades.

Suicide is permanent. And the effects it has on loved ones also last a lifetime.

My brother was only 22 when he decided to commit suicide. He was only 24 years old.

I remember going to the viewing and seeing his lifeless body. They could not erase all the signs of his violent death. And that image will stay with the living for the rest of their lives.

In the end, the temporary pain that someone escapes by committing suicide can be overshadowed by the pain and sadness of family and friends. That pain can continue throughout the decades as long as you think about it.

Missed opportunities for interaction also stunt everyone else’s growth. Countless interactions that would have occurred have now been lost. Who knows how fate changed because of such an event. The family that he could have had will not exist now.

The triumphs and setbacks of a life will never be realized. The fulfillment of a lifetime was interrupted by a decision that may have been made hastily in a moment of personal confusion or pain.

We never know who our destiny is to meet and interact with throughout life. All those ‘plays’ of life can never exist because one of the characters on stage will not be there to fulfill their role.

So the sum total of the tragedy is really unknown, but it seems likely that in what would have been decades of time, that sum must be quite high. I guess we won’t get a chance to find out.

Although I am revealing this personal family tragedy to the masses through this article, if it saves a life, it will be worth it. Write me if you ever want to talk, I’d love to hear from you.