My Mentor is Dead

[TheSubtleDoctor]

This morning I found out that my dear friend and mentor had shot himself during the night. He was a Catholic priest and one of the most stabilizing influences in my life. This is the second great loss I have experienced in less than three years (I lost a child in 2009), and this man who killed himself helped me make it through the first one. He helped me with my anxiety disorder for years. His impact on my life is immeasurable, and I don't know what I'm going to do without him. He taught me many things, but possibly most importantly, he taught me to be OK with being me. My birth father shot himself when I was six years old, and now the only real father figure I've ever had has done the same thing and left me here. I can't feel much but shock and numbness, but I can see that beyond these lies a swell of anger, both at him and God. I need all of your prayers to help me through this, as I really don't know what to do with myself.

Thanks for reading.

[Edward]

I'll be praying.

[SincerelyAnomymous]

Praying as well.

[Atria35]

Praying

[TopazRaven]

I'll be praying for you and for him and his family as well. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always terrible to hear about someone taking their own life.

[Radical Dreamer]

Wow, definitely praying!

[ABlipinTime]

i'm lacking in my ability to express my shock and sympathy atm.
may God give you peace of mind and take care of your mentor's soul.

[Okami]

There is little that saddens me as much as hearing of someone taking their own life. Regardless of whether or not I knew that person - I know that they had family and people who loved them and their life has meaning for each of these people. We are all living stories, the joys and the sorrows together to create a journey. It is obvious your mentor meant a lot to you...and it chokes me up thinking about what you must be feeling right now.

It seems you already know to hold on to the things he has taught you over the years, and I can only remind you of this knowledge. He taught you much, don't let his death overshadow how much God has used him in your life.

I am saddened to hear of your loss...know that I am praying.

[Darth_Kirby]

praying as well.

[Kaori]

I can’t express how sorry I am to hear about your loss. I will definitely be praying.

[ShiroiHikari]

I'm so sorry.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Thanks for the kind words, thoughts, sympathy and prayers, everyone. Today has been kind of OK because I've been able to distract myself at work, but I go to pieces inside when I see his picture in the newspaper or the local internet news. So much anger, so many questions. This will likely be a real trial for my faith, so all yours prayers are appreciated.

Anyway, I don't want to turn this into a daily pity-seeking update or anything. Just really wanted to say thanks. It's really cool that you all care.

[Hiryu]

This will only serve to make you stronger.

[Yuki-Anne]

I'll definitely be praying for you. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you, and how angry and torn up you must feel. I know that words and cliches can't help right now, so just know that I'm praying for you, that even in the midst of grief and rage you can still say to God, "I trust you." Sometimes that's all I can say to God, and even that tastes bitter. But those are the most important times to say it. So I'm praying that you can.

[airichan623]

I'm so sorry. I will definitely be praying.

[Sapphire225]

Wow, I will definately be praying for you and his family and friends.

[Nanao]

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you for peace and comfort.

[TheMewster]

Sad. I prayed for you...

[MrKrillz0r]

Sad to hear that you had to go through all of this, praying for you.

[Dr.Faust]

praying...

[Juliannesan]

Wow, I can't believe I'm just coming upon this now. Sorry for your loss, it's been over a month, but I hope and pray that you've been doing better. :/