My letter to the editor

Friday afternoon I sat down and wrote emails and letters, including one to the editor. It didn't make it into Saturday's paper or Sunday's paper, but it's in today's:

Important Day for Suicide Prevention

I didn't choose the title, the newspaper always does.

There are already negative comments, 2 so far, but there are also 3 supportive ones.

Friday was such a big day, so emotional, and I don't think I have completely gotten back to "normal" just yet. Days like that always bring up issues connected to our loss and this day was no different.

My friend Marilee would be commenting on this, she took me under her wing after Henry died and was pretty much my only commenter for years. Unfortunately, she passed away a couple of years ago. And, yes, I still miss her and her kindness.
And, of course, I miss Henry. I wouldn't be doing any of this if it wasn't for him.

A bittersweet day for many of us

My husband and I just came back home from attending a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Bridge Authority. Today was all about approving a funding plan for the suicide barrier.
It's been over 6 years of being involved in all this for us, 6 years of talking, writing, signing petitions, visiting politicians' offices, arguing with opponents (more L than I, I don't have a thick enough skin for that), pestering friends and family for help with petitions.
The barrier, a marine grade steel net under the bridge, was approved in September of 2008, but there was no way to fund it. That's been an ongoing struggle.
Today's meeting was very emotional. There was a wonderful speech by California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who has been in favor of a barrier for a long time, there were emotional speeches by people who have lost loved ones to bridge suicides and speeches by at least two directors. All urging to board to vote in favor of the funding plan.
The vote was a unanimous "yes."
It will be at least 3-4 years before the net is in place. Bids will have to be submitted, the work will have to be done - safely - and, hopefully, then there will not be any more suicides from this bridge.

New suicide data

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has released new facts and figures about suicide:

Facts and Figures

The site also has links to plenty of other suicide related subjects, including warning signs, risk factors, suicide prevention and ways to get involved.