Greg H Boe, a very close friend of mine, who took his life last year. He planned his suicide. He moved out of his apartment, put all of his belonging in storage, made requests for this final arrangements - which were to have none, and drove to a park and hung himself.
I know Greg was to know a funny, charming, smart and successful person. He did not show signs of depression. At the time he was unemployed for a couple of years. He also went through a divorce five years earlier that haunted him. Challenges - yes, terrible circumstances - not in my opinion. But my opinion, or anyone else, really did not matter. It was his opinion that mattered, his emotions that he took with him. There are no answers for a friend who learns about such an event. It is a shock with no answers.
I remind myself that life is for the living. It is in constant motion and change. There are no answers, only opinions. I will keep a smile on my face and remember my good friend for all of the wonderful times we spent together.
I was restless last night and was just poking around the usual sites I read on the Internet late at night when something in the back of my brain was reminded of Greg. So I Googled him and found this blog. After reading your writeup,I realized that I had a few unresolved things I needed to say.
ReplyDeleteGreg was a dear friend of mine, and I like to think I knew him well. We worked together for several years, and we were close personal friends.
He and I were having a business lunch when I was served my divorce papers- quite a surprise. He canceled the remainder of his day and mine to be with me in that terrible moment. He even took my calls so I could just for a moment be insulated from the maelstrom that had suddenly spun up around me.
Greg loved life, and I like to think that even though he decided to end things far too soon he definitely savored what he had and was offered. I picked up that "joie de vivre" from him, and was able to rekindle my own zest for life after my divorce in no small part to his example.
His was an act of pride. I understand it, but wish he was here with us nonetheless. He would have enjoyed the new projects currently under way. So many times I have found myself needing him professionally, and as a friend.
I wish he had made a different choice, talked to someone, let us know, done anything to prevent this outcome.
John