h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Another piece of my real world. I've dealt with losses over the years, but this one strikes closer for some reason. Explained away at

http://rev-nick.livejournal.com/

I hope you don't feel as responsible as your entry seems to suggest Nick, the loss of a friend is hard enough to bear without needless burdening yourself with the weight of responsibility. If your friend was as unhappy as his actions to suggest it may well have taken more than you could possibly have done to dissuade him. I recently read Michael Palin's diaries (this might seem an odd tangent, but follow me here) during which he describes a friend of his who's wife, a long term depressive, committed suicide. The friend was philisophical, observing that his wife had suffered from 'a terminal illness', and perhaps that is what Chris had. Like any other illness, many people can be treated and get better but some, sadly, cannot. Mourn as you must but do not blame yourself.

there really aren't the words
I'm very sorry to hear that.

And I just hope that those abrasive military types get it torn off them (and that doctor)

Please don't blame yourself Nick, mourn him and remember the quiet lad who wanted his dream home

Hi Nick
The post from benjaminpmoore said it all a wise man.

Thinking of you and your friend. Need to talk you know how to get in touch. And as RG said don't blame yourself Nick.

Wise words indeed. Thanks, all.

For a time, I probably will still feel a bit responsible, certainly saddened at the waste and loss ... But mostly, right now, more than a bit angry at a few folks who WERE there, and reacted so totally wrong. It should prove to be an interesting and unsettling time at work for the near future.

Dear Nic,

Used your free postal service today my thoughts and prayers are with you

Your note has been received, and answered. Thank you, my friend.

I wish you a fine evening with your lovely tribe.

maybe you ought to print out what you have written in your journal and post it somewhere suitable for those involved to see and maybe something might hit home about their lack of concern and attitude.

this needs to be sorted by the higher ups. for that to happen in this day and age is appalling.



Rest In Peace Chris

Why not start another journal entry

'The following researchers, drawn from inividuals around the world, think nameofindividualsconcerned should whateveryouthink'

Leave it three weeks a see how many people posts their names, then pin it up somewhere suitable. Like, maybe your own home, where nobody who might get cross and remember about that 'overuse of the internet thing' might see it, but you can have the satisfaction of a moral victory.

All things considered, I wouldn't be surprised that a few prying eyes will read that LiveJournal piece ... Folks in our IT world. Too bad !!!

A young man died, not by mishap or natural causes. And very definitely in the care of medical professionals at the very minute. So you can all rest assured that some very pointed, and very demanding questions will be asked.

Oh my god. That's awful.

It can be amazing how little one knows of a friend. Today was the funeral service in his home city, about 2 or so hours distance from here. Many of the military, and a couple of my co-workers attended. They learned that he was not 25'ish, but just turned 36 this month. Once married, and divorced. And the eldest of five children, leaving a brother and three sisters, as well as his parents. All visibly shaken, as one would expect. But most visibly his youngest sister.

There will also be a memorial service for him at the Base Chapel tomorrow, Catholic. Apparently, things have changed, and even suicides can now be honoured and buried in Catholic sanctified grounds. Something else I didn't know. There are a few military co-workers who are not pleased though. While some see it as the ultimate act of cowardice, and cruelty to any surviving family, they are finding the fact of being ordered to attend a church service more of a problem. I guess they'll just have to get over it.

Guilty consciences maybe

As with a lot of folks around h2g2, some of them don't like having any religion forced on to them, reguardless of the situation. One lad has personal reasons ... He's seen the burial of too many family and military companions. He has seen some ugly actions and places in this world.

It would appear that they still have did not learnt what happens when you ignore a persons feelings, there are so many ways to pay ones respects without forcing people to attend a church service where they will be so busy resenting having to attend that little thought will be given to your friend, sincerely hope you are well

Maybe a couple of beers in the mess in the lad's memory would be better, we've done that before

I've been there, and done that, for several friends lost to illness, auto crashes and war-zones. And it's all very good for everyone, to remember in comradeship.

This time? The circumstances, the cause of death, the in-house responsibilities, and the fact that we all knew so little of him. I don't expect it will happen.

Fair enough