Sad

My friend Barry M apparently couldn't deal with his life any longer. A mutual friend called me this morning and told me he committed suicide last night.

Barry was one of my first customers when I started my computer wholesale business. I met him in January of 1986. He enjoyed giving me business in the beginning and often talked about it when we ran into one another. We both missed those exciting days when a 20Mb hard drive was huge news!

I rarely saw Barry or his family, but coincidentally ran into his two sons, who are in their young twenties at a local watering hole just 3 weeks ago. I was blown away at how much they had grown up. I've known them since they were tweeners.

I asked about Barry and they told me he wasn't doing well. They said he was depressed and struggling over a decision by his wife to leave him. I asked them both repeatedly to tell Barry I said hi, that I loved him, and to have him call me. A few days later I sent an email to the older son to be sure he had my contact info, but I never heard from any of them unfortunately.

Obviously I wish I had taken the initiative to reach out to Barry, but I really didn't think he wanted me around during this crisis. We weren't that close.

Just sad. No mid-life is bad enough to justify suicide in my opinion.

I'll be back soon with some lighter things to post about. Meanwhile keep your chin up and make the best of your situation, whatever that may be.