304: in his own way

 

thank you for all of the love you have been sending. i feel it.

You know me- I'm open and don't usually shy away from sharing the hard stuff. I do hesitate to tell you  this, just because it's so raw and harsh. But it will be in the paper in the next day or so anyways, and more people will read it there than they will in this post.

So (with my father's blessing) I am just going to say it :

Thursday night, my brother Michael killed himself.

He didn't want us to dance around it, so we aren't.

This is the first line of his obituary, which we finalized last night:

Michael Averinos left this life in his own way on February 19, 2009.

 

keep sending the love.

xo, m

Comments

[Suzanne]

Dear Melissa:
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Michael. You and your family are in my prayers during this unbelievably hard time.

[Smellyann]

I am so very sorry.

[Viv]

Dear Melissa

There are no comforting words, just hugs.

[liz elayne]

i am so sorry. so very sorry to read this.

tonight, i hold you and your family in my heart. i send you and yours love and more love.

[Melinda]

I'm very sorry. You're so brave to share this with us - my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

[Carli]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Melissa. I'm so sorry for your loss x

[Brenda]

No words. Look after yourself and your family.

[Susan Fernald]

oh Melissa. I hope the love and support you are feeling will in some small way bring you a bit of comfort. thinking of you and your family in my prayers . . .

[Karen]

Dear Melissa, I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Leslie]

Oh Melissa I am so very sorry to hear this. My 25 year old uncle left his life as well a few years back and just last year my sister lost her life. While I don't know what you are going though I can imagine. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers as well as your family!

[Tracey]

Oh Melissa! I am so sorry to hear this.
Thoughts and strength to you and your family.

[annie]

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Annie

[elena]

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss.
Take care,

Elena

[donna]

Dear Melissa and all your family ,l was so sorry to hear your sad news today .l pray that you feel gods love surrounding you all in these coming weeks..and in the knowledge that at least your brothers torment has now found peace..my friends husband took his life five years ago..we have been to some dark places as a group of friends in her support.PLEASE do not take onboard everything people say to you, in all good faith..somethings are unkind and said without thought,l pray you are surrounded by kind loving friends at this time.A HUGE HUG to you.xx

[Amy]

I'm so sorry Melissa. I hope he is now at peace.

[patty]

OH, Melissa! I am so truly sorry about your brother. I am sending lots of love, hugs and positive wishes that you and your family may find peace and understanding in this awful tragedy.

A really dear friend of mine took his life at a very early age. We were both just barely 18 when it happened and the memory has stayed with me till this day. There is so little one can say in a situation like this, so I will just keep you in my thoughts and send my love.

Your friend,
patty

[Kate]

My heart just breaks for you -- I am so sorry. We will be sending you lots and lots of love and positive vibes. I am speechless, and can't imagine how you feel. Lots of love, Kate

[Tanya Whelan]

Melissa, I'm just so very, very, sorry about your brother. Our family is familiar with the struggles depression can bring, don't know if depression relates to your situation, but I'm just overwhelmed by the sadness of your loss. Wishing you and your family healing in the coming days and years.

With love, Tanya

[Wendy]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I hope that fond memories of good times with your brother can help you endure this most difficult time.

[Rebecca]

I am so sorry to hear that, even though I barely know you. I hope that you and your family can find peace in these difficult times, and from all of the comments here I can tell you are very loved. Take care.