View Full Version : He took his own life...while in a Federal holding unit


Suthrndreamgirl
05-10-2008, 07:02 AM
Good friends of mine (a couple) were incarcerated in a Federal holding facility...awaiting sentencing...when we received a call last week that the husband took his own life. Devestation doesn't begin to describe what his wife is going through. Now, not only has she lost the love of her life (of 19 yrs.), but she must now face doing her time alone. They have 2 minor children (ages 15 & 16) left to fend for themselves....their mother going to prison & their father gone forever.
We'll never know "why?". Only he & God knows now. This couple has been through ALOT together over the years....& always vowed no matter what the situation...they could get through it together. And they always have...side by side. I personally feel that he must have thought if he took his own life....he would be taking all that they faced with him....somehow making it "better" for her & the rest of his family. The "ultimate sacrafice". We always knew he loved his family more than life itself...but NEVER could any of us believe he was even capable of this. I can't imagine what he must have felt or was going through...to be able to actually follow through with this. He was one of the strongest men I knew....physically & mentally. Well respected & loved by many. How does this happen?
My heart aches for his wife & children. They have a long road ahead of them. She will be sentenced in August...then off to prison to do their time herself. To lose your spouse is hard enough under the best of circumstances....but being incarcerated....& not being able to be with your children who need her now more than ever is unthinkable. The years ahead will be unbareable to say the least.
I (& I know she would also) greatly appreciate any words of comfort & support any of you could offer her. I am hoping to print off & send to her messages to let her know that there are others that have (& are) going through losing a loved one while incarcerated...& that she's not alone.

angel12569
05-10-2008, 11:31 AM
My heart goes out to your friend and her family. I'm so sorry for the loss of her husband. I can not even imagine the pain that the your friend and children are going through. My prayers are with them during such a stressful time.

dmmke08
05-10-2008, 12:51 PM
Good friends of mine (a couple) were incarcerated in a Federal holding facility...awaiting sentencing...when we received a call last week that the husband took his own life. Devestation doesn't begin to describe what his wife is going through. Now, not only has she lost the love of her life (of 19 yrs.), but she must now face doing her time alone. They have 2 minor children (ages 15 & 16) left to fend for themselves....their mother going to prison & their father gone forever.
We'll never know "why?". Only he & God knows now. This couple has been through ALOT together over the years....& always vowed no matter what the situation...they could get through it together. And they always have...side by side. I personally feel that he must have thought if he took his own life....he would be taking all that they faced with him....somehow making it "better" for her & the rest of his family. The "ultimate sacrafice". We always knew he loved his family more than life itself...but NEVER could any of us believe he was even capable of this. I can't imagine what he must have felt or was going through...to be able to actually follow through with this. He was one of the strongest men I knew....physically & mentally. Well respected & loved by many. How does this happen?
My heart aches for his wife & children. They have a long road ahead of them. She will be sentenced in August...then off to prison to do their time herself. To lose your spouse is hard enough under the best of circumstances....but being incarcerated....& not being able to be with your children who need her now more than ever is unthinkable. The years ahead will be unbareable to say the least.
I (& I know she would also) greatly appreciate any words of comfort & support any of you could offer her. I am hoping to print off & send to her messages to let her know that there are others that have (& are) going through losing a loved one while incarcerated...& that she's not alone.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her at this time of need. It truly is devastating to go thru this alone. My prayers are with her. Be strong for your children as they will need you to be.

MountainMom
05-10-2008, 01:13 PM
My prayers of strength and peace go out to your friend and their children during this devastating time. My father committed suicide when I was 23 and it is something that simply can never be fully explained. Suicide happens in more families that one realizes, until it happens in your own and then suddenly people come out of the woodwork. He must have not been able to see a light through the end of the tunnel and truly believed that being around would be too much of a challenge to bear for himself or his family. It will be natural and quite expected to go through many different emotions, including anger and frustration as it can be seen as a very selfish act. However, we need to remember that it's never meant to be taken that way and he must have been in a tremendous amount of pain.

My husband suggested I read "The Tibetan Book on Living and Dying", which is a Buddist way of looking at death and dying. It answered many questions I had and I'm very grateful for it's insight. I also suggest having the children see a counselor as they must have a great deal on their minds and they might not want to burden their Mom with their emotions right now and could use some outside, un-biased support. I send each and every one of them my prayers, including her husband as he could use them now too.

flymom
05-10-2008, 05:08 PM
My prayers are with this family, and with her husband. He must have been in more pain then anyone realized. Sadly, he's not alone. I have a friend who lost his son to suicide 2 years ago. My own father, denied some medical options, and chose to die. I do believe this husband knew his wife was strong, and that she could manage alone or he wouldn't have left her alone. She needs to draw on that strength, and strength from the Lord. ( or her own religion). Hospice has free services for children. Our church (Catholic) offers a support group for free as well for kids who have lost a parent. There's help out there, people do care, I care. Life is not easy, as most of us have found out. In prison, she could speak to a chaplain.
I'm sorry for the family's loss, Lord BLess them, and you , for being such a good friend.

greeneyedlady19
05-11-2008, 02:11 AM
i am so sorry for your loss. i wish the best for this mother and her children!! our prayers are definitely with them!!!!

light at end
05-11-2008, 11:22 AM
I am so sorry for he loss and the familys loss. I can't even beging to imangine how hard this is going to be for her. It's going to take a very strong woman to get through this. But she has to get through this. Her children need her now more than ever. She might think of taking the same path that her husband did but she can't. She has to think of her children. Once again I am soooo sorry for her loss. My heart is aching and goes out to her right now.

Mauigirl
05-12-2008, 04:37 PM
I am so sorry for you.My prayers and thoughts are with you.Words do not come easy ...

txred9876
05-12-2008, 05:14 PM
At times like these words are often not enough but I want you to know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

When I was faces with some huge adversities I turned to my faith and it helped a great deal.

Tina

TheGeneralsWife
05-12-2008, 06:14 PM
I am so sorry to hear that, my heart gpes out to the wife and their children. Iwill remember them in my prayers tonight.

softheart
05-13-2008, 12:28 PM
My thoughts and prayer go out to her and her family.

Hugsss
softie

jasonzwifey2011
05-14-2008, 09:34 AM
God Bless your friend and her family. My prayers for her husband are added also - the Lord will comfort her and I'm sure He has a greater plan in store, even though she may not see it yet. My stepson's cousin just committed suicide 3 weeks ago - he was 13. It is unfathomable why someone does this but I'm sure they have their reasons. I hope the children are able to get counseling because my stepson (who is 13 also) is truly benefiting from it with his father being incarcerated and his cousin leaving him like this. Keep ya head up and turn to God for comfort. HE will see you through.

God Bless you many times over,

*~Meri and Jason~*

timsbaby41
05-14-2008, 10:10 AM
I am so sorry for your loss.Maybe the judge will show some mercy when sentenceing her.Will her childen be able to visit thier mom? keep us posted hugs to you girl.I will keep her and the kids in my prayers

Nowheretoturn
05-14-2008, 11:51 AM
I am so sorry. As the wife of a man who has attempted suicide on more than one occasion, I can tell you it leaves the wife in a state of total shock. Every thing that she thought was, isn't. And then to be facing prison on top of it... I feel so much pain for this entire family. May Jesus Christ carry them through this.

Suthrndreamgirl
05-14-2008, 09:17 PM
Thank you all so very much for your kind words, prayers & support. Just knowing people truly care brings so much hope to what seems like such a hopeless situation...especially with her incarceration.
They had been together since she was 17 yrs. old...he's all she knew. Everything they did (down to going grocery shopping every week) they did together. Now that he's gone...& she's facing Federal time....I know she has to be terrified...along with feeling very alone. But with the love & support of her famly & friends (& you good folks here at PTO)...she'll get through it. She'll learn to live life again...one day at a time.
Again, thank you all....sincerely. God bless.

xxPepsixx
05-15-2008, 04:41 AM
My heart and prayers go out to you and your friends family. May God give you all strength to get through this.

DOCSux1
05-15-2008, 10:49 AM
Good friends of mine (a couple) were incarcerated in a Federal holding facility...awaiting sentencing...when we received a call last week that the husband took his own life. Devestation doesn't begin to describe what his wife is going through. Now, not only has she lost the love of her life (of 19 yrs.), but she must now face doing her time alone. They have 2 minor children (ages 15 & 16) left to fend for themselves....their mother going to prison & their father gone forever.
We'll never know "why?". Only he & God knows now. This couple has been through ALOT together over the years....& always vowed no matter what the situation...they could get through it together. And they always have...side by side. I personally feel that he must have thought if he took his own life....he would be taking all that they faced with him....somehow making it "better" for her & the rest of his family. The "ultimate sacrafice". We always knew he loved his family more than life itself...but NEVER could any of us believe he was even capable of this. I can't imagine what he must have felt or was going through...to be able to actually follow through with this. He was one of the strongest men I knew....physically & mentally. Well respected & loved by many. How does this happen?
My heart aches for his wife & children. They have a long road ahead of them. She will be sentenced in August...then off to prison to do their time herself. To lose your spouse is hard enough under the best of circumstances....but being incarcerated....& not being able to be with your children who need her now more than ever is unthinkable. The years ahead will be unbareable to say the least.
I (& I know she would also) greatly appreciate any words of comfort & support any of you could offer her. I am hoping to print off & send to her messages to let her know that there are others that have (& are) going through losing a loved one while incarcerated...& that she's not alone.

My heart goes out to the family. I really can identify with this post, because both my husband's brother, and his oldest son died within a 5 month period last year, and my husband could NOT attend either funeral. It was such a hard time, and when his son died, that just devastated him so much...:mad:

love_me4ever
05-15-2008, 04:31 PM
whoah, I can not imagine what this woman ( your friend ) is going through, as this has got to be so traumatic all around for her. My heart aches for her & her children.
I wish her however mass amounts of strength within that she can possibly at this painful heartaching time gain & also maintain. I wish her children as well this mass amount of strength to keep them focused & striving. She must keep strong, anchored & focused. Her kids need her more now than ever.
Please let her know my condolonces out to her & that I send her in thoughts lots of strength & peace within ...:grouphug:

BUsWifey
05-17-2008, 01:38 AM
My deepest sympathy and Prayers go out to you, her, and their family. I'm so sorry to hear this. Be strong and GOD will handle the rest. :grouphug:

nortynou
06-02-2008, 04:14 AM
I am so sorry for the loss. My thoughts are with her and I hope that she can be at home with her kids soon.

sukura
06-02-2008, 05:03 AM
My thoughts are with you and the family!!

Waitin_4_J
06-07-2008, 09:13 AM
My heart also aches for this woman and her children. I can't imagine the pain that they are all feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Suthrndreamgirl
06-07-2008, 11:38 AM
I thank you all so much. I have printed off & mailed (& will continue to do so) your kind words of comfort & support. She was sincerely touched by each & every one.
To update you on things...she was able to attend the viewing (not the actual service)...but at least was able to be there. Her attorney had to file a motion with the court...& had a hearing in order to get it approved. Her attorney (along with a retired prosecutor) escorted her. He has really went above & beyond to help her through this difficult time. Her daughter is staying with her aunt in one state. Her son is here with a cousin. The seperation has not been easy....but the children are both in the best place possible for their individual needs & care. Her son is staying with me this month attending summer school, catching up on time missed from school. My son is attending also, so they go together.
He also made the baseball team (no surprise...he's a star athelete)....& is doing well with that. He pitched last nights game....they won 32-3! I think it's important to keep life as "normal" as possible for him. He's had to go through (& has lost) so much. He just needs to be able to be a kid. We're planning on visiting with his sister after he finishes his summer school classes. There's a big theme/amusement park where she lives...so that will be fun for both of them. Just to be able to spend time together will be good. Sometimes I believe the children do better at handling things than the adults do. My friend has her good days & bad. She mises her husband terribly....& being away from her children is unbareable. She has always been THE BEST mother. Very active in her childrens lives. It's absolutely killing her to be away from them. We all talk daily...she is still their mother...guiding & loving them each & every day, even considering her incarceration. I know the road ahead wil be extremely difficult, but we're all going to get through this together. Again, thank you all for your kind words & support. It truly does help her get through each day knowing that people do care...& she's not alone.

ADXDUNGEON
06-07-2008, 01:24 PM
Good friends of mine (a couple) were incarcerated in a Federal holding facility...awaiting sentencing...when we received a call last week that the husband took his own life. Devestation doesn't begin to describe what his wife is going through. Now, not only has she lost the love of her life (of 19 yrs.), but she must now face doing her time alone. They have 2 minor children (ages 15 & 16) left to fend for themselves....their mother going to prison & their father gone forever.
We'll never know "why?". Only he & God knows now. This couple has been through ALOT together over the years....& always vowed no matter what the situation...they could get through it together. And they always have...side by side. I personally feel that he must have thought if he took his own life....he would be taking all that they faced with him....somehow making it "better" for her & the rest of his family. The "ultimate sacrafice". We always knew he loved his family more than life itself...but NEVER could any of us believe he was even capable of this. I can't imagine what he must have felt or was going through...to be able to actually follow through with this. He was one of the strongest men I knew....physically & mentally. Well respected & loved by many. How does this happen?
My heart aches for his wife & children. They have a long road ahead of them. She will be sentenced in August...then off to prison to do their time herself. To lose your spouse is hard enough under the best of circumstances....but being incarcerated....& not being able to be with your children who need her now more than ever is unthinkable. The years ahead will be unbareable to say the least.
I (& I know she would also) greatly appreciate any words of comfort & support any of you could offer her. I am hoping to print off & send to her messages to let her know that there are others that have (& are) going through losing a loved one while incarcerated...& that she's not alone.

So sorry to hear this. How much time was he facing??? I read an article on prison suicide and not suprisingly the more time one faces the greater the chance of suicide.

Joe'sPumpkinPie
06-11-2008, 01:55 PM
I truly cannot imagine the pain that family is going through. I ache so badly for them and my heart goes out to them.

Dear Heavenly Father, bless those who are mourning the loss of a loved one; a best friend, a lover, a partner, a soul mate, a husband, a father, a play mate. Bless them Father with the comfort of Your love. Touch their hearts. Let them know that You are always with them, holding them, guarding them, guiding them. Nothing can take away the goodness, the love and the joy they shared together and gave to one another. May their memories be joyful ones. Lord, You know there will come a time when they are able to face each new day with hope and positive thought and feelings and You will be there. You will be there because You never left them. When things are at their worst and we feel we are unable to carry on, Lord, that is when You lift us up and carry us. You never desert us. Your love and comfort is always there. Lord, let their days be enriched with friendship and their lives encircled by Your love. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

siciliaangel
06-11-2008, 08:00 PM
I like many of people before this whole prison talk would just say i am sorry for your lost but now i'll say this I'm sorry for your lost Just remmber that no matter what you have two kids counting on you to hang in there and be strong i know you can not be present with them,but letters of words of comfort and having vists for the time being is going to help alot.Hang in there My prays are with you.


Together Forever Faithfully!

ChicosgrrlinCO
06-11-2008, 09:13 PM
OMG!!!!
:grouphug: :broken: :grouphug:

My heart and thoughts are out to you and your friend. Stay strong yourself. . . . please.

ntshadow1
06-28-2008, 12:56 AM
I'm sorry to hear that she is having to go through this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

Prov31
06-28-2008, 10:57 AM
Heavenly Father - I come to you and lift Suthrndreamgirl's friend. Father I asked that you continue strenthening her to the point that she knows this kind of strength comes from you. Father I pray that while she is in prison that someone you have chosen will start planting seeds in her head. For you have said You will never forsake us that if we knock you will open the door. She is Your child, Lord, and I know you will take care of her. I also lift up her children, Lord. I also pray that they will grow closer to you so when mother and children are reunited they can share the awesome things You have done in their lives. I also lift up Suthrndreamgirl, Father what an awesome friend she is. She may not know this but You have chosen her to be Your messenger. Bless her, Father. In Jesus name I pray - Amen

Also give her this verse from Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

May Our Father be with you all.

Rene.E2008
06-28-2008, 07:23 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with them.

poppyfanta
07-11-2008, 09:07 AM
i am so sorry for your loss

lenny'sbaby
09-22-2008, 05:22 PM
First of all my heart and soul goes out to all of you. Speaking as the daughter who's father took his life behind the walls: when I was 13. I implore you get those children counselling. They may appear to be adjusting just fine, much better than the adults, BUT they're not. They're world has been shattered, everything they thought they knew, they are now questioning. I applaud you for standing by them.
Just my humble advise, but I looked great from the outside and it wasn't until I was in my 30's did I deal with all the pain.

prisonwife1965
09-22-2008, 05:45 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine what all you have gone thru. Here if you ever just need to talk.

emotionsickness
09-23-2008, 10:23 AM
I'm deeply sorry to hear of such a very painful and shocking development regarding your loved one's life. My heart goes out to you and I'm numb as I try to put my sorrow and empathy into words. I hope that you'll be strong as soon as the shock wears off and I hope you can make some sense of it and come to a place of acceptance and healing about it. God help you cause this is not gonna go away soon and for that I feel so bad for you. God bless you my dear one and give you strength to make it through just today and to ease your unimmagineable burden of pain and disbelief. I"m so sorry.... :(
Please try to hang in there and I don't know that I could make it through this without therapy and medication. God help you and I'm here if you need to talk please PM me. God bless you and help you right at this moment.

Respectfully and sorrowfully,

emotionsickness