Hatrack River Forum: Disturbing news day

This is topic Disturbing news day in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

Man what a day for really disturbing news stories.

First the one about the woman who was allegedly having sex with an 8 year old boy:

http://beta.abc3340.com/news/stories/1104/186149.html

Then, I get a call from someone in my church informing me that the brother of a friend of mine committed suicide in front of his wife and three children.

[Frown]

Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :

That's not right! I'm sorry about your friends brother. Hope things go well for the family.

Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :

That's just horrible. I feel for every member of that family. What a terrible thing to have to experience.

As for the article you linked to, my god.

Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :

I used to not understand the darkness and pessimism of Twain's late writings. As I get older, though, the weight of all that people can do to one another starts to add up. [Frown]

I'm so sorry, Belle.

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

He had heart problems, couldn't work, the family lost everything. I actually brought can goods to my friend for them.

They moved in with his parents, and apparently he told his wife to take the kids and leave him a few weeks ago, but she refused.

What would possess you to do something that deliberately traumatizes your children like that?? The person who called me said it was a gunshot, but I haven't confirmed that by any other sources, so I'm not sure. No matter what it was - it had to be a thoroughly awful experience.

Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :

The can't-work thing is pretty powerful....a friend of a friend of ours committed suicide a few months ago, leaving letters for his children that were full of how worthless he was because he couldn't work and how everyone was much better off without him. He didn't do it in front of his kids, though. He drove out into the county, abandoned his car and walked out into the woods where I think he was hoping no one would find him. He shot himself there.

I'm really sorry Belle. That is very difficult stuff there.

Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :

*hugs* Sara, Twain's later writings breaks my heart. It does seem sometimes that the only options are either naiveté, sad disillusionment,or apathy, but there just has to be a fourth option somewhere.

Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :

I am so so sorry to hear that Belle. Prayers for peace to their family.

Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :

That's awful, Belle. I'm so sorry.

I can sympathize more with the man in jeniwren's story; if he felt he had no choice but to end his life, at least he had enough decency left not to do it where his family would see. But to kill oneself while one's spouse and children are right there watching...there are no words.