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giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I've read interviews from people who attempted suicide by jumping off of buildings or bridges and survived. They all held a common theme. A moment of clarity right after their feet left the ledge. With everything going on in their life, all the things that were bothering them, they could all be fixed or moved past. None of it was permanent. Except 1 thing. And that's the one thing they just did. That's final. There's no fixing that or moving on once their feet left that ledge. They all summed it up as one perfect moment of clarity and immense regret.

Must be a way to reach that without leaving that ledge...
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,027
274
North Carolina
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1461988367.077567.jpg

Dave (Giles) posted this on FB and it's a perfect fit for this conversation.....
 

Blan37

Member
1,800
64
SW Ohio
This should serve as a reminder to those of us who have not served in the military to always be grateful to those who have. Whenever you can, make sure you offer a sincere "thank you for your service." You never know when those simple words may give hope to someone who doesn't have any left.
 

at1010

*Supporting Member*
4,967
139
I respect the hell out of all you veterans.

Just an tip, always talk to friends who are cops, firefighters, etc. Ive seen first hand these folks get to the breaking point. One day your drinking beer with them, and Monday morning comes they are gone.

J- thank you for starting this thread. This is a topic that our society tends to tip toe around, especially men. We need to be able to talk about this, discuss it, tell people when your feeling down, etc. Great thread for an unfortunate situation.
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,027
274
North Carolina
Exactly Al, needs to be addressed more and educate what yo look for and how to help.... Biggest thing, when in doubt call 911....

Clergy is another avenue as well...,
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
One of my best friends fights this battle... Last year he called me in a total break down. What I did, he was very angry about for a couple of months.

I told him to stop crying and pull his shit together long enough to say hi to my daughter. He did and as soon as I handed her the phone I grabbed my wife's phone and called his local sheriff. We stayed on the phone with him until they showed up...

He lives in Wyoming, he called me with a cry for help. I helped. The next few days was very pleasing for me as his family was contacting me and thanking me. It still brings tears to my eyes, even as I type this.

Pistol was loaded and in his lap. I made the right call that day and he still thanks me for it every time we talk. He believes he would not be here today had I not did what I did. That's what true friends do folks, don't be scared to do what you have to. They will come back around, if not, I feel it's still the right thing to do.
 

Bigslam51

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
25,778
127
Stark County
One of my best friends fights this battle... Last year he called me in a total break down. What I did, he was very angry about for a couple of months.

I told him to stop crying and pull his shit together long enough to say hi to my daughter. He did and as soon as I handed her the phone I grabbed my wife's phone and called his local sheriff. We stayed on the phone with him until they showed up...

He lives in Wyoming, he called me with a cry for help. I helped. The next few days was very pleasing for me as his family was contacting me and thanking me. It still brings tears to my eyes, even as I type this.

Pistol was loaded and in his lap. I made the right call that day and he still thanks me for it every time we talk. He believes he would not be here today had I not did what I did. That's what true friends do folks, don't be scared to do what you have to. They will come back around, if not, I feel it's still the right thing to do.
Some powerful stuff there, Dave. Glad you helped your buddy out.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Some powerful stuff there, Dave. Glad you helped your buddy out.

Powerful subject. I wasn't going to post any of my personal experiences until I thought "maybe this can help others". At that point I had to dig down and relive the story to share. The tears are not from pain...they aren't from joy either. They are from a overwhelming, unexplainable emotion, very powerful indeed.

My buddies sister had their first kid 8 months ago. That poor little shit got stuck with both our names! David Michael...
 

finelyshedded

You know what!!!
Supporting Member
31,897
260
SW Ohio
Great thread J! It's really sad that a lot of our veterans are going through some hard times and aren't getting or seeking the help they deserve or need!

What you did for your friend in need Giles was so touching and moving! Thanks for sharing that!
That was also a great thing Dustin did as well!

Like others here have mentioned, I too haven't served for our country but would gladly help any struggling service members(veteran or active) any way I can.
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,027
274
North Carolina
One of my best friends fights this battle... Last year he called me in a total break down. What I did, he was very angry about for a couple of months.

I told him to stop crying and pull his shit together long enough to say hi to my daughter. He did and as soon as I handed her the phone I grabbed my wife's phone and called his local sheriff. We stayed on the phone with him until they showed up...

He lives in Wyoming, he called me with a cry for help. I helped. The next few days was very pleasing for me as his family was contacting me and thanking me. It still brings tears to my eyes, even as I type this.

Pistol was loaded and in his lap. I made the right call that day and he still thanks me for it every time we talk. He believes he would not be here today had I not did what I did. That's what true friends do folks, don't be scared to do what you have to. They will come back around, if not, I feel it's still the right thing to do.

Outstanding move on your part.... He might of been pissed but I can live that.... Most seem too get over it and move on.....

Dave it's a very emotional subject I get welled up just reading about it..... We've lost a few buddies who were fighting demons and when it first started out I'd think they took the cowards way out.... Boy was I ever wrong..... Ignorance on my part as I'd not had a clue and let my emotions just react too the situation.....

When someone reaches out don't take it for granted, get them too someone too help.... You may be their last resort.....
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I can laugh and joke with almost any subject. This is one of the few that'll get a straight face. There's a little truth to every joke...I will get very serious, very quick on this subject.

To be completely honest, I don't except any thanks on this subject. I did it for selfish reasons. I didn't want it on my mind. I would still be loosing sleep knowing that my best friend died because I let him... It still makes it hard to swallow just thinking about it.

This is also one of the reasons I'll help a complete stranger. You don't know what's going on in their life. Something stupid and small to me, could be a huge deal to someone else. Hold the door for someone, do something for a stranger, doesn't matter what. Even if they don't say thank you. You might be what saved them that day. Everyone fights battles... I WILL never judge anyone. Except maybe Chad, fuck that guy. Lol
 

Quantum673

Black Hat Cajun
Supporting Member
I will always be available for anyone that wants a hand. It is sad to see us losing 22 heroes, brothers, sisters, moms, dads, sons and daughters a day. The ones that still struggle everyday is astronomical. My dad lived with nightmares throughout his adult life. I can't imagine never getting a good nights sleep for the rest of your life. That stress on your mind and body is a load to handle. Whether you are a military vet or a public servant or a civilian remember you are not alone. You may not realize it but you are needed. I will join J Joe and the others in offering my number to any of you.

Continue to pray for all those in need.
 
I'd be curious to know what percent have been wounded in action. I know firsthand how living with physical limitations can be. I'd be more than happy to offer encouragement and a little ray of hope to anyone with physical limitations.

One of my best memories in life happened about 10 years ago in a doctors office. I was there being fitted for a leg brace. While waiting to see the doctor a young boy (about 3 years old) was on the floor playing with some toys. He had shorter than normal arms, one hand had two fingers and the other had none. He was trying to open one of those plastic balls that have different shaped holes to stick different shaped objects through. Problem was the objects were inside the ball and he couldn't figure out how to open the ball. I got down on the floor with him, took of my shoe and sock and showed him how to use his toes as his missing fingers. In a minute or so he had it all figured out and was proud as a peacock with this new independence. It made me feel great too.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I'd be curious to know what percent have been wounded in action. I know firsthand how living with physical limitations can be. I'd be more than happy to offer encouragement and a little ray of hope to anyone with physical limitations.

One of my best memories in life happened about 10 years ago in a doctors office. I was there being fitted for a leg brace. While waiting to see the doctor a young boy (about 3 years old) was on the floor playing with some toys. He had shorter than normal arms, one hand had two fingers and the other had none. He was trying to open one of those plastic balls that have different shaped holes to stick different shaped objects through. Problem was the objects were inside the ball and he couldn't figure out how to open the ball. I got down on the floor with him, took of my shoe and sock and showed him how to use his toes as his missing fingers. In a minute or so he had it all figured out and was proud as a peacock with this new independence. It made me feel great too.

That's awesome! Thanks for the big smile.