Not the victim

Today I am reminded of the guilt that can grip our lives after the loss of a loved one by suicide. It also reminds me of advice I was given a long time ago. It was that in no way did I want to live my life as a victim. When I am faced with the enemy of guilt I say to myself that I would never had allowed my son to die in any manner, if it had been my choice. I must not take on the mantle of guilt, for it does not allow the responsibility to lie where it belongs.

RESPONSIBILITY
I have the responsibility to those I love...
to be loving, patient, considerate and kind;
to be loyal, respectful, and honest;
to be appreciative, encouraging, and comforting
to share myself and care for myself
to be the best possible "Me",

BUT

I am not responsible for them...
not for their achievements, successes, or triumphs;
not for their joy, gratification, or fulfilment;
not for their defeats, failures, or disappointments;
and not for their suicide.
For had I been responsible
this death would never have occurred.

Mom left behind