The Leo Club — Suicide, Success & Serendipity

(first posted Sept 2021)

“Let everything happen to you.

Beauty and terror.

Just keep going.

No feeling is final.”

– Rainer Maria Rilke

An action, however, can be final.

A year ago, the husband of a dear friend of mine hung himself from the staircase in the family home. In addition to his widow, he left behind three sons, aged 18, 23 and 27.

Over the past year, I have had many conversations with my friend, listening and supporting her as best I can as she struggles to come to terms with his death…trying to accept the unacceptable. I have also had several conversations with each of the boys.

The courage, wisdom, and strength of all of four of them continues to amaze and inspire me…and many other people, as well.

One of the positive things that has come out of our heartfelt conversations over the past year is the formation of what is affectionally called, “The Leo Club,” as in Leo DiCaprio, the Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist.

There are only two members in this club: me and the 18-year-old son. The Leo Club came about because during…