THIS SHOW was recorded shortly after the suicide deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. In the media there followed, once again, a cultural discussion of what are the social causes, the psychological complexities and possible preventions of suicide – all of which are extremely vital discussions.

But in this episode I wanted to focus on how we can help those who are left behind, the family, relatives and close friends who now must live out the rest of their lives with the consequences of the dramatic and traumatic decision of someone else. What can we say and do that might offer genuine comfort and strength in the midst of their pain?

To that end, I have called upon my friend of over 40 years, Larry Enriquez. He is an extraordinarily empathetic, gifted and wise counselor, who in his long career – part of which has been spent as a ride-along police chaplain – has helped thousands of people deal with the severest forms of grief and loss. He talks of the difficulty of entering into the pain of others, of the depression, guilt and anger that haunts many suicide loss survivors, and how having seen the results of so many violent deaths has sometimes affected own health. My desire is that by listening to his story and his experiences we might learn something that can help us help others.

Larry is also a singer-songwriter, and before I have him offer a personal, parting word to anyone who might be suffering the unique grief that follows the death of a suicide, I play one of the many songs he has recorded.

LINKS
• Music Notes: Bensound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsOw7Tu7dlQ and Hyson:
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Hyson/Soundtrack_for_the_Weary_Vol_I/Hyson_-_Whispers

About Larry Enriquez
• Email Larry at [email protected]
• Some of Larry’s music can be found on YouTube channel OCCOntario

HOW TO FIND ME
• Email [email protected]
• Website asmallgoodthing.org