Melissa Jill Photography

Sandra - A friend of a friend recently committed suicide. I barely knew him. He'd been to my house a few times. I thought he was nice and he seemed to be really happy. I had no idea he suffered from bi-polar disorder. I felt his loss more deeply than I expected and this news or your loss, despite it's age, shakes me to the core. It makes me want a cure now.

Lindsay - I know you have no idea who I am but this blog has really made me emotional. I happened to come across your blog thru a friend of a friend of a friend type thing (I love looking at the work that everyone creates). I started looking at yours and read this. You see, my mother committed suicide on June 25, 2002. It is so strange because their stories are oddly similar. My mother was very involved in our church and lived her life with the goal of meeting her Jesus one day. My mother had the voice of an angel and sang in the church regularly. She also ran a daycare for 17 yrs and had so much love to give to all the children she kept. My mother was going thru a tough time which doctors have described to us as "empty nest" syndrome and was possibly having other issues as well which we were all completely unaware of. She never sought medical treatment for anything and kept it all to herself. I can't put into words what losing her has done to me. I just want you to know that you are not alone. I am praying for you and your family and for a healing thru this devastating time. May God bless all of you!

Martin Mejia - Melissa, I am very sorry for your loss and unfortunately know all too well what it feels like to lose someone in such a sad way. Weird, but one of my brother in laws also took his life on that same holiday weekend, July 5th, six years ago. Its very hard to try and understand why but you figured out the answer long before I did....they weren't in the right state of mind. It truly wasn't them. The person that I remember was the one with the big smile and it looks like its the same for you. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.

alicia - my many thoughts and prayers are with you. when i was 13, a woman who was a second mother to me (also a nurse) took her own life. i remember the phone call from my grandmother informing my mom and when she told me "linda had committed suicide", i was puzzled, because the only linda i knew would never do such a thing. but, there are parts of people we care about we may never realize exist and evidentally this is true in both cases. i'm so sorry for your loss and biggest hugs to everyone.

Jennifer - Melissa, I'm so very sorry for you and your family. Suicide is an elusive beast for those left behind to pick up the pieces. I know because I have been touched but it as well. My heart goes out to your entire family, and especially her three children. You have been in my thoughts and prayers so much.

Kristina Toddy - This is such tragic news, I am so sorry. I will include you and your family in my prayers.

Arden Ward - MJ, I am so sorry to read this news. What a hard thing to go through. Brett & I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers!

r. j. kern - our prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

emilie inc. - Oh, Melissa. I am heartbroken to read this news. So sorry for you and your family. Take good care of each other, and thanks for reminding all of us to do the same. xo

Diana Kay - My prayers are with you. I lost my older brother to bi-polar last year when he committed suicide and know how hard it is to fathom. Depression is a disease and hopefully more people will realize that. As the one's left behind we can remember the good things about them and forgive them for succumbing to their agony. Best to you in your days of mourning, and God bless.

Fiona - I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. My mother suffers from bi-polar and depression and she has been unstable at times. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Megan Beth - Melissa...I am truly truly sadden to hear about your aunt. Depression is a ugly, mean, terrible disease. I know, I've been there. I've seen the darkness and just prayed, I prayed for god to just take my life. When you are in that tunnel vision position there is no other foreseeable way of getting out of it, but to simply end it. The pain is just that unbearable. You're absolutely right, the sickness just takes over any logical thinking. And by some miracle I held on long enough to get medication and counseling. Because if I got it my way then, I wouldn't be sitting here right now. And now, today, I look back on that sick girl I once was, and cry for how close I was to ending it. Because now I see the light, now I am well, and now I understand how cruel and lonely depression can be. Please know that even though losing your aunt is so very very painful, that she is finally at rest, she is finally free of the mean illness that takes over your mind. She is finally at peace.

Suzanne Searle - Melissa, I can't even begin to imagine what you must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Amna Hakim - My prayers and best wishes are you.

Catherine Margaret Cella - Dear Melissa~ I felt lead to read your blog today and now I'm in tears for you and have pains in my stomach because I know what you are feeling, going through. Depression and suicide is more common than people think. Very, very sad. I am so sorry this happened you and your family. I lost two people I knew around Christmas time 2 years ago. I was in such a state of shock for a very long time. Be there for everyone, share your loving grace and faith and hug one another. God' strength will pull you through. Stay in his word for comfort and support. I lift your families up in prayer. God Bless You kiddo.

Carolyn Egerszegi - I'm truly sorry for your loss. I know you will find strength and comfort in your faith, friends and family as you navigate through this unbearable time. Much love to you.

Lisa - I am so sorry to hear this. I can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. Stay strong and trust in God to help you get through this...to know what to say, what to do.

Linda - So sorry for your loss, Melissa. Your family is in my prayers.

becky jbh - peace, supernaturual peace beyond all understanding, is my prayer right now, for you my friend.

Elaine - Melissa, I have never posted on your blog but this post really touch my heart! First let me say that you are wrapped in prayers by what I have read so far. It is so hard to understand depression induced suicide. My son-in laws sisters husband recently committed suicide. He was a firefighter on his shift at the fire station. His wife at home with a big bouquet of balloons and dinner plans for the evening...it was Valentines day. He hung himself from the gym equipment...no note, nothing.He was a sweet, loving husband and they had just started their lives together We will never understand. God be with you and your family through this time.

Amanda Mays - So so sorry Melissa. Sending you and your family hugs, prayers and comfort during this difficult time.

Sherry Klusman - My thoughts and prayers are with you. Suicide is such a different kind of emotion to work through. Remember that grief has no timetable. We are all here to listen when you need to talk.

Olivia - I will pray for you and your family Melissa.

maria Nissen - So sorry to learn about this sadness in your family. Prayers of comfort and peace are going out to you and your family.

Andrew - Sorry for your loss....bless.

Crystal - Melissa, I am very sorry for the loss and pain your family is in right now. I will be praying for you guys.

holly howe - so sorry for your loss, melissa. i am thinking of you, and praying for you & your family.

Elizabeth - Melissa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. My heart goes out to you all.

amy - Melissa, I am so horribly sorry for the loss your family has suffered, and in this tragic way. My thoughts and prayers are with you all...

Courtney - Melissa, I am so sorry for your family's heartbreaking loss. I will certainly say a prayer for all of you.

Elaine - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My cousin committed suicide, left no note, did not call anyone...did not say goodbye. He had so much going for him. I have to believe that if he could've just gotten past that moment he would've been ok. That he would've at least lived to see another day, to see his children, to find some happiness. :( Prayers for you and your family, may God be with you, more so, in this time.

Jennifer Disney - I'm so sorry, Melissa. I will be praying for you and your family.

Betsy - I am so incredibly sorry for you. I lost my sister to suicide a year and a half ago and I STILL can't believe she did it. I so understand your shock. We have no idea how powerful depression is, especially when we had no idea how bad it really was. I pray for peace for your family and please be kind to yourself as you experience different stages of grief. I have also lost a loved one on the fourth of July and that adds a whole other level of grief when it happens on a holiday. I'm a friend of Gail Werner, who recently attended a workshop of yours, so I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your family.

Matt Nicolosi - "Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Praying for comfort and strength for your family in this difficult time.

Cristy Cross - Oh Melissa this is very heart breaking. I'm praying for God to give you and your family strength as you are dealing with this. Find strength and comfort in God. When you are weak he is strong. And that is when his power really works wonders.

Jennifer Hague - I am so sorry to hear this Melissa. I am saddened and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Katina - I am so sorry for you and your families loss! It is very sad, but hopefully she is finally happy with maker....my thought and prayers are with you!

Mary Serantoni - Melissa, Gentle thoughts for Healing and Prayers for you and the family at this time. MLS.

Tod - Very sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you and your family at this most difficult time.

Amanda Rae - I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish you and your family all the best.

Leah - I am so incredibly sorry. I am crying tears for you right now. Thank you for sharing this, your aunt sounds like a wonderful person and I will pray for you and your family.

miranda from charlotte - oh melissa - i'm so sorry for your loss, and i will keep you and your family in my prayers... much love to you.

Jennifer Gilmore - Melissa ~ My heart goes out to you at this time. Depression is such a tricky thing. :( I pray that you will be able to move forward and heal when the time is right. Just know that you will see her again one day!

Julie DELAMARTER - so sorry, melissa. She sounded like a wonderful woman. Hard to understand. Praying for your whole family. God bless.

Joanna - Melissa, Definitely praying for you and your family. God is faithful!

Calvin Hill - Our family is still praying for your family. Lean on those family and friends. Grieving will come and when it does just let it.

Kayla - Melissa, this makes me so sad! I'll continue to be praying for you and your family. Hugs!

Karisa J. - I'm so sorry, Melissa. I will pray for you and your family.

johnwaire | photo - melissa...how incredibly sad. being with your family is the best place you can be. i can imagine how surreal this feels -- i'm hopeful that the passage of time provides some healing.

Candice - my heart aches. we will be praying for you and your family.

Leslie W. - Oh Melissa, I am so sorry to hear you and your family are hurting. I will pray for all of you and most especially your aunt Beth.

Miklós - I will be pray for you and for your family. I also will pray for her on her new road. Try to share the love and pray that will flow to you from the world. Find peace. M

Danielle - My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I hope you all make it through this tough time and can remember some of the great times you shared with your Aunt.

Bliss (Esther) - I am terribly sorry, I know how you feel. You are in the better place to be, gathering with all your family to confort each other. All my love, Melissa

Teodora - Oh, Melissa I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll be praying for you and your family.

denise karis - I'm so sorry to hear this - Ill keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers - love and peace, denise

Allison - Melissa, I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart aches for you. You & your family are in my prayers.

Lisa - I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Daniel Fuentealba - You're not alone Melissa, neither your family and none of us. Bless you and all yours.

Tina - Wow. Melissa. I am so so sorry to hear. Depression is so difficult to deal with and is more common than people realize. I know you are longing for anwsers and explanation. Only He knows. I pray for you and your family. Hopefully taking this time being with family will bring some peace to your heart and know your readers will be here with a big HUG when you return......

Jo - I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll be praying for you and the rest of your family.

Brittany Kuhn - I am so sorry about your lost. I know how you feel, as this has happened to a couple people in my family. Its very hard to understand but all you can do is pray for God to keep you safe and to help you cope. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS

chelsea hudson - i am so very sorry for your loss. my heart hurts for you.... it truly does. i hope you can find strength and peace somehow in the midst of all of this with your family around you. may God hold you all during this time....

Jennifer - Melissa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. I hope that you all can find some healing in the coming weeks.

Trina Knudsen - Melissa - My heart aches for you and your family at this time...it is so hard to be without someone you love and care for so much. May the Lord bless you and your family with peace. I will keep you all in my prayers. Hugs, big hugs!

Mike Olbinski - Add me to the list of people praying for you and your family. Such a tragic story. Feel so awful for you guys.

lroah - So sorry you are going through this - sending you a huge hug. My thoughts are with you.

kelli - Oh, Melissa, I am so sorry to hear this news about your dear Aunt. I pray that God would comfort you and your family during this difficult time. May you literally feel God's arms around you, carrying you through these days and months.

maria - Melissa- I wish I had something more eloquent to say other then I am sorry. I will be praying for you and your family I believe that God will heal the hurts and bring restoration to broken hearts.

Kristen - Thinking of you...and I love you!

Taryn Bills - Melissa I am so sorry for what your family is going through. I do want to say thank you for sharing this very personal story. Your being so candid about a painful and tragic situation is bound to give hope and strength to someone who may be going through a similar situation. Thank you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy - Although I don't know what you are going through I have lost people I loved dearly to suicide and to natural causes. I pray that the peace of Christ will surround you and your family. And may the memories of your Aunt Beth bring you joy and ease your pain.

Angie - I'm so sorry to hear that... You and your family are in my prayers.

erin - I'm so sorry Melissa. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Meghan - Oh Melissa, I'm so very sorry :-( Your aunt sounds like she was so full of life, depression and bi-polar disorder can be so damaging. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and I hope you all can quickly come to terms with what happened and grieve. We'll all be here when you can return.

Georgia - I'm so so sorry. The same thing happened to a dear loved friend of mine 7 years ago. I was so angry.. at her and God.. but mainly her. But I think the sickness and the medicine robbed her of herself. I remember my numb pain... I feel for you deeply- and especially for her children and husband. I'm so so sorry. Prayers- Georgia

Yuka photo art - Melissa, I'm so sorry for your loss....Be strong...

Kelly - These are the things I know about your Aunt Beth - she's healed. She's loved by her friends, family, and Jesus. And she'll be waiting for you all in a place where she can finally see with an unclouded mind how truly blessed she always was. My prayers are with all of you. I'll pray that my Aunt (who also suffered from bi-polar disorder and was a victim of suicide) befriends your aunt and that they rejoice in the truth they can now understand in Life after death.

Bryan - Melissa, I am a longtime follower of your blog but have never posted a comment before. My heart sank when I read this entry. I want you to know that I am praying for you, your family, and most importantly Joey and the kids. Blessings, Bryan

Michelle - Suicide is such an incomprehensible and devastating thing to deal with. I know, as I've also experienced it within my family and it's simply numbing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Blessings to you and yours.

Cherene - I am praying for you and your family. God is faithful although we don't understand why things happen. Your talent and the tribute you paid to your aunt will go a long way to bring peace to your family. God bless.

Sacha - Oh Melissa - What a tragedy that a chemical imbalance can make someone who has so much love feel so sad still. My heart aches for you and all your family. Sending you strength to get through this painful time and I pray she is at last at peace.

Jodi - I am so sorry. Don't know what do, don't know what say-I'll just pray.

Elena - Oh, Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about this. You and your family are in my prayer.

Gail - Melissa, I am SO SO sorry. Gosh, this is just awful news for you! I'll certainly be thinking about you (and saying a few prayers). May your aunt rest in peace now ...

Brittney - I am so truly sorry for you and your family's loss. I am definitely praying for you and thinking of you in this difficult time. Cling to Jesus and He can get you through anything.

Regina White - Melissa I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how you feel right now. If I could I would give you a hug. Your in my thoughts and prayers as well as your family and your aunts husband and children.

Courtney - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Melissa. I know there is probably nothing comforting that can be said right now, but just know that many people are thinking of you and wishing you and your family well. <3

Liza Roberson - I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt. There must be so many things going on in your head right now...there is also 50 kazillion things I could say but I know possibly none of that would matter right now. So I will instead have you and your family in my prayers. God Bless.

~Kristina - Do absorb our kind thoughts and prayers as you journey through this difficult time. Words do no justice. Look within and find peace.

olivia - You have them Melissa -- as does your family. I'm so sorry for you all ... peace and blessings.

Mary Schwarz - I am so sorry to hear about your aunt--and I think you're right. Mental illness is a disease and can really destroy someone. I've been a reader of your blog for a while, so I know you will take comfort in your faith in God and his sovereignty. I'll be praying for your family.

Tira J - So so sorry Melissa. We are praying for you and your entire family. I grew up next to a neighbor who suffered from bi-polar disorder and it was so scary to watch this disease take over her body and her life. Our prayers are with Joey, Phil, Jamie and Cady as they try to make sense of all of this that has happened. Know that God will protect each of them and only he knows the real answer as to why Aunt Beth ended her life. We love you MJ!