Desperate situations

This letter is in reference to an article in the May 16 issue of The Alabama Baptist. The article was about the need for churches to be equipped to deal with persons who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. 

In the article, Frank Page told about the suicide of his daughter. I can relate to their grief because on Sept. 23, 2008, my only son, at 24 years of age, shot himself in the head standing just a few feet away from me in our front yard. 

I learned later that my son had confided in a Christian leader about his situation and (that person) had done nothing to remedy the situation.

Honestly I don’t think he knew how to help my son because I didn’t either. I only knew how to pray for him. I still carry a lot of grief and guilt because I didn’t know how to help my child in this desperate situation.

Thank you for your efforts Pastor Page and The Alabama Baptist. My prayers go out to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child in such a tragic way.

Edith Foster
Tallassee, Ala.