Letter: Suicide story appreciated

Thank you, thank you, thank you for printing the article, “Coping with suicide” (Nov. 19 Denver Catholic Register).  I lost my mother two years ago, on Easter Sunday, to suicide.  I am so glad that our Church recognizes that suicide is often a direct result of a mental illness. 

I have an additional thought for your readers.  When someone you know suffers from this type of loss, please refrain from using the phrase, “committed suicide.”  Suicide is not a crime that was “committed,” but rather a horrible tragedy.  Many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide use terms such as, “completed suicide,” “lost a loved one to suicide” or “took their life” rather than “committed suicide.” 

I am incredibly proud that my alma mater is hosting the conference.  I will be there. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be with people who truly understand the pain that is left behind in the wake of a suicide.

Tona Greco
Fort Collins