Suicide isn't painless

It happened on April 26 on I-81 near Mint Spring when a 53 year old Buena Vista woman purposely walked in front of a tractor trailer causing instant death. It happened again on May 19 on I-81 near Verona when a 60 year old Verona man did the same thing.

The lyrics of the theme song of M*A*S*H*, seem to justify or at least explain suicide -

The game of life is hard to play

I'm gonna lose it anyway

The losing card I'll someday lay

so this is all I have to say.

suicide is painless

It brings on many changes

The person who chose to end his or her life is gone and that earthly pain is over. But any suicide leaves family and friends with the enduring pain of sadness, loss, and perhaps many unanswered questions.

Suicide committed this way spreads the pain to the driver of the vehicle, who although totally blameless, will recall and question, and feel pain for the rest of his life. Suicide committed this way spreads the pain to first responders and other motorists and their families who witnessed the horrific event.

Vehicular suicide isn't painless. It is intentional. It is selfish. It is cruel and painful to all the innocents who are unwittingly forced to participate.