Do guns cause suicide? I believe it is very callous and self-serving for those on the political left to hijack so sensitive an issue as suicide to further their political ends.

In April of 1979 I stood in front of my bedroom mirror with a .357-magnum revolver pointed at my temple. My wife had just left me and the walls of life were crashing in. I felt alone with no one to help. I did not know which way to turn or what to do. I stood there for what seemed like an eternity with a million questions, fears and feelings bombarding my mind before I came to the conclusion that it was not all about my hurt, but that my daughters needed me to raise them. I was one of the fortunate ones. I put the revolver away and then found the strength to rebuild my life, through a really great church.

If you are considering or even thinking about suicide please do not. Your life really is precious and there is help out there to rebuild your life. Please pick up the phone and call any church or counseling service — they’re all in the Yellow Pages — or the Maine Info Line at 211. You can even go to 211maine.org and search their data bank for assistance with your problem. (The Maine Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-888-568-1112.)

Life is not the problem, but all about your potential. Please reach out for help.

Has my life always been easy? No, but it has been worth it.

Dave Ricker

Wiscasset

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