Be The One – We never know how important those words are until it is too late. Yesterday, Dec. 9th, 2024, a friend of mine and others here at the Post committed suicide. Many of us knew him. His name was Larry Doughty and his nickname was “Sidecar Larry”.
Larry was an Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. Recently, a number of things happened in his life to convince him that he didn’t have anything else to live for as difficulties piled up. He lost his wife several months ago, then he lost his transportation and his costs of living were going up as his rent was increased.
I spoke with him about once every two to three weeks or so and never heard anything in what he would say to indicate he was in so much pain. He kept it hidden. I’m looking back and wondering if I missed something. Could I have done more?
I knew there were issues in his life but my own concerns were taking priority. Did I miss taking a phone call or not reach out to him when he needed it? I’m wondering. Could I have done more? I’m wondering.
If I did more would it have changed anything? I’m wondering, and now I’ll never know.
Make the call. Stop by. BE THE ONE.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to help Larry’s daughter, Lisa, with the funeral expenses. Please donate HERE: https://gofund.me/df92c2cc
