DEAR ABBY: My mother died suddenly three years ago and my sister overdosed a year later. I didn't know she was so depressed.
Her son, "Jordan," is the joy of my life. Every time I watch him, all I can think of is "Why?" Why did my sister choose to leave us alone? I don't know how to move on when I look at Jordan and think of my sister. Please help. -- LEFT WITH THE MEMORIES
DEAR LEFT: Please accept my deepest sympathy for the multiple losses you have suffered. Although you feel left alone by your sister's suicide, the truth is you are not alone. In the United States, millions of people's lives have been touched by suicide -- whether it was that of a colleague, friend or a family member. That you are reminded of your sister when you see your nephew is a normal reaction.
When your sister overdosed, she may have been acting on impulse and trying to end what she perceived to be intolerable psychic pain. Please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Among the many programs it offers is a listing of local support groups for survivors. The website is www.afsp.org; the phone number is (888) 333-2377.
Author Eric Marcus has written an excellent book on this subject, "Why Suicide?" published by Harper One. He, like you, is a survivor of suicide, and you may find the answers you're looking for by reading it.