Last weekend, my best friend and his girlfriend were married. The night before the ceremony, (which I assume is traditional) the rehearsal dinner took place. I arrived at the church on time and was introduced to extended family and friends, and, after going through the steps several times, we all went to eat together. I was seated next to the Bridesmaid. She was young, 25, I think, and I found her to be pleasant and funny and completely happy to be taking part in this event for her best friend. We talked a little, mostly (I thought) joking about the inevitable 7th yr itch that supposedly strikes all marriages. (She and her husband were in year 7 of their marriage, though they had been dating for almost 9 years.) Before the rest of us were finished with dinner, she packed a to go box to take to her husband.
The wedding came off perfectly, and the reception afterwards was fun. The bridesmaid sat at our table and seemed to enjoy the music and food. Sometime after the toast, she hugged the bride and left with her husband.
Around 4:00 pm the next day, she placed a gun in her mouth and took her own life.
At 25 yrs old.
Perhaps in the coming days I will have something to say as to why this bright young girl made this decision. For now, I think I will just make myself available for my friends should they need anything. I’m a little numb.
