To the lost among us

[David HK]

I haven't been around the site too much lately, even in the midst of all the good results.  To cut to the point, I lost a friend, who lost his battle with depression, and ended his life.  

He was one of my rugby mates, a Kiwi.  Gregarious, charming, the sharpest of wits.  He used to write up match reports that would induce a coffee spit take the following Monday morning.  But inner struggles never left him.  He had a wife and 2 young kids.  They moved back to New Zealand a couple of years ago, and we would hear of incidents- cops, medical personnel, and such.  He quit drinking.  Came back to HK for a visit last year, repping a non-alcohol beer, and seemed his usual boisterous, endearing self.  Then came the news last week, and all the regret and sorrow.  Broken family left behind, broken mates.

This site is not only a gathering place for us long-suffering fans, but it's often a refuge from the turmoils of the world, both public and personal.   The preponderance of us are men, and being Upper Midwest as our roots are, many steeped in stoic Scandinavian stock.  We're not used to expressing much- well, beyond disappointment in our heroes on the ballfield.   This is an appeal, I guess.  Please, do keep an eye on your quiet friends.  And if you happen to be one of those quiet friends, please don't be shy about reaching out, in any way that's comfortable.  There isn't a right or wrong way, there isn't a perfect thing to say.  Chat about fishing, the Twins, or just ask how ya doin'.  Making a connection, letting someone  know you're there, and so are they- any way to feel a little less alone.

My heart is in pieces, and tears have been flowing for days on end, at the slightest impulse.  Perhaps even the simplest of connections, at the most random of times can make a difference to someone who's battling in silence.  

My friend "Broomie" - 

Kowloon Rugby Football Club

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Alex “Broomie” Broome. A Loonie legend through and through. His funeral is this Thursday 15th May and will be live streamed:...

 

[shortround81]

Oh my goodness. I'm sorry for the awful news. Thoughts to you and Broomie's loved ones 

What do you need right now?

[David HK]

4 hours ago, shortround81 said:

Oh my goodness. I'm sorry for the awful news. Thoughts to you and Broomie's loved ones 

What do you need right now?

Thanks for your comment.  I appreciate the thought very much.  Any one of us, at any time, just needs to know we're not alone out there.  

This little place on the web is a special one.  ⚾❤️

[nicksaviking]

Well written David, and spot on about people in this area feeling like asking for help is an unforgivable stain on their soul. It's not. Thanks for sharing and reminding everyone what's important, and of course, I'm very sorry to hear about your friend.

[TheLeviathan]

Sorry for your loss.  Appreciate the vulnerability and reminder that there are people out there that just need to feel loved.

[gunnarthor]

Echoing everyone else's thoughts as well and thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry. Just brutal.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm sorry that I didn't discover this thread sooner. My prayers of comfort for you, & to all of Broomy's family & friends. It's so very hard to understand sometimes how a person with so much to live for could resort to such an action but it happens too often. No matter what our views are, we are here to help. I, too, would like to encourage everyone who needs help to reach out. You don't have face whatever you are going through alone. 

[C-Gangster]

I'm so sorry. my brother has lost a friend to ending their own life and I have had struggles with my mental health and have almost done it a few times. I know this article was written a while ago but I wanted to share my condolences. And just wanted to let you know that the whole community stands with you and it's the things like this community and the little things in life that help a person this site has really helped me with my mental health and his one of the many things I've tried to/have found that make me happy.