I remember Forest from elementary school. He taught me all about fresh water aquariums, and I got my first one because of his influence. He had some troubles in high school, I think. I remember he was a good fellow. I wish he was still in this world.
Forest and I were good friends in grammar school , we even shared the same Birthday. At times we would shoot his pellet gun in his basement, and then with his 22.
After grammar schal atletics got in our way, and we drifted apart.
One evening while I was getting ready for bed, my mother told me that Forest had committed suicide with his 22.
I never knew why until a few years ago when a classmate told what had happened. Forest had developed a brain tumor. His parents were of a religion that did not believe of going to a doctor for any reason. Forest's brother Ronald was able to 'sneak' him in to see a doctor who said that he could cure him. His parents refused to allow him the have it cured..
So, can you imagine having a brain tumor that kept growing and the pain it caused him. When I heard that, I finally understood. Rest in peace, Forest.
Such a sad story--and what seems to have been an avoidable tragic ending. I was always puzzled about his death and am glad to have this closure. I wonder if we, as a class, could make a donation to a charity in Forest's memory? Is anyone in contact with his brother?
Diane - such a great idea, and Karen, truer words were never spoken. Suicide leaves a trail of destruction. I knew Forest and grieve for his demise and heartbreaking story.
My first marriage was to a man who did not believe in medical intervention and that was fine until we had children when he insisted to "raise them" in his belief. I was only 26-ish but I negotiated an agreement with him of when he could treat in his beliefs and when I would say "I'm taking them to the doctor!" (And actually I did take them on occasion without his consent.) All three children are still thriving for which I am eternally grateful and I wish Forest had had the support to put his mental and physicial health above all else.
We have come a long way about taking care of ourselves but we need to support mental health and suicide prevention.
I think, in part, we are all still here because we are taking care of ourselves. I sure hope to make it to the 80th celebration and see all of you soon😍
Diane – WONDERFUL IDEA, FOREST, AL, AND ME SHARED THE SAME BIRTHDAY. FOREST AND I HAD GREAT TIMES TOGETHER…THEN HE WAS GONE. THANK YOU, AL, FOR SHARING THE END OF THE STORY, COUNT ME IN ON A DONATION
I did not know Forest well but am saddened by the pain he went through physically and mentally. Not to have your parents as avocates is heartbreaking! At least he is at peace now.
Carol Eifrig (Silverman)
I remember Forest from elementary school. He taught me all about fresh water aquariums, and I got my first one because of his influence. He had some troubles in high school, I think. I remember he was a good fellow. I wish he was still in this world.
Alan Kadon (Kadon)
Forest and I were good friends in grammar school , we even shared the same Birthday. At times we would shoot his pellet gun in his basement, and then with his 22.
After grammar schal atletics got in our way, and we drifted apart.
One evening while I was getting ready for bed, my mother told me that Forest had committed suicide with his 22.
I never knew why until a few years ago when a classmate told what had happened. Forest had developed a brain tumor. His parents were of a religion that did not believe of going to a doctor for any reason. Forest's brother Ronald was able to 'sneak' him in to see a doctor who said that he could cure him. His parents refused to allow him the have it cured..
So, can you imagine having a brain tumor that kept growing and the pain it caused him. When I heard that, I finally understood. Rest in peace, Forest.
Alan Kadon
Georgia Scheltens (Cook)
A very sad story. RIP.
Diane Gwinn (Schaaf)
Such a sad story--and what seems to have been an avoidable tragic ending. I was always puzzled about his death and am glad to have this closure. I wonder if we, as a class, could make a donation to a charity in Forest's memory? Is anyone in contact with his brother?
Karen Osman
Very sad story indeed. If a group donation is done, please post here and I'll gladly contribute. Maybe something to Suicide Prevention?
Suicide doesn't just take away our loved one, it also leaves a sad trail in the hearts of those who loved them.
Carol Greenup (Cortez)
Diane - such a great idea, and Karen, truer words were never spoken. Suicide leaves a trail of destruction. I knew Forest and grieve for his demise and heartbreaking story.
My first marriage was to a man who did not believe in medical intervention and that was fine until we had children when he insisted to "raise them" in his belief. I was only 26-ish but I negotiated an agreement with him of when he could treat in his beliefs and when I would say "I'm taking them to the doctor!" (And actually I did take them on occasion without his consent.) All three children are still thriving for which I am eternally grateful and I wish Forest had had the support to put his mental and physicial health above all else.
We have come a long way about taking care of ourselves but we need to support mental health and suicide prevention.
I think, in part, we are all still here because we are taking care of ourselves. I sure hope to make it to the 80th celebration and see all of you soon😍
xoxo
Carol
Dale Carlson
Diane – WONDERFUL IDEA, FOREST, AL, AND ME SHARED THE SAME BIRTHDAY. FOREST AND I HAD GREAT TIMES TOGETHER…THEN HE WAS GONE.THANK YOU, AL, FOR SHARING THE END OF THE STORY,
COUNT ME IN ON A DONATION
Marlene Blumenthal (Mann)
I did not know Forest well but am saddened by the pain he went through physically and mentally. Not to have your parents as avocates is heartbreaking! At least he is at peace now.