Candlelight vigil sheds light on tragic issue

My prayers are with Branden and his family.

It is so sad to hear that he felt this was his only way out. God understands is so forgiving.

I am sorry for the family. I have been there and sometimes it is hard to explain what is wrong, why you can feel that way. I hope Brandon found the peace he was searching for.

Jennifer,

I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. If you need anything please let me know. My e-mail address is kari@insideoutcatering.net.

How sad that this young man took his own life. I'm so sorry for his family. My prayers are with you.

What a brave mother to share her story with others so that we can prevent this tragedy again. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I am so sorry for you losing your beautiful boy.

My friend did a really cool video about this topic - it is called Warning Signs. You can see it at this link
http://www.motionbox.com/filings...
Look for the one called Warning Signs
It is very powerful - get out the tissue!

I know all to well about suecide. My Brother hung himself in 1999. That day still replays in my head as fro my mom was the one to find him, a very hard and tough situation still today. As SCOTT said above...they don't tell you they act completly normal....so soemtimes the signs of suecide are hard to read. I know what this family is going through and I will kepp this family in my close prayers. Nothing in life as bad enough to take your own life. There are people willing to wrap their arms around and love that person.

This is a sad story that hits home. My brother hung himself in 1999. It has been hard, my mom is the one to find him.

As SCOTT said there are no signs of someone going to take their own life.

This family will be in my close prayers.

oops....I didnt realize it posted so I did it again....

My fiancee took his own life 26 years ago in front of his family and myself. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in life....and it never goes away. I found help MANY years later in a group called West Michigan Survivors of Suicide. It is still hard with his birthday or his anniversary date of his death but suicide is by far more common than some people think. To the Fritz family- my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. It sounds like you are a wonderful woman Jennifer. Keep fighting to make suicide awareness known. If you start a group, I'd love to join it.

Branden Fritz was good friend of mine.
He stayed at my house a few times and we saw each other everyday in school. Of all people that you would ever guess to do something like this...Branden doesnt seem like the type of person that would.

Just want to say to the family that my thoughts and prayers go out to you all... almost 2 Years ago I lost the love of my life of 10 years to suicide. It came as a total shock to me and his family. My heat goes out to you for going public with this. I know how hard it is to understand why things like this happen, But there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and just keep looking to God for support, he will be there. Again my heart and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.

Dear Jennifer,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved son...our family is praying for you and yours. Also, you are a very couragious woman because you have chosen to use your pain and grief to help others. I admire your example and wish the best for you.

Blessings,

Shannen

For all you kids out there reading this, you have to know there is always someone to talk too. When I was younger there were times when I felt like I had no friends and that I could not even talk to my family, but God is always there. There have been times when I have sobbed to him and just kept talking to him, and I did not stop talking until I felt him hold me in his arms. Please, please, please, find someone to talk too when you feel alone and if you still think there is no one, talk to God. He is always here. He will always listen. He always really understands.

My heart goes out to this family as well as the others who have posted here who have lost loved ones this way. We are praying for you.

That is a nice post ladydragonfly. I would also like to remind kids, teens, young adults, and all people, that there are also people you can turn to. Some folks just can't grasp on to God, the way others do, and I think it would maybe help, believing that MOST people care about everyone, yes, even strangers. If someone I barely knew, or even only knew through the community or something, needed a hug, a boost, food, shelter, someone to listen, etc., I would like to think I and many others would listen. There is no need to feel alone or embarrassed. Doctors will help too - even if you feel like you can't afford it. There are places to turn. Hugs!

Jennifer I applaud your openeness of sharing your tragic loss. Many families keep this their deep dark secret. I have a teenage daughter and she heard about Branden's death as she attends Rogers, and she is acquainted with some people who knew him. We spoke at length about what had happened. I realize as often as the two of us talk and she shares information, that sometimes there are issues, she just rather not speak about right away. I told her she should never be afraid to talk to me about anything. I encourage other parents to stay open and talk to your teenager or preteen about this. Don't allow them to be afraid to speak to you about anything! I never get angry with my daughter no matter what she has to say. Nothing they say could be as horrible as losing them. Jennifer you are in my prayers, grieving is a long process, may you utilize all the resources that available to you. You are a brave woman to share your story. Thank you.

Just wanted to let you know we are all thinking of you and your family. We have 2 daughters who went to school with your son. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Just wanted to let you know we are all thinking of you and your family. We have 2 daughters who went to school with your son. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wyoming, MI

My heart grieves with Jennifer and her family. Our son Brian died by suicide in 2001 at age 18 - my sister sent me a link to this site. Our family has also chosen to be pretty public about Brian's death. In the years since, I have learned a lot about suicide and about depression. Talking about Branden, his life and his death, is a wonderful way to begin your own healing process. Our local Survivors of Suicide group has been a big help to me. You will never be the same, Jennifer, your life is changed forever. With the steps you have already taken, though, you will be able to help many other people. God bless you, and take care.

thoughts and prayers with the family, so sorry for your loss.