Waterford man's suicide a wake-up call for us all

In regards to the young man who committed suicide, I am so thankful for your front page article on Dec. 27.

In working with the developmentally disabled and handicapped for more than 30 years and losing a dear friend just a few weeks ago to suicide, I hope that your printing this young man's demise on the front page will give some people a wake-up call to be more aware of their loved ones' and friends' emotional needs.

I know that sometimes they are very good at hiding the way they feel, about life and we just don't know until it's to late to help them. But your front page article will be a wake-up call to all of us.

I doubt very seriously that the last thing on this young man's mind was being remembered in this way. I think your article sent a message to other people in this state of mind to seek help and to see just how precious life is.

MARY BURCH

Modesto