As a continuation of Sunday’s post…

My good friend from high school, Charlene, did indeed pass away Friday. Suicide.

How far does one have to go down a path to commit suicide? Do you get to a point of no return and is that point unrecognizable to those around you?

I’ve spent this week communicating with, or trying to track down, high school friends. Some are on Facebook, some I have phone & email contact, others I’m desperately googling to find an access point.

Those whom I have gotten in touch with, I’ve told what I know of Char’s story on the phone or through email. The phone conversations are actually best, partly because these are folks that are/were actual friends and it’s easier to have a back-and-forth conversation, but also because I don’t have to sit there and write a long letter to the others who are responding to remote emails. Still, I’ve been writing them and once they respond back, let them know the details. At first I felt odd about revealing too much, too many sordid details, but then this isn’t my story to be told and these are the facts that I’ve been left with. So I’ve given them all the information that I know.

Now I’m coordinating for the services this weekend. There are two viewings on Friday, one from 2–4 and another from 6–8. This must be hell for the family to have two viewings. I remember my mother’s viewing and it’s a weird thing to do, to actually have an open casket. I remembered the role I played there, of strongman, holding up my Dad and welcoming guests & friends, thankful for each person that showed up. Char’s funeral services (as well as the viewings) will be held Saturday at 4:00 at George P Kalas Funeral Home just outside of Annapolis.

Ironically, a previously-planned PVHS 1982 mini-reunion was and is being held this Friday evening. While I hadn’t planned on attending, now I feel compelled for camaraderie with my peers from 25 years ago. I plan on attending the 2:00 viewing and I guess I could came back into town, keep going, to the other side of the ‘burbs and go to the mini-reu. Maybe it’s what I’ll need in between the services.

RIP, Charlene Polen 1964–2009
aka Charlene Kimble, née Charlene Pogue

UPDATE: Char’s obituary can be found here.