Monday, March 9, 2009

Bad news

Following my baby brother’s hearing with the Army on Wednesday, we didn’t hear from him. He was not answering his phone and wouldn’t return the text messages I sent him. Wednesday passed by with no word. Then Thursday.

I began to wonder if he really was in jail, like my dream the night before his hearing had suggested. Would anyone call my parents and tell them if this was going on?

Friday morning, my mother called me in tears. My father had called my brother’s sergeant, the one who had informed them of my brother’s failed drug tests and told them of his upcoming hearing. The sergeant said that my brother’s hearing had gone much better than expected. It was decided that he would lose one month of pay instead of two for his first offense, and would be on restriction for 15 days for the second offense. He was not being discharged for the drug use.

But.

Wednesday night, he left the base. Of course, he was on restriction, so he wasn’t supposed to leave at all. From what the sergeant said, my brother was driving his car 35+ mph over the speed limit and hit another car. On purpose. He told the police at the scene that he was trying to kill himself.

My dad initially thought that my brother was in “the psych ward,” but was it turns out, he was being kept on suicide watch on the base instead. So now, he is being discharged. It will take a month or two.

My heart is broken for him. Life will be even harder for him now. And why would he want to take his own life? Why???? I am so sad and afraid. I don’t understand. I don’t really know what else to think or say about it.

7 comments:

Cibele said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cibele said...

Oh no, I am so so sorry. My heart breaks for you

Jennifer W said...

I am so sorry Amanda. I worry every day I will get that call about my brother and my sister. I don't understand it either. Praying for your family.

Beth said...

I'm so sorry to hear this... please know I'm thinking of you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

Liz said...

Oh honey! I'm so sorry. I wish I had magic words to fix this. HUGS!

MrsSpock said...

So sorry. It must be so hard to watch him do this.

Carrie27 said...

Amanda, I don't even know what to say. I hope that your brother can find the peace he needs to be happy in life once again.

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