I just read Friday’s editorial. My great niece, Cassie Payne of Euless, Texas, wrote a post about her father (my nephew) who took his life — 15 years to the day — before Robin Williams did. She has become a compassionate and outspoken woman. I thought readers would appreciate her post on Facebook from earlier this week. Here it is:

“Today my brother, my mother and I were left with the hangover of yesterday. I say a hangover because that’s what it feels like: foggy head, headache, irritability. Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of our father’s passing. Usually we don’t have such a hard time getting through that day, but yesterday was tough. Robin Williams did exactly what our father did some 15 years ago.

“Naturally when a celebrity passes the world mourns and there are many heartfelt sentiments posted. However, when a celebrity commits suicide it brings two sides of people out: compassion and persecution. There are those that send sympathies, prayers, kind words, thoughtful gestures. Then there are those who use words like: selfish, coward, hypocrite, and so forth.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Everyone has a right to believe any way they see fit. I try to educate people about suicide, drug addiction and mental illness as it is often very misunderstood. It’s hard to understand any of those three if you haven’t been touched by them. Therefore, some people stand firm in their beliefs. I respect that.

“What I can’t respect is having zero compassion for those left in the wake. No widow, widower, child, sibling, parent, family member or friend who has lost someone to suicide, addiction, or mental illness, needs cruelty. Instead of posting something cruel of the deceased just say nothing. I often hear and read people trying to stand up for those that were left behind. Things like, ‘His poor kids, they seemed to bring him joy and fill him with happiness, but he was too much of a coward to recognize it.’ Before you say that put yourself in their kids’ shoes, their wive’s shoes, their brother’s shoes. We don’t need you to stand up for us. All we really need is a little tenderness. Some compassion. A smile. We would rather not hear you speak ill of our loved one who we miss dearly.

“I read someone’s status that said, ‘We are not defined by how we die but rather by how we live.’ Just think before you speak or post. Use some compassion. If you can’t, kindly keep your thoughts to yourself.”

MARILYN GRIFFITTS

Hayden