b'The Survivor CommunitySurvivor StoriesKnowing that others share the same experience can bring hope and healing.Many suicide loss survivors find it helpful to hear others tell their stories. The following are excerpts from stories shared by survivors who were both honoring their loved one and sharing how they have coped.There is a litany of feelings that all survivors of suicide know too well. The flippant use of I could just kill myself; the incessant wondering of why? why? why?; the anniversary of the death and its importance (no matter how long it has been); someone remembering that this is the day your world stopped and then started differently; the fear of memories yellowing and becoming harder to recall; and the instant connection that many survivors have with one another.(Tinka)Have I reached acceptance? Resignation perhaps. When the front door creaks open, I no longer expect to see [my wife] come in. For the longest time I did slip occasionally. I would find myself starting to clip an article to bring home to her. At book sales I still sometimes reach for a book that I think shed like.I never was a macho type, but I am of the Men dont cry generation. Grief has permanently loosened my tear ducts, and today it doesnt take much to get me teary and choked up.In addition to crying more easily,I think Ive developed a greater empathy. Im more likely to try to understand, and make allowances for why people act the way they do. (William)Resource and Healing Guide 15'