Posted by Mike Stuart (cranpain) (152.163.201.209) on October 11, 2000 at 15:32:29:
I was on the board when Sue posted her message. I replied instantly, because I was extremely concerned for her. I got a few E-mails second-guessing me for not "Waiting for the professionals" to handle it. Come on, guys! If you saw someone stick a gun to their head, would you wait for professional help? I had no way of knowing whether she was serious! I did what anyone would do under the circumstances, try to help someone who needed help. I know everyone wants to be an expert, and it's easy to second-guess someone in an attempt to appear to be more knowledgeable or intelligent, but I would do the same thing again. By the way, I have had some training, having spent many years as an EMT and a first-aid instructor.Spend your energy being supportive, rather than critical. MAny of us responded, because we cared, and didn't know how much time we had to intervene. I never met her, but I care about her well-being, and tried my best to help her. I have been where she is. It's good to know people care, whether they are "professionals" or not.