My Life Would Be Over, and It Would Look Like a Terrible Accident

In recognition of National Suicide Awareness Month.

1989

It was a windy day; the rain was gentle yet steady. The first chill of autumn sat heavy in the air.

I stood looking at the damage the storm had done.

Overall, it could have been worse; we actually made out OK.

Although, there was about a foot and a half of water where there wasn’t supposed to be any water.

The nursery was completely flooded, and I watched as trays of annuals and perennials floated along like pontoon boats out for a leisurely cruise.

The sump pump was doing its job, the excess water flowing steadily away from the plants and into the asphalt parking lot.

I stood and stared, my mind heavy with thought — the rain on my body adding to the mood.

Then I noticed something: the extension cord had fallen from safety. It was barely being held up by the delicate fibers of a cedar stake. The threads would give way if the wind picked up just a little bit.

The cord would fall.

This wouldn’t have been a big deal, except for the fact that the cord was old and worn. The exposed copper wiring was dancing above the conductive…