This really isn't an arboricultural related death, except that the livelihood that many of us have chosen is often harsh. I'm sure that had he chosen a different career, the path of his life would have been different. Ralph Green, one of my on & off climbers since 2008, hung himself to death two days ago. No one found him until last night. He was only 32 years old, with lots of time left in his life to fix past mistakes.
Apparently, his girlfriend threw him over, he couldn't see his kids, and he only recently came back to work for me, so he had financial problems as well. No driver's license, he couldn't get around as much as he would prefer, either.
On the job, however, he did a fine job. Hard working, and skilled, I had no complaints. He came to me about a month ago, stating that he was tired of messing around with his life, that he thought it was time to settle down and hold a job. He said he was tired of being poor. For the last month, he was always here, on time, and ready to go, although he spent a lot of time "texting". We all knew it was women problems.
I can't find any obituary or other published information; the only source of information I have is the very brief phone call that came in this morning. Like so many others in this trade, he didn't really have a life that was filled with opportunities nor the advantages of a wealthy family or higher education. He has had problems with alcohol in the past, and I know that he would never have passed a drug screen. Much of his paycheck was taken for child support.
I wish there were more to say, but I really was not involved in his life; he preferred it that way. He kept to himself, and didn't talk much at all.
If I can pass along some advice to others that might be reading this and feeling depressed about their own life, it would be to share a few of your problems with your co-workers and see if they don't help you share the burden. Sometimes it helps to talk about your problems.
Don't always try to be the tough loner that silently takes life's blows. Seek some help when you feel down, 'cause there is always someone who will listen, even if it is on a suicide hotline.
Apparently, his girlfriend threw him over, he couldn't see his kids, and he only recently came back to work for me, so he had financial problems as well. No driver's license, he couldn't get around as much as he would prefer, either.
On the job, however, he did a fine job. Hard working, and skilled, I had no complaints. He came to me about a month ago, stating that he was tired of messing around with his life, that he thought it was time to settle down and hold a job. He said he was tired of being poor. For the last month, he was always here, on time, and ready to go, although he spent a lot of time "texting". We all knew it was women problems.
I can't find any obituary or other published information; the only source of information I have is the very brief phone call that came in this morning. Like so many others in this trade, he didn't really have a life that was filled with opportunities nor the advantages of a wealthy family or higher education. He has had problems with alcohol in the past, and I know that he would never have passed a drug screen. Much of his paycheck was taken for child support.
I wish there were more to say, but I really was not involved in his life; he preferred it that way. He kept to himself, and didn't talk much at all.
If I can pass along some advice to others that might be reading this and feeling depressed about their own life, it would be to share a few of your problems with your co-workers and see if they don't help you share the burden. Sometimes it helps to talk about your problems.
Don't always try to be the tough loner that silently takes life's blows. Seek some help when you feel down, 'cause there is always someone who will listen, even if it is on a suicide hotline.
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