#5--Just Getting Your Feet on the Ground

It's the day you never, ever expect... or want... to face.
Ruth Durand's husband Matt had recently confided that they would need to be making drastic changes in their living situation, due to the recession. That seemed to be bombshell enough.
But more was in store.
Later this year will be the 10th anniversary of Matt's untimely death. In this episode, Ruth leads us through the days before and after Matt's unexpected suicide at age 40.
Sadly, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and one of the three leading causes that is on the rise. Perhaps walking alongside Ruth in this journey will provide insight into ways to handle this all-too-common tragedy.
Because there IS life--and life abundant--even after the suicide of a loved one. Here is one person's way through.
TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS BELOW:
Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker

Episode 5: Just Getting Your Feet on the Ground

Ruth Durand interview recorded 9.22.18; podcast published 3.6.19

Introducing our guest: Ruth Durand (00:16)

Lu: Today's episode is called just getting your feet on the ground. It's episode number five and it's an interview with Ruth Durand, a beautiful woman and my friend who has had to face and live through possibly one of the worst experiences that there is in life, the suicide of a spouse. Ehhhh. But there's good stuff in this story too, so thanks, Ruth, for being here.

Ruth: Thanks for having me.

Lu: We met because of our kids, I think. Our son Bryan, who's engineering these podcasts--and I manage to mention in everything single one, I think--and Ruth's son Garrett became really good friends. In fact, I can remember some epic birthday parties, in fact, one where each one got to pick out his favorite hot sauce and inflict it on the others.

But I digress. Our kids went to church and school together. As moms, we hung out at church and school events together. And I actually served on several committees and boards with Ruth's husband, Matt Felber, so our families were intertwined and we really just enjoy each other's company. So we're going to enjoy each other's company now too, right? [Yes, we are.] Okay.

When life was still “normal” (01:39)

Lu: I'm going to start out by asking you to tell me a little bit about your life prior to 2009.

Ruth: Hm, that's a tough one. Okay. I think we just lived life, you know, raising, raising the three boys, doing...

Lu: How old were the kids roughly? Are we talking little kids? Teenagers?

Ruth: In 2009 they were 15 and 17.