I say this is tragically ironic because although Warren is the author of one of the most famous self-help books, “The Purpose Driven Life,” his son committed suicide because he had suffered from mental illness that created depression so enduring, even the best doctors couldn’t help him. How would you feel if you could only helplessly stand by as your child slowly descends into a sadness so deep you were powerless to save them? This is a situation I can’t even pretend to imagine.
Warren was reported saying in an email to his church staff that he and his wife had just spent a pleasant evening on Friday with their son before Mathew Warren decided to end his life. “Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many,” his statement said.
All throughout his life, Matthew had been treated by America’s best doctors, along with counseling and medication, and became a prayer in all his loved ones hearts. But still, the struggle was endless.
“I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said `Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?”‘ the grief stricken father told them, voicing memories of hints passed.
And now, we will all remember this young man for years to come, trying to sympathize or imagine how his father, a great humanitarian in his own right, could possibly feel. But we can’t really even imagine that can we?
