I drove to Kansas City this weekend to be with my dear friend after her husband had moved out on her and two young daughters. The weekend went well, we had a girl's weekend and this evening, (before I was to leave in the morning), my dear friend became suicidal.

Without me knowing it, and I was in the house, she had called her separated husband to come get the girls because she was done and wanted to take her own life.
He came running to the house asking me what to do. I took the intention seriously and sat her down to talk with her and told him that if I was not outside the house to talk with him in 20 minutes, that he was to call the police to ensure her safety.

Exactly 25 minutes after my decision, 8 uniforms were knocking at the door and an hour an a half later, she went willingly with the police to the hospital for an evaluation.

I was responsible for hooking these two up 15 years ago and they have two young girls. Fortunately, my BF told the police that she wanted the girls to remain at home with me, but the husband was not allowed to come near the house.

Here I sit with two wonderful children camped out on the living room floor this evening so I can monitor their sleep (just in case they may have bad dreams from the events this eveing). The police did a great job and even took the girls out into a squad car to let them play with the lights and sirens as the grown-ups dealt with the matter at hand.

I was responsible for making that call and now my best friend is under a 96 hour suicide watch and I am in charge of her children, at her request. I am feeling overwhelmed but responsible for the children and Mom's safety. I took the intention seriously but was met with great resistance. Did I do the right thing?

yeh of course. you probably helped save her life. and perhaps maybe help change/better her life.

sounds like tiems are going to be hard for awhile though, but hopefully she'll be honest with the shrinkie dinks and they can help her.

You did what seemed like the only option.. She trusts you and put her children in your care.. that says a lot.. I don't understand what welfare has to do with it though, unless that is part of it and it's unspoken....

Please do not play this down catwoman...I have never encountered such responsibility, nor have I ever had to make a call such as this.
Your shrinkie-dink comment is certainly disrespectful...and disheartening.

yes of course you did..........even if she had no intention of actually committing suicide she obviously was crying out for help.....thank goodness you were there for her in her time of need

Yes. You did the right thing.

sorry not meant that way. I dont put much confidence in shrinks.....and some of their treatment plans for their patients. seems they only want to medicate. so it wasnt a put down on your friend.

i do hope she finds a GOOD doctor...cause she might need long term treatment.

I also take suicidal threats as serious.

You did the right thing have no doubts

Thank you for that clarification catwoman...my friendship with this coule runs deep as I was instrumental in getting them together. I am feeling a sense of obligation here...especially now that they have two daughters 6 and 8 years old and I am not able to sleep this evening with the childrens' well being in my hands.

I am just a bit stressed about my decision.

i can undesrstand your stress. and the seriousness of the situation....even with the minimal details you gave.

i mean my big thought would be for your friends stability and how she is handling the loss of her husband. and the children.

and her ability to care for them.
i would also so that the childrens father is in perfect postion to at this time seek temporary full custody of the kids.....

Of course you did the right thing. You knew that when you did it. Don't second guess trying save someone's life.

Thank you metal...I am assured that the little ones are safe...but I am not so sure that Mom is taken care of. Missouri State Law is so Mom protective and the police officers expressed concern about weapons in the house this evening and I had to call the ex over here to get everything removed and to a neighbors house so he would not have to re-register with the PD...total PIA for something that they should have talked out.

My heart still remains with my friend and I will embrace her when she is released. I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed this evening with the responsibility of two children.

I am already their "Aunt" and they know me and love me and I carry them around as if they are my own...it's just the sudden changes and mood swings that I am concerned about.

Both parents are relying on my to make it all right and I am just not sure that I can accomplish this one. Any advice would be grately appreciated!

You are doing the right thing...the only thing you could do. So, what is Mr. I-Need-My-Space doing at this point?

You did the right thing. I suspect you will be there in the future to help support your friends during this difficult period.

She is on 96 hour suicide watch and I have been entrusted with her children...I am now at task of tracking down family and support...absolutely I am in the fray and creating a support system as amy friend would do...