By Deb Wunderman, AIW Board Member

I just learned today of the suicide of Michel Martin’s younger brother, Norman McQueen Jr., who was a former New York City firefighter who aided relief efforts at ground zero in the aftermath of Sept. 11. Michel is the host of “Tell Me More” on NPR—a favorite radio program of mine. In an incredible act of passion, caring, and courage, she recorded an emotional and insightful commentary on her brother and his recent suicide. For those interested, you can find it on “Can I Just Tell You?” by Michel Martin – Maybe Someday Love Will Cure Despair.

My blog this month is a short letter to Michel:

Dear Michel Martin:

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this very tragic time. Your brother sounds like he was a hero—an ordinary, unrecognized man doing his best—but a man with a big heart, a good man, a man who possessed a strong sense of community, a sensitive man, a moral man, a great friend, a wonderful brother. These are the human qualities this world needs a whole lot more of, and it is a tragedy for all of us when a good and sensitive person like your brother gets beaten down so much that ending his own life becomes an option.

To me, it seems the most sensitive people among us have the hardest time dealing with the world’s harshness’s (and there are many). It is as if some people, perhaps the most sensitive and empathic people, absorb the world’s troubles and injustices like physical blows, and when they come too many at one time, it can be overwhelming. I wish there where more lifelines in this world, too (e.g., understanding and empathy), to scoop up and rescue wonderful people like your brother.

I am reminded of the movie It’s A Wonderful Life and the deeply troubled George Bailey saved by Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, who shows him how the world would have fared if he had never been born. Perhaps your brother, like George Bailey, repeatedly sacrificed his dreams for the well-being of others, but where was his Angel Second Class when he needed one?

I have come to love your insightful commentaries about so many injustices and issues faced in our modern time, and your commentary today—“Maybe Someday Love Will Cure Despair”—was full of compassion, love, courage, poignancy, and honesty. I cried when I heard you tell your brother’s story. We have lost an important and good person, and this ripple will be felt through time. There is no replacing him. I can only offer my simple tribute to you and your brother in hopes it offers some condolence.