one can never know when “the line” has been crossed by someone with mental illness. (latent … it can build and build and then, well, you know better than i, though depression and such thoughts and even acts of suicide are familiar in most of our lives.)

he told you he was o.k. you checked in a lot, and maybe there could have been medical intervention sooner – i think the muttering part and the other erratic actions might have spurred me, but that might be harder to do in china w/o all kinds of disgrace and restraining, etc.; and i wasn’t there, so what do i know … except how decisions look during the process and maybe much clearer only afterwards and from the outside.

you did as much as anyone good would. we are not most of us doctors, after all, or have studied depression and suicide.

it seems that he did want to be saved, b/c he was doing all this in public. it’s amazing how helpless someone at the end of a not-so-good semester can feel. all that time, money, pressure, opportunity not to waste, etc. i’m glad you were there. he said he was, too.

I truly believe with all your experiences in China (not just this one, but all of them) you should write a book in a couple years. You should seriously consider it, Michael.

I hope you had a good New Years!

Your friend,

Jennifer

You have done good. We are proud about you.

Dad