The Good With The Bad

Todd Ethridge · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 214

Hey All,

I guess I'll start with the good news. I was offered a 1 year contract with a major cable network and I'm thrilled to be starting work for them soon. I'll post more about the projects I'll be voicing when I know more. That good news was much needed this week, as my family suffered a terrible tragedy.

My 11 year old nephew passed away from an apparent suicide and it has left us all in a horrible state of shock. He was brilliantly smart and so clever. We called him our little old man, because of his grown up character. He was a huge Beatles and Jeff Buckley fan, so obviously not your average 11 year old.

I've been far busier than usual in the last week and it's been good for my wallet of course, but also for my state of mind. I miss the little guy and REALLY needed something remotely normal to do with myself.

It's hard to be excited about my new work in the midst of this. But life goes on and I'm happy I knew him.

Sorry to share such a sad story, but I guess I'm just venting a bit. What an emotional roller coaster.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008, 03:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd.... words simply can't convey the heartbreak and sympathy that I'm certain all of us are feeling for your family and the family of your nephew. It's almost impossible to fathom what would drive an 11 year old to suicide.

As one who fervently believes in a power far greater than us and way beyond our comprehension, I have to think there's something better waiting for that young boy in a better world. May the peace and love of God provide comfort to all of you during this time, and know that all of us are - in some small way - carrying a tiny bit of your hurt during these hours.

Prayers and best wishes.

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928

Todd, My deepest condolences to you & your family about the tragic loss of your 11 yr old nephew.
Extended prayers to you, my friend.
I hope you get off that rollarcoaster ride real soon.

Maxine Dunn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 675

Dear, dear Todd ~

I just read your post and I am filled with sadness and caring and compassion for what you are going through. I am sending thoughts of love and peace to you and your nephew's family.

You are all in my prayers every moment now, and I am sending you comfort and my utmost sympathy.

You can trust that your nephew is in a peaceful place now and that God is enveloping him in His mantle of comfort and warmth, and that he is safe and at peace.

Love,

Maxine

.

Lori Furth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 226

Todd

I am so sorry for your family's' loss. I cannot imagine your grief right now. Why do such highs and lows happen together??

I hope you can find some comfort and peace.

My sympathies,

Lori

David Oxford · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 505

Todd:

There's nothing more I can add to what's already been expressed to you in this thread already. I don't know you and we've never communicated here before....but reading your story really put a lump in my throat and my heart goes out to you and your entire family.

I would especially echo Scott's words to you. There are many things in life that happen that we don't understand, nor can we explain. I wish you an your family peace & comfort as you deal with this incredible loss.

Best,
David

Claire Dodin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 400

Hi Todd,
I am so sorry for your loss, I don't know what words can bring comfort in such a terrible tragedy.
The loss of a young child is something impossible to understand, especially in those circumstances.
My heart goes to you and your family.
Sad

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Todd --

This tragedy has struck close to home for me as well, with a neighbor's child of similar age. It puts everything else in perspective, and makes me hold my 11 year old closer, and cherish each moment.

My prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

September Day Leach · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1526

Todd, I just wish I could crawl right over the internet and give you and your family some big, big hugs. A Beatles and Jeff Buckley fan at 11? That was one special child and I know he will be missed. And I am glad you have been blessed with good fortune to help with this time of pain. You and everyone who lost this child are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Todd.

-Ember

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

Todd, I'm so very sorry to hear about your nephew.

Todd Ethridge · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 214

You guys are all so nice for taking the time to post well wishes. I appreciate it more than you know.

This has been a tough week. In the times that we haven't been with family, I have been trying to work and stay busy. I've been under a lot of stress in the last few months in my new venture into VO work full time. Getting good news from that cable network Monday helped take some stress away and I feel like I can breathe for the first time this year.

I do want to acknowledge someone on this board for ALL their help and support. Our own John Weeks is one hell of a person and has helped me more than I could ever ask of anyone. You name it, he's done it. I hope I'm not embarassing him by posting this, but I just wanted to say so.

Thanks again for the support everyone. This is a good group of folks around here.

John Bigl · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 905

Todd,

It only takes an a second to meet someone, a minute to like them, an hour to get to know them, a day to love them, and a lifetime to forget them. Just remember that your nephew is always with you as long as you remember him and keep him in your heart. I pray that your nephew may now find rest and I wish you and your family and all those who's lives were touched by him a million good fortunes...

Suicide is neither wrong nor right; it is not a defect of character; it is morally neutral. It is simply an imbalance of pain versus coping resources. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts including their own, the pain simply becomes too great to bear...

For your nephew, my good friend Chris White, and all who have been touched in this way:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I did not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle Autumn's rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand on my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die

Blessed Be

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Todd,

these kinds of situations always make me short for words... My deepest condolences, my friend.

Clinton Nobles · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 197

Todd you and your family are in our prayers. We are hear for you brother. Vent on my friend. That is what friends are for.

JC Haze · **Voice Talent** Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 86

Todd,
I'm sure it took a lot of strength just to post that sad message. My thoughts & prayers are with you and the whole family. You have my deepest condolences.