Biggest memorial service ever held for a German athlete in Hannover today

[Karen]

How very sad, but we will keep his wife and daughter in our prayers. Depression is such a horrible illness, and so misunderstood, it is tragic that he felt he could not get help.

[karyn674]

I also heard of this tragedy. My husband was telling me when he came from work.

Indeed, money does not make a difference if you're struck with such problems, like in his case loosing a child. Poor family what a dark moment they must be going through!

[Kirsten]

Yes, very sad! It was heartbreaking to see the widow crying during the service. Three years ago, she had to bury her child, and now her husband.

Kirsten

[Catty1]

From Wikipedia - for what it is worth:

His widow Teresa revealed that her husband had been suffering from depression for six years and was treated by a psychiatrist.[27]

Information on the letter he left behind:
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%...12-179584.html

Robert, you didn't have to do this...you hid your truth from everyone...

[phesina]

Oh, how very sad. I am so very, very sorry for his family and all who love him. Such a tragic, unnecessary loss.

Rest in peace, Robert Enke. You are very much loved and missed and mourned by many.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

This is terrible............

I understand very well why Enke was so scared to tell about his depression to the adoption services!! Years ago, we were in an adoption procedure too. And there was 1 very strict rule: they did NOT accept people who had ever suffered from depression!! I had to lie to then, because I had one a few years before!
I feel so sorry for his wife..........................

[Kirsten]

Thanks for the link, Candace. Yes, that sums it up very well. How hard must it have been to plan all this, and not to tell the people close to him, especially his wife!

Lut, I'm very sorry you had to lie about this! But I can understand why you did it.

Seems to me that too many people suffer from depression these days. Now, after Robert Enke's suicide, the subject is brought to more people's attention, and I hope that there's going to be a day when depressive people are no longer labelled as "weak" or "negative". Everyone who has ever dealt with a depression knows that it deserves a lot of respect if a person is facing the challenges of this terrible disease.

But I understand why Robert Enke couldn't make it public, not only because of his adoptive daughter, but also because of his job. Soccer fans can be cruel, and at least the ones of oppenent clubs would have held it against him... I hope he has now found the peace he couldn't find in life, and that he's now with his little daughter Lara.

Here's a video tribute to him and his late daughter that I found on youtube, I found it very touching:

Robert and Lara Enke R.I.P

Kirsten