from my own personal experience i'd like to add "ME".

had i succeeded:
i would have never known my 3 adoreable, precious grandchildren/the loves of my life.
i would have never experienced all the joys that living brings to me today. yes even the challenges.
i would have never known i could be successful again in my profession.
i would have never known what my son would become-a great father and husband, a loving son to his mom.
i never would have had my "best friend" whom i rescued from a bad life, cody, my dog.
i never would have made all the sincere and loving friends i have from all over.
i never would have given myself the opportunity to get sober and reap the rewards sobriety brings.

i am also one of those affected by the deliberate loss of someone:
my dearest friend, mary jane, chose the other path. i am one of those ppl who loved her and got left behind. R.I.P. mary jane. i will always miss you.

thank you for this thoughtful thread, alex.