I've written a lot lately about how wonderfully things are going in my life, but something happened last week that stopped me in my tracks. One of my brother's friends from high school passed away from suicide.
I can't claim that I knew her very well. My brother was friends with her, and I worked with her brother for a while. I remember meeting her a few times when I was in sixth grade and she was in tenth, during my (brief and ill-advised) stint on the cross-country team after I moved to Michigan. What I do remember, from my own memories and from what I've heard from others, is that she was intelligent and lovely and a ray of light to all around her: the sort of person that everyone admired. And that's not from looking back with rose-colored glasses. That's simply who she was.
Despite the fact that I hardly knew her, I've found myself struggling to fight back tears for the past week. This is the second time in less than 18 months that a friend of a friend has died by suicide, and it absolutely breaks my heart. I can't stand seeing these vibrant lives cut short. Two beautiful-inside-and-out girls is two too many. Two people is too many, period.
I feel simultaneously somewhat powerless and absolutely compelled to do something - what little I can. I'm planning on putting the number for the suicide hotline in my sidebar. I don't know if my posting it - or this post - will help anyone, but I feel I must say something. It's too important and I can't stay quiet.
If you need to talk, there are always people who will listen. My inbox (for what it's worth) is always open.
Otherwise, if you're not struggling, take time to talk to your loved ones - and listen. Really, truly listen. Your time is one of the greatest gifts you can give, and you never know the difference it could make to someone who's struggling.
Memorize these numbers:
- Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696 | Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-8433 | National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
And stay well, friends.
Laura
Oh no... I am so sorry. I have no words.... I'm so sorry. :(
ReplyDeletei am so sorry :( i completely understand how you feel. i know someone who also took his life last week. he wasn't someone i knew well, but being from a small town, everyone knows everyone, and while the hurt and loss may not be directly from you, you hurt for those you know are hurting.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
It's so strange- knowing someone from a distance who passes away but it makes such a huge impact on your life. If only they could have known how much effect they had before taking such drastic measures. My best friend's brother committed suicide a year and two weeks ago, and I still see and feel the pain like it just happened.
ReplyDeleteJust letting yourself be open and making it known that you ARE open to talk makes all the difference in someone who's hurting. Thanks for this post- and for making yourself available. <3
Thank you for the kind words, Kelsey! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's brother. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that! It was the same situation here - I live in a small town, so the effects are felt by everyone. Thank you for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, Shannon. <3
ReplyDelete