What I didn’t expect from all of you was the outpouring of support when I write publicly about all the stigmatized illnesses we suffered through with Charles– as well as my own grief. And I didn’t expect to be encouraged to keep writing about it.
I was not rejected or ostracized. I was not “unfriended” for bringing up unpleasant subjects. Maybe some have unfriended. But I’ve gained more than I have lost.
But I’ll be honest with you, I did not think it would be that way. I was fully prepared to be written off as the person always posting depressing stuff and ignored.
After all, my subjects are suicide and depression.
This blog is the result of your support and encouragement. The success of this article is the result of your sharing. It took guts to share that on your own walls.
In the face of the worst tragedy of my life, the loss of my son by suicide, you have been there and you’ve helped me carry a very important message.
Collectively we have a very loud voice. Collectively we are already making a difference. I am not doing this by myself. I have a village behind me. Keep pushing me. Love you.
repent for Christ is comming so0oon
A-M, what happened to your family could happen to ANYONE. Despite all efforts, Charles chose to take his own life. It is never far from any parent’s heart when their loved one is suffering so deeply and you are seemingly powerless to help. But it’s not spoken of. YOU have given a voice to all parents and caregivers who are, who have or who will go through this. Through you, Charles’ illness is getting light and a voice, and daylight is an amazing thing. Thank you for your courage, your gift of communication and your raw and honest emotion. I love you, A-M!
Your voice is so important. You are making a difference in the world. I can only hope that, given similar circumstances, I could rise to the occasion.