Randy used to read Charles the book, “Love you to the Moon and Back.” When he picked up his phone last week and typed in his password, there it was in his face. It took his breath away because he had not even thought about that book and had not looked it up. I smiled and told him he’d gotten his first “sign” from Charles.
I was stumped until today on how to illustrate the concept of a moon and a heart when I saw the swiss cheese in our refrigerator. Even though he’s no longer alive, I love Charles to the moon and back. And I always will.
I am an emotionally naked TEDx speaker, and author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk. I raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost my younger son, Charles to substance use disorder and suicide on June 5, 2015. I help people foster a culture of connection to prevent suicide, reduce substance misuse and find life after loss. My motivational, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, coping strategies/resilience, and grief.
As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now the legacy I try and carry forward in my son's memory.
Professional Speaker Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.
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One thought on “Love you to the moon and back – #griefheart number 84”
Don’t think that was a coincidence. I know Charles loved you both to the moon and back too.
Don’t think that was a coincidence. I know Charles loved you both to the moon and back too.