This #griefheart is in honor of Joshua Hasnas who died by suicide in 2008.
From Joshua’s mother, Rachelle Hasnas: Bipolar Disorder isn’t “pretty.” To Fly Again- Portrait of a BIPOLAR Life, a memoir I wrote for my son Joshua, isn’t pretty either. What you get is what bipolar disorder “looks like,” no punches pulled. And you also get the beautiful, sensitive soul—seen through his poetry—that was my son, taken too soon by the devastation this brain disease can bring. He lived with mental illness for some 22 years, until his suicide at the age of 38.
The symbol of the Seagull is now a touchstone for me. While on the beach during his cremation, one appeared in a most mysterious way. This happened once more during the spreading of his ashes, on a sailboat out in the Atlantic. It is my belief Joshua chose to show me his soul lived on, and he was out and about, flying with the gulls. I note that my son and I discussed the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull two days before his death.
I chose to go public and published Joshua’s memoir to bring greater awareness to the reality and tragedy of suicide, and to the urgent need for major changes in the mental healthcare system. After my son’s passing I find myself on a mission to help others struggling with mental illness.
From Anne Moss: Rachelle, Joshua’s mom, asked me for help with the #griefheart. I went to the Cool Color Gallery in Cary Town the owner and artist told me his sister, 24, died by suicide in July 2011. This copyrighted art reminded me of the seagull that Rachelle wanted to represent her son. It is painted by Mehmet Sahin Altug and it is pictured here with his permission.
What is the #griefheart project?
I explain my #griefheart project here.
See all #griefhearts so far on pinterest or on this blog by#griefheart category.
Love all the grief hearts and the stories. But the artist got Joshua’s seagull heart just through interpretation , listening and understanding mothers! Awesome!