“My brother Jefferson Joseph Blanton-Harris (“Joey”) was 25 years old when he died by suicide on 5/20/13. He is my little “bwudder,” and always will be. I chose the blue color buttons in this photo because he has the most beautiful, striking blue eyes.
He has 7 older sisters, all with brown eyes, so his eyes really stand out. I chose the dream-catcher because I have several times seen him in my dreams. I use the present tense when speaking of him, for I believe in his true presence in my dream-state, not “just dreams.” I believe he lives forever, in my heart, mind, and with the Lord.
I am an RN with over 20 years experience in the psychiatric field, as well as a peer in the mental health community. I am also a wife, mother, poet, musician, and writer of the blog Girlfriend’s Guide to Good Mental Health.” –Carol Borrelli, RN
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.
Would I do it all over again?
Published by
Anne Moss Rogers
I am an emotionally naked mental health 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 addiction 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 mental health keynotes, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, anxiety, 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.
Mental Health Speakers Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.
View all posts by Anne Moss Rogers
