The instrument in this picture is a 10x loupe (pronounced loop). They are used in the jewelry industry examine diamonds, for example. This loupey heart photo sent to me by my friend Denise, a fellow diamond lover. I use mine to help me examine my prongs, make sure my ring is clean and for occasions when someone shows me a family heirloom or takes me with them to look at engagement rings for a fiancé-to-be. Yeah, it’s a little obsessive to own one.
I worked with a diamond dealer in NY, Diamonds by Lauren, for many years. And Charles met David, the owner, in a trip to NY in middle school. This one brought back some sweet memories of a time when work was almost play–before Charles was deeply troubled. Before life got complicated. Before his suicide.
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
2 thoughts on “Loupey love – #griefheart number 158”
My son is alive, and I am grateful. I really am….and when I come across an item from “before it all started,” it makes me sad. A concrete item symbolizing another lifetime. Sometimes I cry when holding the item. Sometimes I can’t hold it in my hand and avoid. I am grateful to still have my boy…..trust me….I really am, and I grieve for you and for Charles. Those items which represent another time in our lives can perhaps remind me that “that other boy” is still in there. Today is an ok day, and for that, we are blessed. Anne, I pray for you and I am so proud of you for truly making a difference. I admire your strength and love.
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My son is alive, and I am grateful. I really am….and when I come across an item from “before it all started,” it makes me sad. A concrete item symbolizing another lifetime. Sometimes I cry when holding the item. Sometimes I can’t hold it in my hand and avoid. I am grateful to still have my boy…..trust me….I really am, and I grieve for you and for Charles. Those items which represent another time in our lives can perhaps remind me that “that other boy” is still in there. Today is an ok day, and for that, we are blessed. Anne, I pray for you and I am so proud of you for truly making a difference. I admire your strength and love.
I remember feeling that way when he was alive, too. And thank you.