I bought my child that died by suicide his own valentine. And some conversation hearts. It’s tradition. I was shopping for cards and I saw one that said, “I love you this much.” I broke down in tears. I did this one a while back that said just that. So since I had already “sent” that to Charles, I sent that card to Richard. It’s a card for a 7 year old. He will love it.
This one is for my big-hearted child. I so miss it. God I miss it. Love you Charles. Forever and ever.
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
8 thoughts on “Valentine’s heart— #griefheart number 217”
Four years ago today, my baby was buried. I’m so tired of missing Curt, so tired of putting on a “brave” face, and hearing how strong I am. I just want my son back. I want to hold him, kiss his face, listen to his voice, laugh with him. I want to go back in time.
Thanks for listening.
Okay, you’re not going to believe this. As I was posting to you about Valentine’s Day, my Daughter called to tell me one of her best friend’s just sent her a Valentine card for her brother , Curt!! I told Rachel about putting up Curt’s drawing, and she was delighted! They were so close.💕
I just hung a picture in Rachel’s room that Curt drew in the 3rd grade. I felt I needed to do that. I don’t know why, but it felt good. Rachel lives in Charleston, but is still single(30), so it will be “Rachel’s room” until she gets married. Valentine’s Day is about love, and love never goes away, whether they are here physically, or Spiritually. So, Anne do what feels right. It’s okay😘
I had Mark cremated and he sits on my dresser. I buy him cards for the holidays and his birthday. I write a special message inside, date it and seal it. Put it in front of his box. When the holiday/ birthday is over I put it in a box with the others. Never opened. Someday Drew, his brother will get them.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Four years ago today, my baby was buried. I’m so tired of missing Curt, so tired of putting on a “brave” face, and hearing how strong I am. I just want my son back. I want to hold him, kiss his face, listen to his voice, laugh with him. I want to go back in time.
Thanks for listening.
Okay, you’re not going to believe this. As I was posting to you about Valentine’s Day, my Daughter called to tell me one of her best friend’s just sent her a Valentine card for her brother , Curt!! I told Rachel about putting up Curt’s drawing, and she was delighted! They were so close.💕
That’s awesome. Someone is sending you a message!! ❤️
Curt sends me feathers, and lots of “coincidences”.✨
I just hung a picture in Rachel’s room that Curt drew in the 3rd grade. I felt I needed to do that. I don’t know why, but it felt good. Rachel lives in Charleston, but is still single(30), so it will be “Rachel’s room” until she gets married. Valentine’s Day is about love, and love never goes away, whether they are here physically, or Spiritually. So, Anne do what feels right. It’s okay😘
That is so right. Beautifully said.
I had Mark cremated and he sits on my dresser. I buy him cards for the holidays and his birthday. I write a special message inside, date it and seal it. Put it in front of his box. When the holiday/ birthday is over I put it in a box with the others. Never opened. Someday Drew, his brother will get them.
Wow that is so touching. Such a beautiful gift