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It’s messages like these that keep me going

Picture credit courtesy of my brother Gene Nimocks

Note: You all have no idea how deeply appreciative and honored I am that you share your stories and messages with me. All of you inspire me. Becca, you’ve inspired me. Thank you –Anne Moss Rogers

Dear Mrs. Rogers-

I had no idea how to start this e-mail as I feel like I’m writing a lifelong friend, although you have no idea who I am! My name is Becca, I’m twenty-two and a psychology student at VCU. I switched my major to psychology when I was nineteen; my best friend and soulmate died by suicide or accidental heroin overdose.

I found your blog today which marks the three-year anniversary of Tyler’s death. I spent hours reading your blog, news stories, and learning about you and your mission.

I really connected with your quote describing grief as a desire to leave your skin. Nothing has ever hit closer to home. As someone who’s battled depression, anxiety, and PTSD for several years I love seeing and learning about people like you.

On what is historically one of my darker days, I found a bright light in your writing and didn’t feel as isolated in my grief today. When I would think of Tyler, I’d also think of Charles and your strength.

I’m sorry if this is all coming off bizarre, I just really wanted to take the time to reach out and thank you. Thank you for inspiring me, thank you for moving forward in life and thank you for caring. I’m heartbroken by the number of people who brush these events under the rug and never learn from them. Regardless if you know it, you ARE saving lives.

My mom participates in Out Of Darkness walks with me to show her support for her daughter that survived suicide and it really makes me enthusiastic to see others turn tragedy into an opportunity for growth.

I hope in none of this has offended you. Since I’m not a mother I could never possibly understand your experience. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for you and your family. Please don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing, you are making a huge difference.

Warmest regards,
Becca Hagan

Published by

AnneMoss Rogers

AnneMoss Rogers is a mental health and suicide education expert, mental health speaker, suicide prevention trainer and consultant. She is author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW. She raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost her younger son, Charles to addiction and suicide on June 5, 2015. She is a motivational speaker who empowers by educating and provides life saving strategies and emotionally healthy coping skills. As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now that's the legacy she carries forward in her son's memory. Mental Health Speakers Website.

2 thoughts on “It’s messages like these that keep me going”

  1. Becca, you are a brave and wonderfully warm person. Your future is a bright one. Thanks so much for reaching out to Anne Moss and letting her share your story. Anne Moss, I’m thinking about you this weekend. Praying for God’s peace.

  2. Becca, thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement to my friend, Anne Moss. Your words are a balm to her soul. As a social worker, I’m happy to hear you are a psychology major. The counseling field (should you decide to go that route) desperately needs people who intimately understand the struggles clients face. That empathy will serve you well as you help others, whether in a professional context or just in life. Take good, no, excellent care of yourself, Becca, for you have a tender heart and a lovely gift of encouraging others. Best wishes…

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