When I started this blog, I had no idea where it was going. I just knew I hurt like crazy and had no idea what the grief journey after a suicide loss might be.
I had to write and I didn’t expect anyone would want to be exposed to my ugly, naked grief. After all we tried to do for Charles, suicide was the worst possible ending I could imagine. In fact, I never imagined it. It was never even on my radar.
Then someone asked, “How do I subscribe to your blog?” I was shocked and I still didn’t know exactly what this would be. I had not thought like a marketer. But I added a subscribe feature. All I knew was that I had a lot to say and I was tired of being quiet. Tired of suffering alone. Tired of judgement and implied shame.
And a funny thing happened. You guys showed up. Day after day. Week after week. We made a sort of ragtag tribe and you guys starting sharing the posts and other people who had lost a child, lost someone to suicide or addiction and those still suffering with mental illness came, too. And they starting talking.
From there it blossomed into a true grassroots effort and thanks to you, our voices carried further so that we reached over a quarter million people in the first 18 months. People are finding these posts from google now. From Facebook. And from you.
Seven years ago when I started speaking about mental health, drug abuse and addiction, no one wanted me. I had to beg to get any speaking gigs. I could not dynamite a door down. And now people are inviting me to speak on those subjects, including suicide.
I did want to be public about what was happening with my family when it was happening. I was angry at the broken mental health system that ultimately failed my son and my family. Charles didn’t want me to talk out loud. Out of respect for him, I didn’t. Well, I did once. But he didn’t like it so I stopped.
I know that being emotionally naked made people uncomfortable right at first. I didn’t care because I had lost one of the most precious people in the world to me, my child. I had nothing to lose.
I want you to know, I wouldn’t have the reach I do without your support and sharing.
Alone, I was not effective. Together, we are. Let’s kick ass in 2018.
All I can add, is Anne You are a courageous, brave, never- give- up type of person. Your words, your Charles memories, your challenges, your naked honest soul sharing has been a gift to me, and countless others. I have no doubt Charles is cheering you on from up above. Thank you from the bottom of my 💜 heart.
Thank you Jan
Welcome to day 1 of 365. Thank you for leading us, Anne Moss, out of the dark into the light. We are all in this together. All of our kids would be proud. <3
So good that gave this faithful group
Thank you Anne Moss Rogers for your website in allowing us to share our sorrows and comfort one another. Your blog has made differences in our lives where we feel welcomed to express our hardships and received support. Thank you.
It had been a pleasure watching you grow and find success. Even to the point of being there for others. Thanks for being part of the tribe
You’re welcome. Thank you Anne Moss Rogers.
I spread your name far and often. So many people who are experiencing addiction and/or suicide of a loved one are silent. Embarrassed. Ashamed. They need you. Some just don’t know where to turn. In my own way, I’m trying to help. I’m trying to get people to go from silence to speaking out, to action. Let’s hope 2018 will be a turning point for this disease. Thank you for all of your efforts.
That is exactly what has made a difference. Thank you so much for that. It is all of you guys who have helped unify a voice
Anne, your help has been invaluable in guiding those of us who have lost a loved one to suicide and who deal with mental illness of a child on a daily basis. I know that you are helping to PREVENT suicide for those suffering. Thank you for your strength, perseverance and love.
So honored to have you as part of this village. Your support has been invaluable
so glad i found you. i need to talk about it too. #tribeofafter
I like that hash tag, Gray. The same. 🙂
I read because grief is universal.
Yes it is. And it applies to so many things besides death. Funny I didn’t see that before.
We are so proud of you and glad we can play a part in helping others. Thank you!
You and Amy have bee my most loyal supporters. Thank you for that
I love being apart of your tribe. Before I met you I felt once suicidal always suicidal. But with your support, Astros and PHU I feel I have grown/over come. Thank you and Happy New Year
My message in all my talks is making human connections. We all crave it and are richer for it
Go get ‘em, girl! You, and your tribe, are awesome… ❤️
You are the tribe leader Amy. So loyal. Thank you for that