To Suicide
You have torn my family apart
Leaving all with broken hearts
Our hearts still missing pieces and parts.
Tears flows as days go by
I still don’t understand why
I really try not to be sad
I am still feeling bad inside.
This poem was written by an 11-year-old girl who lost her father to suicide. Sara Gaer, a suicide prevention advocate who focuses on first responders and preventing men’s suicide, shared this with me and it’s posted with permission from the 11-year-old’s mother.
Please stop, listen to that gut feeling that something doesn’t sound right. Then ask the question, “Are you thinking of suicide?” Think about families who have lost someone to suicide. Be there six months later, a year later, two years later.
Your best asset for preventing suicide? Your ears. Listening with empathy and without judgement is the most important thing you can do.
Thank you for your kind words. My daughter wrote this poem and blindsided me by her compassionate understanding and empathy surrounding the situation at such a young age. I was particularly
struck by her lack of “assigning “blame to anything other than the act itself. She was not made aware of the circumstances surrounding my husband’s death until recently and I could not be more proud of her response. She has chosen to turn her pain and sadness into a vehicle of positive self expression with the hope of helping other children who may be hurting and affected by such a tragic loss.
It’s just an incredible how she articulated her feelings in this poem. I’m so honored to share it and I hope you will share this post. It deserves attention. I know you must be very proud of her. And it is remarkable how she doesn’t blame her dad for being ill but like you said, the disease itself.
Thank you to that brave 11 yr. old. 🙏🏼
I know right? What courage. Her mom showed her the page and was pleased.
A beautiful brave little girl. So sorry for your loss sweetheart. Stay strong.
Thank you Danny.
Heartbreaking!