TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE
Time stopped for me on the afternoon of February 12, 2010. One phone call is all it took.
My father was dead. Suicide.
I wasn't there to witness it but the knife to my heart felt just as deep. Before, I was always angry. But after his death, I felt gutted. There was no fight left within me.
Losing a parent is already an emotional experience. When you're sixteen and trying to understand why your dad was so sad he left the world behind when you were still in it nothing makes sense. Father's Day, his birthday - those were hard.
The years started speeding by each time I blinked. I could no longer comprehend the passage of time. I still can't. How has it already been fourteen years?
My mom often tells me how proud he'd be of me.
Today each time I see a stranger I'm hesitant to reveal anything about myself. How could someone possibly understand or accept me unless they have experienced some sort of trauma themselves? My introversion has only increased so it's a daily struggle. I'm still amazed at how far I've come, but I can't help but ask each time, at what cost?
My job has slowly helped me realize I have leadership skills - deep inside. It's hard for me to talk to people, but once they cross the bridge, I'm happy to help and support them as best I can. Organizations like AFSP and TWLOHA have been a comforting reminder that I'm not alone in surviving or even the battle itself.
I am joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
This is my first time fundraising. Please help me in my quest to secure $2,024 USD by October 26, 2024. Organizations like American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) can only succeed with supporters like you. Thank you.
Donate now.
