Offering hope, comfort and support for survivors of suicide loss.
I think society has led us to believe that crying is a sign of weakness. If we still cry, we must not have moved forward since losing our loved one to suicide. I lost my dad three and a half years ago, almost exactly to the day. I still cry. A song will come on the radio, a memory will surface, a holiday will pass, and I will be reminded that my dad is no longer here. Tears will fall, and sadness will overcome me. Does this mean that I ...
Here in Chicago, we experience a number of dreary days. Especially during the winter months. I wake up thinking, "When will I ever see the sun again?!" The first few months, even years following a loss by suicide can feel like living without sunshine. Every task seems impossible. But just like the Chicago winter, the rain and gloom does pass, and the sun does shine again. ...
In the aftermath of a loss by suicide, it is difficult to see any progress you have made. You may still cry, and you may still feel sadness, anger or pain. Does this mean you haven't began to move forward? No. Moving forward doesn't look the same for everyone. I recently spoke with a man who lost his wife to suicide a few years back. She was his first and only love. He talked about how his friends and family kept telling him that he needed ...
After the loss of my dad to suicide, I remember many people commenting on my strength. I would think to myself, "You don't see me when the doors close." Strength was not a characteristic I would have used to describe myself in those moments following the tragic loss I experienced. Yet looking back, I do see the strength I posed. The strength to not allow life to completely knock me down. I think we all struggle to recognize our strength ...
When you think about courage what are some of the images that come to mind? This week, I want that image to be YOU. Give yourself credit for your own courage. Courage to get up, courage to go to work, and courage to do it all again tomorrow. As a survivor myself I know that there are days that the pain feels unbearable. It's weight appears to be stronger than you are. I can assure you that it is not. YOU are stronger than the pain. ...
