Offering hope, comfort and support for survivors of suicide loss.
Three years ago today, I lost my father to suicide. As I write that I still feel this sense of disbelief as I question, "How could this have happened in my family?" It still just doesn't seem real. So much has happened in just three short years after losing dad to suicide.
Being a survivor is now a part of my story. It is not something I would have chosen to be a part of my story, but I suppose we do not always want the hand that is dealt ...
This season, I wanted to share some of my favorite holiday memories of my dad. I spend so much time on the blog talking about the way he died and about suicide in general that I’d like to keep this one on a lighter note.
Christmas was all about family to him. When the time came to decorate the tree, he wanted it to be a family affair. He’d put on Christmas songs and bring boxes of unique ornaments down from the attic. He really enjoyed ...
The halo effect of my dad’s suicide was felt again this week - nearly three and a half years later - during a visit to my hometown; it was the first time I made the trek since welcoming my baby daughter. In addition to introducing her to some relatives, we were holding her baptism at my family church. I cushioned our arrival time to allow for a quick visit to the cemetery to “introduce” her to my dad, as well. Leading up to the trip, I envisioned ...
The holiday season can be especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, as we face a number of emotions including sadness, guilt, anger and shame. I have found that many survivors think about their loved ones more frequently during this time as we are reminded that they are no longer with us. Survivors often feel conflicted not knowing if it is ok to feel happy during this time of year. I have written a few posts about ...
Living in the Midwest, it’s common to succumb to the doldrums of winter. The blistering cold, the mountains of snowfall and the lack of sunshine can all contribute to seasonal blues. For some, seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can hit during the holidays. The time spent either with or without family can influence people significantly. For others, this feeling may come after the bright and happy holiday timeframe, when ...
