I can’t believe I’m writing this, but today marks the five-year milestone of my dad’s death by suicide and my position as a “survivor.” Today, I’m reflecting on how my life has evolved in that time.
I’m thankful for the resources and survivor friends who have been there for me. Early on, I was able to find my footing and begin healing with the help of Catholic Charities’ Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide support groups. I attended my ...
Four Years Later: Marking the Anniversary of My Dad’s Suicide
To be honest, I hadn’t planned on doing anything of significance to mark the four-year anniversary of my dad’s suicide this week. I tend to think it’s better to focus on happier occasions, like his birthday or the holidays we enjoyed together. The craziness of chasing around my 10-month-old, coupled with picking up the house and getting ready for the day certainly served as helpful distractions. However, as the date loomed, I received a couple of ...
What I’ve Learned Years After My Dad’s Suicide
August marks four years since my dad took his life. Some days, it feels as fresh and raw as when I first learned of his death. On others, it seems like a lifetime ago. I still shake my head in disbelief when I think about my dad – my dad – making the decision to die this way. I remember sitting in my first few LOSS meetings listening to moderators who were five or ten years out from their loved one’s passing thinking, “you have no idea how I feel ...
“Coming Home.” Finding Solitude after Loss to Suicide
This week we welcome Catherine Gorey, a survivor who lost her mother to suicide 6 years ago today. We honor Catherine's mother, Breda, by sharing her story. Catherine's journey to find solitude after experiencing a personal loss to suicide provides hope and inspiration to those who still struggle to find their own solitude. Thank you Catherine for sharing your journey with us.
Catherine's Story:
I love the melody and the lyrics to the ...
Three Years After Losing Dad to Suicide
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 ...