Finding Hope & Help in the Darkness

Today begins a week that has been set aside as National Suicide Prevention Week. For many of us, like the mother of one of my closest friends Jeanne Pfiefer this is a mantle we wear daily to help those struggling get resources they need to survive and to create a safer world free of judgement, filled with love to end the stigma.
For me, like so many, this activism is personal. I still remember the day I joined my close friend Jill, in Omaha to celebrate her sister Amanda’s life in 1995 along with her family. The day I lost the man I loved heart and soul, Curtis, will be a pain that I will carry till my journey ends. And the 2nd Thursday of every month I gather with other incredible souls who lost loved ones to suicide to heal, to grow. So I write the following words not just from what I learned from these experiences but from genuine love:
You are not your mistakes.
You are not your failures.
You are not your bad days.
You are not your illness.
You are not your insecurities.
Though it’s easy to cling to the previous this is what I promise you are:
- You are loved
- You are worth it
- You are strong
If you are struggling I encourage you to reach out to me. Simply ask for my phone number and it’s yours. Or reach out to the Crisis Text Line: text TALK to 741–741 or call tel:1–800–273–8255 for free, 24/7 service. In addition if you live in Arkansas, this Thursday, 9/13 is a grief support group for those who lost a loved one to suicide or who have attempted. The location is at Park Christian Church 4400 JFK Blvd North Little Rock , AR 72116 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You are welcome to join us.
Not only do I love you, that am fighting for you daily, I also know you have a beautiful purpose in this world and I know that we will get through whatever you are facing or struggling with together. So please reach out.
With all my love and my support, MDS
❤️
