Friday the 13th
I wasn't planning on an extra newsletter this week, but I followed my heart.
My brother Sam was 23 when he died by suicide.
It was a Friday the 13th six years ago today.
He suffered silently.
I know from words scrawled on a napkin, that his last thoughts centered around feeling like a disappointment.
Dates usually don’t carry too much weight for me, but when the 13th of January falls on a Friday it’s hard not to notice.
Although I had already started to dig in and do my own work when Sam died, his death made me even more passionate about breaking silence and cycles.
I’m sure my decision to be so public with my own struggles and stories makes some people uncomfortable. However, it’s a choice I gladly and willing make in the hope that someone out there will benefit.
Now that my parents are gone too, there’s a new layer for me as the eldest daughter–I carry the family memories.
As a result, I felt called to recognize the date today and share my brother’s face and remind you that:
You matter.
You matter.
You matter.
Wholeheartedly,
Maggie
And what a thoughtful, beautiful post and picture collage you wrote and posted about your brother Sam; Maggie!
I'm happy to see you choose to go public about your own struggles! You are right you just never know if what you write/ communicate will help someone else struggling with their own issues. Unfortunately, suicide or mental illness whether it be depression, anxiety disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders. Neuro developmental disorders/ Disruptive behavior and Dis-social disorders; etc; although has had some developments over the years it still carries a stigma like no other disease! Since struggling with my own depression/anxiety and being diagnosed in 1988 I feel there still is A lot of work to be done getting the word out, taking away the stigma and more Support in the workplace; In my own opinion! So I applaud you Maggie and never apologize for speaking up on these mental health topics! 💚