September 5-11 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Every day I think of our nephew Aaron. I think of all the times we laughed together. I think of his playful nature, his wisdom, his compassion, the food and dogs and books and movies he liked. I think of the many photos his mother shared when we lived so far apart that allowed me to watch him as he grew up. I think of his visits to The Compound as he got older and the cherished place he took among our family and friends. I contemplate how he loved us and protected us, especially his parents, from the truth of the depression that engulfed him.
No matter how much I wish I could, I can never forget the stark truth of his last day and the terrible phone call that began my reality of living in a world without him. He killed himself just before his high school graduation. His friends overflowed his memorial service to say goodbye.
This year we didn’t celebrate his college graduation. We won’t know which career choices he might have made. We won’t see him marry, or hold his first child, or be part of all the celebrations and challenges that every family goes through together. Aaron didn’t take that from us. Depression did.
I wish no parent, no child, no brother or sister, no aunt or uncle, no grandparent, no cousin, no friend would ever have to know this kind of loss.
For more information about recognizing the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, please visit the American Association of Suicidology website. If you are struggling, please visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
We love you, Aaron, and hold your memory in our hearts.
Aw Becky, I have no words for this except that I’m sorry for you & your family’s loss of this amazing young man Aaron. Depression is so pervasive and there is such a negative stigma attached to it that some people are aftaid to ask for help for fear that they will be judged. Love & prayers to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Denise. <3
I like to think that the time I lived in Colorado with my family and their dogs added 2 more years to my life. I just wish getting a job in my field there was actually possible. It’s like I have to choose between the two, and the gay population around here is as deserted as the desert. Work or life; not both.
I am so glad that you are able to honour him this way, Becky.
Depression is a wicked, wicked disease.
Thank you.