Hello my friends,
I have a friend in one of my other communities I am involved with and she would like everyone to hear her story. Her name is Rebecca:Thanks for all you do,
Rebecca
Dear fellow Out of the Darkness walk participants and supporters, On June 8th 2004, my world was completely and forever changed when I lost my beautiful 21-year-old son, Jason Horne, to suicide. Jason was my first-born child and my only son. He was more precious to me than words can ever say. His death has left an incredible void in my life, and each day I face the pain of missing him – and the struggle to understand why he had to die this way. He was not the kind of person you would ever dream would die by suicide. He was a happy child and grew into a young man who was always smiling, joking, and laughing. Yet on the inside, he carried a dark secret. The secret of depression. Now I know that if my sweet, bright, and outwardly happy son could die by suicide, anyone can. In fact, today – every 18 minutes – another life is lost to suicide. I suppose I always thought I would “see the signs” that my child was in serious trouble and having thoughts of taking his own life. If only I had been better educated about depression and suicide. If only I knew then what I have learned since losing my son. In honor of Jason’s memory and as a tribute to his life, I’ll be taking part in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk. With each step I take, I pray that another family might be spared the pain of this loss. I walk with the hope that another mom will never have to know the anguish of losing a child to suicide.I will join other walkers with the shared goal of promoting awareness and creating programs that aid in the prevention of suicide and help survivors cope with the painful aftermath of suicide. I will be walking for Jason and in memory of the many sons and daughters who have tragically ended their lives as a result of severe depression.If you care to share this incredible adventure with me by supporting us in our fund-raising efforts, please register for one of the Colorado Out of the Darkness Community Walks and donate to this worthwhile cause. In order to make a difference, we would like to invite as many people as possible to participate. Consider forming a team with your family, friends and co-workers. Invite everyone to walk or participate as a volunteer. Registration is fast and easy and can be done online at www.outofthedarkness.org or by calling (888) 333-AFSP. Your donation will help fund local and national programs to prevent suicide and you will be honoring the many lives that were cut short by suicide in a very meaningful way. Western Slope Out of the Darkness Walk – Saturday August 26th, 2006Denver Out of the Darkness Walk – Sunday September 17, 2006Let’s bring suicide Out of the Darkness – for Jason and those who felt there was no hope of ever finding the dawn of a better tomorrow – for those left behind, and especially for those presently carrying the tremendous pain of suicidal depression.Together – we can make a difference.Many thanks for your support. Vivian LloydJason’s MomJason Horne 4/29/83 – 6/8/04 You may not think you can reach it--------------Climb AnywayYou may not think you’ll be heard--------------Speak AnywayYou may not think you can change things--------------Try Anyway
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