Personal Loss to Purpose

Four years ago, I lost my father to suicide, an experience that shattered my world and forever changed the course of my life. That dreaded phone call with the news of my dad’s death is a scar in my memory. The shock, the disbelief, the overwhelming grief – the emotions hit me like a tidal wave. In that moment, I didn't just lose my dad—I lost my sense of reality, my understanding of the world, and a piece of myself that I often find myself grappling to reclaim.

I remember sitting at his funeral, lost in a sea of unanswered questions. Why didn't I see the signs? Could I have saved him? What should I have done differently? How do I live in a world that he chose to leave?

But here's my understanding of surviving suicide loss: you don't move on, you move through. You carry the weight of that loss with you. You find a strength you didn’t know you were capable of.

Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses has also been instrumental in my healing process. While the pain of losing someone to suicide is unique, I am not alone in navigating it.

Recently, I joined the North Texas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as their Social Media Ambassador. This role allows me to use my professional skills in social media to contribute to a cause that's deeply personal to me.

Through AFSP, I've learned about the vital work being done in suicide prevention, from funding scientific research to providing resources for those affected by suicide. I've also gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health and suicide, which has helped me process my own experience.

As part of my commitment to this cause, I'm participating in AFSP's Out of the Darkness Walk. This event will not only raise crucial funds for suicide prevention efforts but also provides a space for community, remembrance, and hope. If you're interested in supporting this cause, I would be incredibly grateful for any contributions to my fundraising efforts.

To anyone reading this who's been touched by suicide: I see you. I feel your pain. You are not alone in this. And to those grappling with thoughts of suicide: your life matters. The world is better with you in it. Reach out—there's help, there's hope, there's a future worth fighting for.

In memory of my dad, and for all those we've lost too soon, we can turn our pain into purpose. Together, we can write a different ending to this story.

The strongest among us aren't those who never struggle, but those who have the courage to ask for help when they need it.