My life in pictures, stories and open letters.

My life in pictures, stories and open letters.
Warning

Please be advised that you are entering my blog.
My blog.
The opinions herein are mine.
I am free to rant and vent to my heart's content.
If you find yourself mentioned here, then you've made quite an impression on me.
Feel free to read on if you would like to know if that impression is good, bad or ugly.
If you choose not to know, I invite you to move your mouse over to the little red X in the top corner of your screen and click.
Regardless of the option you choose, I hope you have a fabulous day!



Friday, September 12, 2008

Friday's Foto Fiesta Finish c/o Candid Carrie


Let me introduce you to
Shelley. She was a much
loved part of our family
for close to five years. She
was my sister-in-law.

She committed suicide
July 10, 2006.

We participate in the
annual Lifting The Silence
Suicide Awareness March
on the second Friday of every September in her memory.
Today will mark our third
year marching, in hopes of
encouraging people to
open their eyes and hearts
and minds to a too-often
fatal disease called
depression.
This was in the newspaper. It's me with Cassie. You can see a tear making its way down her cheek.
For more, be sure to stop by and see Carrie!

17 comments:

Claremont First Ward said...

One of the first posts I read of yours was about Carrie. What a great way to remember her.

wy-not said...

We honour her memory today. We grieve today. We support Buddy today with everything we have. It was so unnecessary, if she only could have found the help she needed. Psychiatry has a long way to go. This should just be any other ordinary September Friday. Thanks for posting this one, honey.

Ronda's Rants said...

Gosh...I am so very sorry...What a beautiful woman...What a tragic loss for your family and the world...it is inspiring how your family is handling this! May you find comfort in your shared memories of her and may Buddy feel comforted by you, his family.

Susie said...

Awareness really is the key. I suffer from depression and if it weren't for educated people around me, this would have been my story. It is preventable and it is treatable. Thanks for keeping the word out there.

Frizzy said...

Our family has been touched by suicide several times. Losing a loved one in such a way is a feeling that can't be described. I would love more information on this group/event and see about attending one in honor of our own loved one's lost.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What a tragedy. That should never have to happen. My mother's best friend committed suicide. It's so hard to deal with. I have suffered from depression for years, I don't know where I'd be now without treatment.
The walk is a wonderful thing to do!

Unknown said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss... I just myself received word that after being diagnosed with colon cancer my former boss took his life this weekend... it hurts.

Hugs to you

Betty said...

I´m so sorry for your loss! And that your kids had to experience this trauma in there lives! But I find it so great that you are raising awareness for this disease!

Aim said...

Wow.

Michelle said...

I don't even know what to say.

But I do want you to know that I read your post, you're being heard loud and clear.

Brandi said...

I am blown away that we are crossing paths. My one-day-to-be-ex tried to commit suicide a few week ago. I am praying that he gets the help he needs, but he had other issues. I am sorry for your loss and the pictures touch at a core of a person. Anyone who can look at the child crying with indifference is a cold person. I appluad you and your family on your journey to bring awareness to depression/suicide.

Tracy said...

I found your blog and so glad I did. I am so sorry for your loss. I think it is so amazing that you remember her in such a special way. I have never heard of the walk-I wish more people took the time to understand depression and what comes with it.
I have had depression for a long time-I have tried to take my own life twice in the last 22 years.
I am on meds and with a Dr. so I maintain-the thing that got me about your post and reading some of the comments was the thought that instead of being ashamed, frustrated and afraid all the time I shouldn't have to be. What a concept-how freeing that would be. I wish more than anything that my family even my parents could and would become educated instead treating me like they don't know what to do and this too shall pass.
Thank you for bringing awareness to an issue that much more common than we realize.
Tracy

amelia bedelia said...

What a great way to remember your sister in law. Thanks for sharing, rhonda.

Unknown said...

You guys are all in my prayers again during this time. It is good that you guys choose to let her live on through all of this, to help the rest of us to be more aware. She continues to have purpose.

Aunt Julie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's great, though, that you can cherish Shelley's memory and continue on in your fight to make folks aware of depression and suicide.

Tulsi said...

Your sister in law is beautiful. She would be 4 months younger than my husband and has my best friends birth month and day, 3 days earlier than my birthday in July. Looks can be deceiving on happiness. We have keep track of my mom often. It is scary not knowing what is going to happen from day to day. It's difficult with my mom living in Switzerland. Her husband lets Steve know if he gets worried. I guess talking to him is easier that talking to me. I'm so sorry for your families loss. And what a great remembrance and reminder. I'm sure it helps many and it gets dialog going so that it may help someone. I'm quite proud of your family for being proactive.

Anonymous said...

my thoughts are with you today.
what an inspiring way to remember her and to raise awareness.
blessings to you and your family.