Today, September 23rd is a hard and sacred day for my family.

It’s my late husband Brian’s birthday. He took his life 17 years ago this November, and not a year goes by that the weight of that loss doesn’t touch me in some way. Some years I’m angry, some sad, some motivated to work towards helping those who have been in both my and his shoes. This year I feel all of the above.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and I feel strongly about speaking openly about our past, about grief, about the things we’re often told to keep quiet. Silence keeps stigma alive. And if we don’t remind ourselves of our history, we risk repeating it.

That’s why I recorded a podcast episode sharing Brian’s story, my journey through loss, and the hope I’ve found in breaking the silence. It’s raw and emotional (yes, there are a lot of tears), but it’s also about love, resilience, and the power of honest conversation.

I share this to honor Brian, to remember him at his best but also draw attention to the struggles we have from mental health’s side effects, and to hopefully remind someone out there that they are not alone. If you’re struggling like Brian did…please stay, please reach out, please keep fighting. Your story matters. If you find yourself in my shoes as a loved one of someone struggling, reach out, I’ve got you.

Let’s honor, remember, and most importantly, learn. 🕯️

#SuicideAwarenessMonth #EndTheStigma #HonorRememberLearn#PleaseStay

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