Honoring a Lost Loved One While Embracing New Life
A Day Etched in Memory
For my family, August 23 will always be a day etched in our memories—a day of both joy and sorrow. It reminds us of life’s fragility and the beauty of grace. Three years ago, on this date, we lost my Uncle David to suicide. Not a day goes by without thinking of him and wishing he were still with us. His absence is deeply felt, and like many families who have experienced such a loss, we carry both grief and love in equal measure.
A New Beginning
This year, on August 23, the same day brought us something unexpected—my cousin Jamie, Uncle David’s daughter, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. On the very day we once mourned, we were blessed with new life. It was an emotional day for our family, filled with tears and smiles, grief and gratitude.
Signs of Presence and Promise
Moments like this remind us that there are forces at work beyond our understanding. We receive signs, both small and profound, of presence and promise. I believe in my heart that Uncle David was with Jamie that day, watching over her and her son, embracing them in ways we cannot see.
Legacy Beyond Loss
Though we lost him to suicide, his legacy is not defined by that moment. It lives on through his daughter and now through his grandson, who will carry pieces of his grandfather with him throughout life.
A Call for Awareness and Compassion
Suicide Awareness Month is a time to remember those we’ve lost, to support those who are struggling, and to reaffirm the importance of mental health for all. Our family’s story is just one example of how grief and hope can coexist. While we can never bring back the ones we’ve lost, we can honor their memory by carrying their legacy forward and supporting each other with compassion.
Life Happens: Free, Confidential Support for You
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