Hi all!

I just discovered that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is having a community "Out of the Darkness" walk this weekend in Boston, and I've decided to walk in it. I lost my father to suicide 9 years ago and have missed him every day since. He was a remarkable individual who suffered from crippling depression at the end of his life. I am walking in memory of him.

I just wanted to share with you all as you have become a real online community for me. I don't expect any donations from anyone here but I'm putting up the link in case anyone is interested in the organization or wants to toss a couple of $$ in the bucket. As I said, though, I'm not expecting any funds from this community. Rather, I'd like your kind words and good wishes that I can make the 5K without being in tears the whole way:

http://www.outofthedarkness.org/index.c ... tID=133996

Thank you!

Thank you for stepping up and making a difference! If we all contribute in little ways we can make a BIG impact!

That second one is me, forgot to put my screen name on there

My grandparents neighbor across the street for many years at their old house committed suicide after he'd lost his wife, and was terminally ill himself, decided he didn't want to be a burden on his children and took his own life. I always liked him, many times while I spent the summers there he was stopping by to chat and just see what was going on.

Thanks Rootmartin, and don't worry about crying, it just shows how much it means to you. Though I certainly understand the desire not to!

As you already know I suffer from depression and have had some very low times. My Psychiatrist is heavily involved in Suicide Prevention here in Ireland.

I wish you luck on your walk, I'm sure you're father will be with you every step of the way.

Thanks so much for your kind words and your generosity! It means so very much to me to have all of your support.

My grandmother committed suicide when I was only 3 months old. I don't know how my mother (her only child) ever got through it. My bit is tossed in the pot. Thanks for making a difference.

I've not said anything online about this before but this is how I lost my dad last year. He had been sick for a while and got very depressed over it. It's not something you can every understand. It's a very hard thing for the family to have to deal with too.
Melissa, I'm sorry you lost your dad to suicide too. And Janet I'm sorry about your grandmother. I imagine your mother did it a day at a time.

Big hugs for everyone
I'm sorry to hear about this. It's so hard to face what's going on sometime.
Hear, Hear for stepping up Melissa

What a great cause. I have never heard of this walk. Perhaps next year I'll participant in one around my area. Good luck this weekend.

Thanks again for all your support and your honesty about how suicide has affected you. These walks are called "out of the darkness" as they are supposed to shed light on how many people are affected by suicide since it is so rarely talked about. So, I think even our thread here is a step in the right direction. So, thank you again. I'll let you all know how the walk goes.



- Melissa