To Write Love On My Arms

Sept. 5-11 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is the third most common cause of death for 18-24 year olds. On Wednesday September 8th, write (or paint, color, draw) the word "LOVE" on your wrist as a form of recognition.

I wrote love on my arms today for those who have lost their lives because they thought it was the only way out. I wrote love on my arms to bring awareness to the pain, depression, suffering, and grief that so many experience (more than we would ever know). I wrote love on my arms for my students who might be dealing with these very feelings right now.

I wrote love on my arms for Corry.

My cousin Corry ended his life in 2002. I was a senior in high school. He was 25 years old. I am 25 years old  now. I quickly did the math, and when 25 popped up, I stopped breathing for a minute. The realization of this is overwhelming. 

Corry was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when he was young and would battle with this disease his entire life. 

Although it's been almost 8 years since we lost Corry, we very much feel his loss. 

For information on To Write Love On Her Arms visit their website.

The vision of To Write Love On Her Arms:

The vision is that community and hope and help would replace secrets and silence.  

The vision is people putting down guns and blades and bottles. 

The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world.

The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need.

The vision is better endings.  The vision is the restoration of broken families and broken relationships.  The vision is people finding life, finding freedom, finding love.  The vision is graduation, a Super Bowl, a wedding, a child, a sunrise.  The vision is people becoming incredible parents, people breaking cycles, making change.  

The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.  

The vision is the possibility that we're more loved than we'll ever know.  

The vision is hope, and hope is real.

Other resources:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Jed Foundation

Half of Us