Day 25 of 30: The Stealing of Time

Day 25 of 30: The Stealing of Time

Today I cant tell if I am sad or angry. Or maybe both. It’s been almost 1 year since Michael died. I am sad because I miss him and I am angry because of the damage that suicide does. In the beginning you hear from others, ” now he is out of pain”....

Day 24 of 30: The In-between

The in-between there is a Truth about families like mine, families like those of people coping with Mental Illness that I’m not sure anybody talks about. And so hell, here I go: The families like mine exist only in the in between. Those few moments or hours or...
Day 23 of 30: Stop the shame

Day 23 of 30: Stop the shame

There are no meal trains when your kid is mentally ill. No benefits to help with expenses. No one stops by to mow the lawn or plow the snow. Those watching want to know why. They want it to be someone’s fault.  The kid looks normal. Mom must have done drugs...
Day 22 of 30: Be the light

Day 22 of 30: Be the light

I couldn’t save my son. He was mine to protect, and I failed. Gone forever, by one emotional choice that offers only one permanent solution. Everyday, I wish I would have done more. I carry a mother’s guilt, not deserved, but an attachment to what was, what could have...
Day 21 of 30: The Wind

Day 21 of 30: The Wind

Honoring a life. Stomping a stigma. Supporting the cause. Finding the cure. Our Jackson was a talented, passionate young man who also faced challenges. Jackson created his website jacksonroeder.com in December of 2016 to build a portfolio of his talents in preparation...
Day 20 of 30: Happy go lucky mask

Day 20 of 30: Happy go lucky mask

Mental health is always something I’ve been an advocate for but until the last few years I didn’t realize how much I wasn’t caring for my own. When I was younger I had experienced physical, mental and emotional abuse which eventually lead me to...