Joshua’s Light: Suicide Awareness
Life's Mysterious Ocean
Life, like a vast ocean, holds both vibrant coral reefs and churning depths. It carries us through joy and sorrow, painting our experiences with all the colors of the rainbow. Yet, for some, the darkness seems to dominate. The weight of life's challenges, the sensitivity of a kind heart, and the struggle with the unknown can feel unbearable.
Facing the Unthinkable
Suicide is a difficult topic to approach, especially when it touches our own lives. Words fail when you lose a loved one, a friend, a soul so deeply connected. Is there anything that can truly express the pain and bridge the gap for those consumed by darkness who feel they can't carry the weight any longer?
Every day, online and offline, we encounter people on the brink. Perhaps they walk beside us, unaware. We might wonder, "If we had known, what could we have done?"
Compassion and the Power of Choice
Naturally, we reach out with love and support. But ultimately, we respect the free will God has granted us.
Finding Meaning in Loss
Today, words seem inadequate. Creating something to honor Joshua, something that offers compassion and understanding for those who couldn't bear the weight, while also raising awareness for those teetering on the edge – it feels like a monumental task.
Perhaps the only true answer lies within our hearts. We must allow ourselves to feel the profound pain, but also the immense love, the gentle, extraordinary love that fills us when we think of someone who was too pure, too sensitive to continue.
Turning Pain into Purpose
But can we go further? Can we find a way to recognize and help those still here? Can we transform the pain of losing a loved one into a fuel to raise awareness about depression and suicide?
Building a Brighter World
Even those who are content, those who navigate life with a sense of peace, can still carry Joshua and others like him in their hearts.
Perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer our loved ones lost to suicide is to educate ourselves, to fight the stigma around mental health struggles, and to create a world that is more welcoming, understanding, and gentle for those who carry a heavy burden.
A Call to Action
What can we do, individually, to make those in the darkness feel seen, heard, and valued? They don't need to force a smile, achieve greatness, or be anything specific to be worthy of love and support.
One person alone may not have all the answers. But together, we can build a more compassionate world. Each of us can contribute, however small, to making life more bearable for those struggling in the darkest corners.
Millions of lives are lost to suicide every year. Isn't it time to bring this topic into the open, to create awareness, and to use it as motivation to build a better world?
A Love That Endures
Today, words may be scarce, but one thing remains clear: I love you, Joshua. Even in your darkest moments, I love you. I love you even if the pain felt too much to bear. I love you even if you felt unloved.
I love you in all your moments, both joyful and sorrowful. I love you, even though you're gone, your spirit forever lives on within me and everyone who knew you. And because of this love, I promise to create a better world for those who feel the way you did.
Through this love, you will forever hold a place in the soft, safe space of my heart.
For you, Luis, Joshua, and Rebecca, I will never give up.
Love, Mom
