This week – September 9-15, 2012 - is National Suicide Prevention Week.  What many of you don’t know (because I’ve been unable to talk about it) is that I lost my brother, Chad, to suicide in May. To say it was devastating for me and my family…  Well, that would be an understatement.

But I’m trying to move on, somehow, some way.  Trying to spin something positive out of what we’ve been through. There’s nothing I can do to bring Chad back, but if I can just do something – even help just one person – perhaps my pain won’t be for nothing.  Slowly but surely, I’m learning more about recognizing the signs, and finding the resources to help someone who may need it.  I’m having lunch later this week with a lovely lady, also a survivor, who is going to help me get involved in our local suicide prevention coalition. I’m taking baby steps toward healing, by trying to help someone else. And in the end, I think it’s helping me.

If I could ask one thing of you…  Please program this number into your cell phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  It is the number to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but have it close – just in case you find yourself face-to-face with someone who desperately needs it.  Heaven forbid, I know.  But just in case.  Just in case.

So bear with me this week as I share and retweet information about suicide prevention. It’s my therapy. And if you want to help me – spread the word, share the hotline number, you can even share this blog article if you can’t find your own words.  Thanks.