As the living world celebrates the season of birth and newness in the Spring, I am reminded of the recent loss of two very special young men. The commonality between them is that we lost them both to suicide. Precious lives of great promise abruptly cut short leaving loved ones near and far, to find a new normal without them.
Thinking about them (and all souls – departed and living) is a reminder of the many challenges we all face throughout our lives. Challenges that often infuse fear in the hearts of the bravest, convincing them that there is no way out. But there is a way out. There is always a way out.
Yes that way out may be difficult, uncomfortable, costly, even one we may not particularly like, but a way out there is and to every problem, a solution. But before we venture out to find that solution, the primary requisite to getting to it intact, is support.
Support from family, friends, clergy, medical professionals, and yes, even strangers. We are served well to remember however, that the best support available is to no avail, if not sought. So if you have it, take it. If you don’t have it, seek it out.
And as the people give you the gift of their support, rallying around your work towards a solution, know that you too have given them a gift – The invaluable opportunity to be there for someone, to share the yoke of a fellow human being and to realize their own self-worth, none of which would be possible without you.
So as 2015 welcomes Spring, may you too enjoy the season of renewed life with the support of your support!