Talk About It - Mental Health Awareness

Halo's of St Croix Valley cares for families in both Wisconsin and Minnesota who have suffered the loss of a child. They show no judgement, and only compassion for families facing a difficult road of grief ahead. They recognize every anniversary, every birthday, and just like each family they've helped, they will never forget your loved ones. There is no dollar amount that could communicate the care that this organization provides - please consider donating to this incredible non-profit.

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According to the Children's Hospital Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death in kids ages 10-14, and the third leading cause in kids ages 15-24. What an awful, and terribly sad statistic. 

Brett gained his angel wings December 11, 2017, a date ingrained in my brain forever. He loved soccer, music, movies, games, and most of all, people. He had the largest heart, helping anyone and everyone he could. It is often the first thing people mention about him. At 17, he was driven, had dreams of attending college, and was highly regarded in sports and academics. Brett had innumerable positive qualities, but the message I'd like to share is that even though we are closing in on 9 years apart, not one day has passed that I don't miss and love him just the same. 

No matter the age, helping people is important. Helping yourself is important. It's critical to care for yourself, and listen to what you need. No matter how hard life gets, there is always someone in your corner. That person might be a family member, friend, or a complete stranger on the other end of the phone. There is so much love in this world - YOU are loved. 

No one has all the right answers, not everyone gets things right on the first try. Sometimes we say the wrong things, maybe even more than once. We're not supposed to be perfect, we're supposed to be human. Learn to forgive yourself, and others too. Learn to apologize or agree to disagree. See the power in community, and let yourself lean on those around you. Life is too short to torture yourself every day - learn to let go. It may sound like I'm trying to tell you that it is easy to do these things, and that is not the case at all. It's very difficult to retrain your brain, but YOU are worth the effort. 

As they teach us in school, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary "problem." Maybe that's harsh, but the longer I outlive Brett, the more I see the truth in it. Halo's has created a community of incredible support, and it's important to see that we can carry that mantra of support outside of their charity's mission and apply it to our every day lives. Tell your people that you love them, be kind to yourself, and know that you are never alone, ever. 

Text or call 988 if you are struggling.