Overnight Journey

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. ~ Lao Tzo 

     I have read the news of the unfortunate suicide of Rick Warren's son.  I can not fathom the thought of dealing with your own child taking the very life your sacrificed and provided for them to have.  I only hope our Lord and time bring peace to every heavy heart wrought with such tragedy.

     In the next two months, I will be taking a journey called the Overnight Walk.  I will be posting in my Twitter feed (@DaveHuberEsq) updates on my preparation for this event.  A link to the story I have is located here:  
http://theovernight.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=6260

     I have said before that suicide is viewed as a cowardly act.  Those who commit suicide see that act as the antithesis; bravery in self sacrifice to prevent our loved ones from enduring the pain we believe we cause for them/ourselves.  Ultimately, the one suffering in depression and despair can not see how temporary their strife is.  Ultimately it is the survivors and the ones left behind who are tasked with dealing with the loss.  As Phil Donahue said, "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem".

     Right now we are going through an engaging debate about gun control and regulating the access to firearms; especially what can be perceived as high-powered weapons that many feel have no place for public access or use.  What is being lost in this great debate is the mental health desperate situation in our world.  Americans are hurting; loss of jobs, loss of relationships, loss of one's own pride due to being unable to provide and care for themselves and those they love.  Young Americans are going to extreme acts of senseless slaughter to either be heard or go out in some perceived blaze of glory.  This is a problem; one that deserves equal measure as we give how many bullets should we allow a gun on the street to hold.

     Until mental health loses the stigma of required secrecy and shame, I fear we will have more senseless "12/14's" .  How many dates do we need to remember before we wake up and realize that one was too many?  

     Lastly, if you are depressed and feel overwhelmed, please reach out for help. Please call (800)273-TALK (8255) if you are in suicidal crisis.  If you unfortunately are left behind from someone's suicide; please visit https://www.afsp.org/survivingsuicideloss .

    Thank you for taking the time to read this post.  I hope it inspires you to listen when someone says they need help and act when the situation calls for it.