tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11324759607233204692024-02-18T18:25:00.022-08:00Zach's FriendsThis site was created in memory of our son, Zachary Dylan Jones. It is our hope to spread awareness & information for suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is considering suicide PLEASE call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 immediately!Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-8758016026963402062013-01-03T02:10:00.001-08:002013-01-03T02:20:27.062-08:00My Letter to You<div style="text-align: left;">
1/3/13</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear Reader,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First I want to apologize for my absence. Part of it was due to my work schedule and part of it was due to my own pain of facing the holidays for the second time without my son Zachary.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Probably not very "professional", but I, like most of you am a regular person, living the life I am now forced to live without my son and sometimes it's hard to be open...especially when all you want to say is...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"This isn't fair!" </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"This isn't right!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I just want my child back!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Why? Why? Why?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure why, but this holiday season was much harder than the first. I thought it would be easier, but it was much, much harder. I spoke with others about this and they agreed that the second holiday was harder than the first. Maybe it's because the first feels like they are away, but you have that feeling that they're still coming back...and by the second you realize that your loved one isn't coming back and this is now your holiday celebration. I don't know...I can't really explain that feeling. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also felt a bit out of touch. As though I didn't really want to put myself out there over this holiday season. I spent a lot of time keeping myself as busy as I possibly could. Probably not the "right" way to handle the pain, but it's what came natural and got me through.<br />
<br />
I hope you understand and continue to watch for my future blog posts and check in with us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZachsFriendsorg/158911394172396#!/pages/ZachsFriendsorg/158911394172396" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I appreciate your time, apologize for my absence and thank you for being here. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Melissa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Zach's Mom</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-42821590791965813812012-10-10T14:27:00.001-07:002012-10-10T14:30:03.966-07:00Alcohol Does Not Heal The Pain<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOdqy0gVRRlo7V3u6EoCS7b0AicI6i0BdxUquEVHnmCeDhcFESj_3pGJFp8HffozBr9_FBYKNBipNdOH_mn_KqUrfgz-7ll1eUIdcthreHUuiFdDCZY5o6136rgEX6IezHf1J0XMlXs4/s1600/Pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOdqy0gVRRlo7V3u6EoCS7b0AicI6i0BdxUquEVHnmCeDhcFESj_3pGJFp8HffozBr9_FBYKNBipNdOH_mn_KqUrfgz-7ll1eUIdcthreHUuiFdDCZY5o6136rgEX6IezHf1J0XMlXs4/s320/Pain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's nothing I can say, that isn't said in this paragraph and accompanying article.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alcohol is an easy escape from the intense pain we feel.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please consider reaching out for help over alcohol.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"The shrieking pain of early grief tempts the bereaved to escape in any way they can - to shut out the terrible reality of their loss, even for a short time. Usually they are not eating properly or sleeping well; and there are sometimes physical ailments such as stomach or chest pains, headaches, chronic fatigue and mood swings. A physician might prescribe medication for the symptoms that are presented without ever being told that the patient is grieving a serious loss. Or, if the doctor can find no physical cause for the distress, the chemically dependent griever may turn to relief from a "friend in a bottle." - Alcohol Not The Answer: </em></span><a href="http://hovforum.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=4481"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>http://hovforum.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=4481</em></span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GriefShare: Grief Recovery Support Groups: </span><a href="http://www.griefshare.org/"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.griefshare.org/</span></a><br />
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-32921815555875537942012-09-16T01:40:00.002-07:002012-09-16T01:40:29.330-07:00Smile...because YOU are LOVED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaPsrmbU2LUOWBZopbSB8GBU2koFJl6RKERdM0TOGaAgmQqclXdW98yiVp_Grt2DPxo-_ju75WqgWU4GZXhxA2WQGAgkM8v-_dLU5uur27QDFUYqvgOCS7sPT6WrMrBq-xcOKAIQOwSY/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaPsrmbU2LUOWBZopbSB8GBU2koFJl6RKERdM0TOGaAgmQqclXdW98yiVp_Grt2DPxo-_ju75WqgWU4GZXhxA2WQGAgkM8v-_dLU5uur27QDFUYqvgOCS7sPT6WrMrBq-xcOKAIQOwSY/s400/smile.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-87828102034146616962012-09-11T00:00:00.001-07:002012-09-11T00:00:30.805-07:00Candles Lit For World Suicide Prevention Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOqMIsRFQ6fs3FCR8-J0a8zf1V0rOzQviV6y8r1Hfuv7V1FqulHsxEAkh99I8tedOu6s2Ah84Aef-EJiT_-G-FXXbtRMsgynrZxxDISjz7NDdTqi1v7xIqUIryssEYd0c2hz1P90ARBU/s1600/Zachscandles1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOqMIsRFQ6fs3FCR8-J0a8zf1V0rOzQviV6y8r1Hfuv7V1FqulHsxEAkh99I8tedOu6s2Ah84Aef-EJiT_-G-FXXbtRMsgynrZxxDISjz7NDdTqi1v7xIqUIryssEYd0c2hz1P90ARBU/s400/Zachscandles1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My candles in memory of my son Zach and all those who have</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">died by suicide.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The response I saw on Facebook today for World Suicide Prevention Day was amazing!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The love people shared with me and others was beautiful.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It proved to me that we are caring and loving people.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are not stereotypes of "bad families" with "bad kids" who choose suicide.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are loving people who want the best for others.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We want YOU to reach out for help if you need it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We want YOU to speak up for someone you know struggling with suicidal thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pain we survivors, the families and friends left behind is nearly unbearable,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">yet we survive and speak up and speak out for suicide prevention.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We share our stories, our photos and yes, our pain in hopes to educate others</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on the importance of preventing suicides.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please, if you are considering suicide, reach out for help.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YOU ARE WORTH THE CALL!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YOU ARE LOVED!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The National Lifeline is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)</span></div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-30624101144299182242012-09-10T07:53:00.001-07:002012-09-10T07:53:18.364-07:00Messages to Zach...<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgh8_yHhYkO6UWaJzCAvRJIhSc5LFRXhxKA67Lil77zCrJ4rk5UFArUgRH0DFn58JdZZemMNP_qlZG_FJeKLMmLIB1QMRa87-SaAUvNuANn7YoyDhK-PtSG8wmBw7PrVBQT8K-maeTto/s1600/Zachsboards1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgh8_yHhYkO6UWaJzCAvRJIhSc5LFRXhxKA67Lil77zCrJ4rk5UFArUgRH0DFn58JdZZemMNP_qlZG_FJeKLMmLIB1QMRa87-SaAUvNuANn7YoyDhK-PtSG8wmBw7PrVBQT8K-maeTto/s400/Zachsboards1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, Sept. 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to share something I haven't shared publicly before.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm crying as I look at them again. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These photo boards were placed at Zach's funerals, we called them</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Messages to Zach"</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted people who felt as though they didn't get to say good-bye to have an opportunity to share their feelings.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Between his funeral in Minnesota and his funeral in California </span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">over 500 people mourned his death.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My point in writing this and sharing these photo boards with you is to prove to you that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">YOU TOO are loved</span>!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YOU have an inpact on so many more lives than you could imagine.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The little girl you think will forget...she remembers and asks why you're in Heaven.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The teenage boy who can't even figure out who "he is" right now certainly can't understand your decision to end your life.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Your mother will cry for you every single day.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pain left behind from suicide is nearly unbearable, yet it happens in the United States nearly 100 times a day!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please be the voice that could change someone's life.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be that person who's not afraid of making someone mad by telling someone about their suicidal thoughts </span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and/or past actions.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> PLEASE reach out for help or be the help someone else needs. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call 911 or the National Lifelife: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). </span></div>
<div align="center" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">♥ YOU ARE LOVED! ♥<br />Love, Melissa, Zach's Mom</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-4535071095966753862012-09-04T22:14:00.001-07:002012-09-04T22:14:39.212-07:00Sept. 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3YuaotlRSrjqTigAdM9lLVlYixT_7v_4qicras-_sioK7-8s6MIHslSjMUVJfu-kxpDB4-bJ6diICgfCe0KUFy1lx3EsPyCNJRZVdqVPqrW9sYEUzfp19zpYAE5j0foPs_bUGR-gU8Y/s1600/Zach's+Candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3YuaotlRSrjqTigAdM9lLVlYixT_7v_4qicras-_sioK7-8s6MIHslSjMUVJfu-kxpDB4-bJ6diICgfCe0KUFy1lx3EsPyCNJRZVdqVPqrW9sYEUzfp19zpYAE5j0foPs_bUGR-gU8Y/s320/Zach's+Candle.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Sept. 10th at 8pm</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please support World Suicide Prevention Day</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by lighting a candle near a window in memory of</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My son,</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zachary Dylan Jones</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and all those who have died by suicide.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you or someone you know is considering suicide please call</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">911 or</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1-800-273-TALK (8255)</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">YOU ARE WORTH THE CALL!!</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-37472323333090533222012-08-22T09:30:00.002-07:002012-08-22T10:21:58.448-07:00Emergency Room Visit #2 - Grieving and Your Body<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Before I begin this post I want to make it clear that what I'm about to share is MY OWN PERSONAL experience.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I am NOT giving anyone else medical advice.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">If you or someone you know experiences the same or similar symptoms as I did please see your Dr or visit your local Emergency Room.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJsMSIZ-VhVm2CaIDZ9RCv-aBWKX9KPWMVz0bDLNjq_1IOuvah6MIZ_TOpm9wRL50WUKXTawDU4WAg7eMqSjOl_xPmhkVpmknMdlxPpC7yCNkixUzxXvkfGpY4Lw9JkzeSoCV0I_jZvQ/s1600/ER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJsMSIZ-VhVm2CaIDZ9RCv-aBWKX9KPWMVz0bDLNjq_1IOuvah6MIZ_TOpm9wRL50WUKXTawDU4WAg7eMqSjOl_xPmhkVpmknMdlxPpC7yCNkixUzxXvkfGpY4Lw9JkzeSoCV0I_jZvQ/s320/ER.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">I haven't been very open about the state I have been in the last couple of months...it's been difficult for me to write or speak openly about my grieving.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">The past month has been particularly tough and after last night I felt as though it was time to write about it...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If I were to pin point where it started I would have to say it started in June when I decided to stop going to my group counseling sessions. My group counseling had become a bit overwhelming due to another participant. She was also grieving a suicide and while I can't reveal any of the details, I can say we saw things completely opposite of one another and I needed to step away from the group.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There were things that took place this summer that seemed to be one "jab" after another. Some too personal to share on a public forum, some that involve other family members that once again shouldn't be discussed on a public forum and some internal struggles I have been going through as I continue to adjust to life without my son.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Following Zach's death I gained 30 lbs in approximately nine months. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had lost 15 lbs following my meeting <a href="http://www.chalenejohnson.com/" target="_blank">Chalene Johnson</a> in April.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In July I decided to sign up for a weight loss challenge to help me drop the rest of the weight. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I quit that challenge just a few weeks in.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hate to admit it, but part of me knew no one would stop me from quitting. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">No one would ask me, "You're half way to your weight loss goal, why in the world are you stopping now?" </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Knowing that no one would stop me or hold me accountable, I felt comfortable quitting.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Following that I started feeling down, however, instead of sweating my butt off and getting back to my workouts I started eating again...which ultimately lead to a 5 lb weight gain in just a little over a week. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Another ding to my already sinking self-esteem and a step deeper into my depression. And yet, I didn't change it.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fast forward a bit...about a week ago I mentioned to someone I love very much about how deep my depression was getting. That person's response was, "What is it now??? I mean, you can't change what's happened."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I immediately left the room, bursting into tears. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I felt as if this person thought all I did was complain, which for the most part I keep most of my feelings bottled up avoiding talking about them to anyone (especially since leaving my counseling group).</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I felt as though I was a huge burden to this person and that they didn't have the time or want to be concerned with how I was feeling.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Two days later someone else I love very much made a comment about how I don't work out and that I'm lazy and not serious.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This time I was able to hold in my cries, but the lump in my throat and the tears on my eyelids were heavy. It affected me to the point I couldn't eat lunch with everyone else. I just sat quietly thinking about what a burden I must be to everyone around me.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That night I sat in my bathroom at home crying out to God...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"God, I don't feel you any more...have you left me???"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I feel like you're not real, like you've abandoned me..."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Why am I feeling this??"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Why can't I feel you???"<br />"Please don't pass me by...I want your spirit to fill me"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I know you're there, I just want to feel you again..."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I cried and cried...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I felt as though I was being ungrateful.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Who am I to ask God to prove anything to me? I certainly don't deserve it.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He has blessed me and proven Himself to me more times than I can count.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yet, I just wanted to feel something because feeling nothing is beyond words can explain.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For the first time in weeks I woke up Tuesday morning (8/21) with a bit of energy.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I took my daughter to school and when I arrived back home I spent hours detailing my car inside and out.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Following that I did some grocery shopping and went home to do laundry.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While doing laundry I started experiencing chest pains.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This wasn't the first time I've experienced these pains, but this time the pain was much worse.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The pain was heavy in my chest and in my back.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My arms started to feel numb and my legs started to feel detached from my body.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I laid down for a few minutes to see if that would help.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I remembered back to last Sept. when I thought I was having a stroke and it ended up being an anxiety attack.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I told myself to breath slowly, relax and that everything was just fine.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I got up and continued on with laundry and sorting out old clothing to be donated.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The pain then got much worse.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I felt as though I was going to faint.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My palms started to sweat.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I instantly felt scared and could feel my heart beat through my neck.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The faint feeling was so strong I wasn't sure I would be able to walk up my stairs to get to my car.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I took an aspirin and had my husband take me to the ER.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I walked in feeling incredilby faint and as if my arms and legs were no longer attached to my body.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A nurse took me in, gave me oxygen, started my vitals and immediately did an EKG.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The nurse assured me that everything was looking good and to start taking in deep breaths. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Shortly after that, the Dr. arrived and asked me how I was feeling. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">By this time I had a feeling this must be another anxiety attack...yet wondered why it was so different from the one I had before.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I explained all of my symptoms to the Dr.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He then asked me about my stress/anxiety level.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started tearing up as I told him that I had lost my son 16 months ago and that personally things were a little rough right now.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He said, "To be safe I'm going to order some more tests to make sure your heart is in good condition." I agreed.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The nurse soon followed with needles, baby aspirin and Ativan.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">About an hour later my symptoms were gone.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Dr. came back with good news and told me that my heart was in great condition, no signs of any damage, my blood work was excellent and my lungs and heart were also just fine according to the x-ray and that this was an anxiety attack.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I apologized for taking up a bed they may have needed for someone else and the Dr. reassured me (just as the Dr in Sept) that if anyone has symptoms like I had they need to see a Dr. It was anxiety for me, but it's not always anxiety.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My point in writing this very long blog post is that I realize that we all grieve our own way.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Even those closest to me are grieving in a different manner than I am.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It doesn't make them wrong and me right. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It just means we are different.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While I don't agree with the recent treatment I received from my loved ones,</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I know they didn't mean it in an abusive or hurtful way. Instead of running and crying I should have stood up and said, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"The way you're talking to me hurts my feelings."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Instead I bottled it up and cried alone.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am a grieving mother, niether of these people are.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, they are grieving, but neither of them are grieving the loss of a child they carried, delivered and spoke to on the day their child passed.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Shortly after Zach passed fellow grieving parents said to me, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Be kind to yourself."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Be gentle on yourself"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Allow yourself time."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I thought, I am...I am doing all of that.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today, I no longer feel that I was doing those things.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today I promise myself to be gentle on myself, to stop the negative self talk and to allow guilt free personal time for me.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hope you will do the same.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">**********</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I always like to reiterate that I am not a Doctor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am not a therapist.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am a grieving mother, sharing my story, my experiences,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">articles and information that I have found to be helpful and may be helpful to others.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you need someone to talk to I encourage you to visit a church </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">or find a grief therapist in your area.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you or someone you know is considering suicide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">or dial 911.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You are worh the call!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;">You are LOVED!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-41001132895906701252012-08-18T10:42:00.004-07:002012-08-18T10:42:58.659-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXCVHmFQcn5_yyrRVBcGdBGlCNUJ-64AX19KHiw4XjETNmUDsCfNKsZPp7H3POUfTOff1mjaXn23jRmVvnEDih5Muo8SjZOmEIZxLQUDh-66Sez4hB4ZPKZn2LgzIqM27kfS6e1IJaCY/s1600/army+suicides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXCVHmFQcn5_yyrRVBcGdBGlCNUJ-64AX19KHiw4XjETNmUDsCfNKsZPp7H3POUfTOff1mjaXn23jRmVvnEDih5Muo8SjZOmEIZxLQUDh-66Sez4hB4ZPKZn2LgzIqM27kfS6e1IJaCY/s320/army+suicides.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
What do you think could be done to help our military and the rising suicide rate? </div>
<div align="center">
I know I'm not alone in believing that this is not getting the attention it deserves. </div>
<div align="center">
I see more coverage on celebrity hook-ups and hair cuts than important stories like this...that's sad and quite disturbing to me. </div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
Link to story: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-08-09/army-suicides/57096238/1">http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-08-09/army-suicides/57096238/1</a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;">If you or someone you know is considering suicide please call 911 or</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;">The National Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
You are worth the call!</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;">You are LOVED!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-51630625866411709342012-08-01T23:24:00.001-07:002012-08-01T23:24:59.868-07:00Quote by Harriet Schiff<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage">"The reality is that we don't forget, move on, and have closure, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage">but rather we honor, we remember, and incorporate our deceased children and siblings into our lives in a new way. In fact, keeping memories of your loved one alive in your mind and heart is an important part of your healing journey."</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage"> ~ Harriet Schiff, author of The Bereaved Parent</span></span></h6>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-38745192178912277202012-06-30T17:17:00.001-07:002012-06-30T17:17:49.851-07:00The Broken Chain Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWcU9r9o9w-LfYkHq-4kuvlOOj_2jg7-BryM2RE724ozjOcool1sgbuYdGa4t3TpZtQOG459sySA1YKUzXshsxQzGKlvvBp2e_T2ELQfzmgelIPiLy6wZathMj1ZIyXOcGWNeTn4fd2Q/s1600/Broken+chain+poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWcU9r9o9w-LfYkHq-4kuvlOOj_2jg7-BryM2RE724ozjOcool1sgbuYdGa4t3TpZtQOG459sySA1YKUzXshsxQzGKlvvBp2e_T2ELQfzmgelIPiLy6wZathMj1ZIyXOcGWNeTn4fd2Q/s400/Broken+chain+poem.jpg" vca="true" width="400" /></a></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-59014302870659840442012-06-18T07:12:00.000-07:002012-06-18T07:12:01.852-07:00Quote from Therese Rando<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnoaWy75S2UTw-Gtmhze49iAUPh7mLIgw8Ugoj_O9F1ahyBiBjpJ6HxaKqI-Pdd5QkiG9x9RNNr5ky2YUVB1F69E4FhLGF8Y3NiCvxTmrB2Ob-n8qi8xy4r-8aGK0PmSAMh4mZTi5_o0/s1600/No+way+around+the+pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnoaWy75S2UTw-Gtmhze49iAUPh7mLIgw8Ugoj_O9F1ahyBiBjpJ6HxaKqI-Pdd5QkiG9x9RNNr5ky2YUVB1F69E4FhLGF8Y3NiCvxTmrB2Ob-n8qi8xy4r-8aGK0PmSAMh4mZTi5_o0/s400/No+way+around+the+pain.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-76020172262600420762012-06-12T08:59:00.000-07:002012-06-12T09:05:53.045-07:00Zach's Friends T-Shirt Fundraiser<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zach's 2012 T-Shirt Fundraiser is Up and Running!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNrS1M8zk-eUcAYtlgit4BBnte84ohJ1lVwS5EMgpJVbjU9-dqsIiurie16uLxyksfXQ8DlYfTPlDgOThyH8tSvKLIcSekAEtmjta_-lp_r7fVnz7uG2Jvz_wQfVXQirlnKouYehykas/s1600/Zach's+new+board+for+t-shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNrS1M8zk-eUcAYtlgit4BBnte84ohJ1lVwS5EMgpJVbjU9-dqsIiurie16uLxyksfXQ8DlYfTPlDgOThyH8tSvKLIcSekAEtmjta_-lp_r7fVnz7uG2Jvz_wQfVXQirlnKouYehykas/s400/Zach's+new+board+for+t-shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our 2012 t-shirts feature </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Remember</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Zach Jones</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">as well as his two beloved rib tattoos, one being hot pink lips, the other a pair of dice (dice will not be yellow).</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The rear of the t-shirt features his dates as well as website.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKnDRd14LLmJ3KQcSQsA3Wxu84Pt9N8eb1ZrzqVActJuXZFwIKVn4tdYa1_D8gnkWpGxERQxpz6pxadXBE8n6yUhLTa8D1zjrtiNuTa7Y77hVleIP66jxNuQ61hEj9I1SsTFvTSu_mq8/s1600/Zach's+t-shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKnDRd14LLmJ3KQcSQsA3Wxu84Pt9N8eb1ZrzqVActJuXZFwIKVn4tdYa1_D8gnkWpGxERQxpz6pxadXBE8n6yUhLTa8D1zjrtiNuTa7Y77hVleIP66jxNuQ61hEj9I1SsTFvTSu_mq8/s320/Zach's+t-shirts.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">T-shirts will be white.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Proceeds from t-shirts sales will benefit ZachsFriends.org to support suicide awareness programs, education, anti-bullying campaigns, etc..</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you are interested in purchasing one of our t-shirts to show support at an upcoming Out of the Darkness walk, a suicide awareness event or just because you knew and loved Zach please contact us at: <a href="mailto:Zachsfriends@charter.net">Zachsfriends@charter.net</a> for ordering information.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">T-shirt style #1 </span>for men is a regular style t-shirt, women's features a v neck.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Each is $20 local pick up (Big Bear, CA area) or $25 shipped</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">T-Shirt style #2</span> is the popular burnout style. They are very lightweight and comfortable.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Each is $30 local pick up or $30 shipped.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Please note *The burnout style is lightweight and somewhat see through.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Child sizes</span> available in 2T - youth XL for $15 local pick up or $20 shipped.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;">Group shipping rates available when ordering 5 t-shirts or more.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We accept Paypal and checks</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We can accept credit cards over the phone.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank you for your continued support and love.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Melissa Jones</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Zach's Mom</span></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-5688070107809728562012-06-07T23:22:00.001-07:002012-06-08T06:30:39.644-07:001 year ago...We Published Our Single Take Video, 60 Days Later<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One year ago today we published our single shot, no rehearsal video</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">60 Days Later.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2kvKlCaLL4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2kvKlCaLL4</a> </div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's a video about the loss of our son Zach and how his suicide has impacted our lives.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am amazed at how many people have watched our video, the response, the celebrity tweets from Jillian Reynolds (Fox 11 news), Adrienne Maloof, Nate Berkus, Tatum O'Neil and many, many others!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To date it has received nearly 26,000 hits.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have received letters from those who were most impacted by the video.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One being from an 18 year old girl who wrote that today was going to be the day she ended her life...until she saw our video.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you haven't seen it, please take a moment to view it and share it with your friends and family. You never know who it may benefit.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank you to those of you who have written us about our video and how it impacted your life.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We may not "know" you, but you are in our thoughts!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Melissa</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Zach's Mom</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-63644484594537386142012-06-07T23:13:00.002-07:002012-06-08T06:34:22.185-07:0014 Months Since Zach's Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mm2kHKCQxYmFVkaQc46uw5VZEGkA87GMk2Gu6nIsPK8fu-YVkkz_1qOWjtFCHQ9hRieuvsH_e1Sjjvl2k463XjwFUBzZrGpr1he-vr_NKH3WdL15SO6qLduJyC5OdmQwQN-YxMx_080/s1600/Zach+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Mm2kHKCQxYmFVkaQc46uw5VZEGkA87GMk2Gu6nIsPK8fu-YVkkz_1qOWjtFCHQ9hRieuvsH_e1Sjjvl2k463XjwFUBzZrGpr1he-vr_NKH3WdL15SO6qLduJyC5OdmQwQN-YxMx_080/s320/Zach+and+I.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Zach & I - Feb. 2011 - 2 months before his decision to end his life.</span><br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been 14 months since Zach's death.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's strange how grieving wraps it's tight grip around you and different times.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last month I would have said, "I'm doing okay...I think I'm nearing the acceptance stage."</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This month I'd say, "I'm angry. Very angry!"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This month...only 8 days in has been internal torture for me.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm angry, I talk with language like a "truck driver" and everything makes me mad. This is a very strange emotion for me because by nature, I'm laid back, caring and loving. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">However, so far this month I feel like I need a warning sign that says</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>"Talk to me at your own risk!"</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm very open about my therapy and talked to my grief counselor about these feelings. To my relief she reminded me that this is totally normal, that grief has a funny way of tricking us into thinking we are further along than we are.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Before I lost my son or even in the beginning months of grieving I thought that by the 1 year mark all would be okay. I'd be through acceptance and only be sad on the anniversary of his death, his birthday and holidays.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>WHOA! Was I wrong!</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are grieving the loss of a FAMILY MEMBER...and not just any family member, our son...my daughter's brother.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is not the same grief as losing our 90 year old grandpa who died in his sleep.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the grief of the sudden suicide of my 18 year old son.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My son...the boy I talked to just a few hours before his death.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The son who told me he would NEVER end his life.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The imagined images of the scene of his death are horrifying and haunt me.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I speak of them to only those closest to me.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The pain I see in not only myself, but my husband and my daughters is that I wouldn't wish upon anyone.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When people say, "I can't imagine..." It's true.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can't.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's worse than you can imagine and I would recommend you don't even allow your mind to go into that deep, dark place.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I write Zach from time to time.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I water his garden and watch the flowers grow.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It reminds me that life continues.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Through all the pain and heartache, I know life continues.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We will continue to grow...even when we're angry.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We will continue to thrive.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We will also continue to hurt and cry and this I have accepted as part of my new "normal".</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today I write to remind those of you who are considering suicide that there IS HOPE! Even when you feel there is none, there IS!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't know where to turn?</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Call 1-800-273-8255 and ask!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's the Suicide Hotline and they are open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you are a friend of someone who is suicidal...make that call.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Find out what you can do to help!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today, I wish I could see my son...even for a moment.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A moment to remind him how much we love him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A moment to hug him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A moment to feel him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A moment to hear him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A moment to see him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hope and pray that if you are reading this and feeling suicidal you will reach out for help.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;">Please KNOW that you are loved beyond measure!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You have a purpose...even if you don't know what that purpose is, you have one!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fulfill your purpose!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Live your life!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reach out for help!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Please...from a grieving mother, please reach out for help or help someone in need!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My love goes out to each of you reading this,</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Melissa</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Zach's Mom</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-55990460813625650312012-06-07T20:46:00.003-07:002012-06-07T20:54:03.557-07:00From Huff Post / Military Suicide Rate Surges to Nearly 1 Every Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXmIGFfc_6mCdfqTkECtseQrORAUV5ji9jkSma1FipwBmZWq7Mw9Lm6FQs4LyOfWhUctJl3O0c6wPjDRWKAIPguBCyMc_KBBBXR7FjbTaWKJ9BRjbsx8PYwbUDJ6uq6EHchoDq-hnYks/s1600/Military.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXmIGFfc_6mCdfqTkECtseQrORAUV5ji9jkSma1FipwBmZWq7Mw9Lm6FQs4LyOfWhUctJl3O0c6wPjDRWKAIPguBCyMc_KBBBXR7FjbTaWKJ9BRjbsx8PYwbUDJ6uq6EHchoDq-hnYks/s1600/Military.jpg" /></a></div>
Photo from: Huff Post<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WASHINGTON -- Suicides are surging among America's troops, averaging nearly one a day this year – the fastest pace in the nation's decade of war.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 154 suicides for active-duty troops in the first 155 days of the year far outdistance the U.S. forces killed in action in Afghanistan – about 50 percent more – according to Pentagon statistics obtained by The Associated Press...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Read the entire story <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/07/military-suicide-surges-_n_1578821.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you or someone you know is suicidal, please reach out for help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you feel like you aren't receiving the help you need due to insurance coverage or lack of resources, PLEASE DON'T give up!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fight for your life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You are LOVED!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You are BEAUTIFUL!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You are NEEDED!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Call the Suicide Hotline anytime at: 1-800-273-8255</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">or call 911.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-86778188568635415992012-06-05T17:59:00.001-07:002012-06-05T18:01:08.376-07:00Seether's Rise Above Fest Aims to Save Lives | Suicide Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jD_d3STpkn-aK5L6F7JCz8qf1IqaN6AkRKODu6jxugLk18adOsCcyIj7Foa6DBLQEF4saOnPOyk3Ko56Q15FqX0xwikaLEh69sJCeQYlh6n4XOEfhFF9gFfOzyLACmhw88GiYLrUsuY/s1600/Seether+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jD_d3STpkn-aK5L6F7JCz8qf1IqaN6AkRKODu6jxugLk18adOsCcyIj7Foa6DBLQEF4saOnPOyk3Ko56Q15FqX0xwikaLEh69sJCeQYlh6n4XOEfhFF9gFfOzyLACmhw88GiYLrUsuY/s320/Seether+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Photo from billboard.com<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I heard about this on the radio today and couldn't be more pleased that these bands are coming together for a topic so many others don't want to discuss....Suicide Prevention and Awareness!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Awareness and prevention of teen suicide will be the focus of the first Rise Above Fest, which will be headlined and curated by </span><a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/artist/seether/486725"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seether</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and take place Sept. 3 at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, N.H.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <br />
Taking its name from the Seether song "Rise Above This," which was inspired by the suicide of Seether frontman Shaun Morgan's brother, the festival will also feature <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/artist/buckcherry/334701">Buckcherry</a>, <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/artist/puddle-of-mudd/448285">Puddle of Mudd</a>, <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/artist/black-stone-cherry/757412">Black Stone Cherry</a> and <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/artist/otherwise/789267">Otherwise</a>. A portion of the proceeds will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire, but Morgan tells Billboard.com that "there won't be a lot of preaching or shoving (the issue) down people's throats," though he hopes the event will inspire dialogue about something he feel is becoming "an epidemic."<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div align="center">
Continue reading this story here:</div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/seether-s-rise-above-fest-aims-to-save-lives-1007217352.story#.T86qYENQGa8.blogger"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seether's Rise Above Fest Aims to Save Lives | Billboard.com#/news/seether-s-rise-above-fest-aims-to-save-lives-1007217352.story</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-75930401643874914182012-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:002012-06-01T07:45:39.099-07:00What a Grieving Child Wants<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Chinacat; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Chinacat; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) I want someone who will listen to me when I speak and not tell me that what I’m saying is wrong or that I shouldn’t be feeling what I feel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) I want someone who will talk to me, honestly and with compassion. I don’t want to be talked at or ignored.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) I want people to understand that I, along with my parents and other family members, have lost someone I love very much.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) I don’t want my pain compared to my mother’s or father’s. You may think they feel worse than I do, but unless you are me today, going through this terrible nightmare, you don’t know how I feel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) I want my teachers to understand that even though it may not seem like it, I am doing the best I can. It’s hard for me to focus on schoolwork or anything else right now. But how can I tell you about my sorrow and fears and confusion, when I’m not sure myself what’s going on?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6) I want someone to look me in the eye when they speak to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7) I don’t want anyone telling me I have to be strong for my mother, father, sisters, brother, or anyone else. I don’t know what that means. Are you telling me I shouldn’t cry? Are you telling me I shouldn’t feel? When someone so important to me has died, what does being strong mean?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8) I want someone to tell me what it is like to grieve. I want someone who will help me understand what this is and if I will survive.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9) I want to talk to someone my own age so that I will know I am not the only one and that I will survive.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10) And most of all, I want your unconditional love, compassions, understanding, and patience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-Virginia A. Simpson, Ph.D., CT, 12-12-02</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-3464154412634108082012-05-31T12:36:00.000-07:002012-05-31T13:08:52.625-07:00A Time To Grieve Book 1 - My Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoQ8XDRiIOjYdxWqLJ0tq5SowmDWq6rCucHkAZbfvLRdI51Qkr9HMVtaxw0O8eJsRZH-6Mkloj8feiixs9PYT7aN0Urx44sHJuywXSx7ULfkX6JRqDhfmYhzPib-rCvRtqvHNFcrhMo0/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoQ8XDRiIOjYdxWqLJ0tq5SowmDWq6rCucHkAZbfvLRdI51Qkr9HMVtaxw0O8eJsRZH-6Mkloj8feiixs9PYT7aN0Urx44sHJuywXSx7ULfkX6JRqDhfmYhzPib-rCvRtqvHNFcrhMo0/s320/Cover.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A few months back my sister sent me a series of books called <strong><em>A Time To Grieve</em> </strong>by Kenneth C. Haugk. It's a set of four short books that are to be given to grieving people at four crucial times during the first year after a loved one has passed. Each book focuses on what the person is likely to be experiencing at that point in grief and provides care, assurance, encouragement and hope.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> I thought I was ready to read these books when I received them, but I wasn't. I opened book 1 only to close it a page or so in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I simply wasn't ready. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A couple of days ago I decided to try it again...and to my surprise I was ready.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most people could finish this little faith based booklet in an hour or two, but being the note taker I am, it took me two sittings to finish the book.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Book 1 explains some of the things we experience in grief, some myths and some of the feelings that seem so strange. It also talks about the pressure to be strong and what affects our grief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While the books are meant to be given to a grieving person throughout the first year of their grief, it's my opinion that these books are appropriate to give at any stage of grief.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm nearly 14 months into my grief and for me, reading book 1 now was the perfect time. Some of the information was repetitive from what I've learned in online grieving groups and therapy, but some of it was new information or information I hadn't really thought about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I related most to the "The Fog of Grief". This short chapter speaks about how we accidentally injure ourselves more and seem to live in a fog. This was a difficult time for me...I had bruises on my legs, cuts on my fingers, earaches, constant headaches, my nails were chewed down (which is something I've never done) and I forgot even the most simple tasks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I felt as though I was going crazy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now, while I still have "foggy days", for the most part I'm past that stage.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I feel that if the other three books are similar to this one (I will write a review for each as I read them) they are an asset to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. I also think they can be helpful to those who are just trying to understand what a grieving friend or family member may be going through.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Below are a few snippets from book 1. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFqQcRTu9DashmXAprRco-zv5jrBcmVNpyx7MQJVZC3MVFMmjWUJEFPlwGOGqct9sXe7YJizfJmVlxzYAL1U5T61yiZzA6TxYwGEggHsUYLhiviqSEGo3Im-MCNnxl26DTh6qq7xUYIA/s1600/IMAG2923-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFqQcRTu9DashmXAprRco-zv5jrBcmVNpyx7MQJVZC3MVFMmjWUJEFPlwGOGqct9sXe7YJizfJmVlxzYAL1U5T61yiZzA6TxYwGEggHsUYLhiviqSEGo3Im-MCNnxl26DTh6qq7xUYIA/s320/IMAG2923-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P0QZ7mCE9XhIqgZyo2oN9-Yd2yjGHnRv2-VBmBnC7Bo5lef_oVMLGuO1Ra-7-_g2YsPBuHVEe30gqeYYACrAYTikrToek8TfSzKbDDV3D705eJPG1j9EFD9eyJD5nQGafGmZ55DQ9-g/s1600/IMAG2930-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P0QZ7mCE9XhIqgZyo2oN9-Yd2yjGHnRv2-VBmBnC7Bo5lef_oVMLGuO1Ra-7-_g2YsPBuHVEe30gqeYYACrAYTikrToek8TfSzKbDDV3D705eJPG1j9EFD9eyJD5nQGafGmZ55DQ9-g/s320/IMAG2930-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93VBxK4GOI9Rnm08Bo8KTixIRK4xMUEvXMULBW6Ye7g8L7388-k2jzYtomSw4TZZlrAmIbcHiUl2WGbkfdnMwPE3wYbd9EoEIlH7PB3mlOvfjB2Tjf-dRa7TWw8LYn2eLqtbhsisnNXg/s1600/IMAG2931-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93VBxK4GOI9Rnm08Bo8KTixIRK4xMUEvXMULBW6Ye7g8L7388-k2jzYtomSw4TZZlrAmIbcHiUl2WGbkfdnMwPE3wYbd9EoEIlH7PB3mlOvfjB2Tjf-dRa7TWw8LYn2eLqtbhsisnNXg/s320/IMAG2931-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCInw2UzR_gbDiQns1l1wP-YREW8bGUS2CVuMs0E_02QYwd9VS2zjCWl_RLiYZ6nk2bZ47ztw-mKwVxIdZsouI1SGKsjvTAUItlE9rznj2N0uFwbC0v3N38VZo7ZzpwS6kMt17QnXmIw/s1600/IMAG2932-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCInw2UzR_gbDiQns1l1wP-YREW8bGUS2CVuMs0E_02QYwd9VS2zjCWl_RLiYZ6nk2bZ47ztw-mKwVxIdZsouI1SGKsjvTAUItlE9rznj2N0uFwbC0v3N38VZo7ZzpwS6kMt17QnXmIw/s320/IMAG2932-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn_9nWgtrIqi-HZcVCEhZvXrS__UsqA0QavJffTfzo-3oIcZwUFxtCOqrd3XYdochFgNht9TXHZoWx5IpzY1Ox5vT6hvl8_z9n4fRr2dPGcHJflDqGMsIcZnWNOg7KHJh7QuGy6SElUQ/s1600/IMAG2933-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn_9nWgtrIqi-HZcVCEhZvXrS__UsqA0QavJffTfzo-3oIcZwUFxtCOqrd3XYdochFgNht9TXHZoWx5IpzY1Ox5vT6hvl8_z9n4fRr2dPGcHJflDqGMsIcZnWNOg7KHJh7QuGy6SElUQ/s320/IMAG2933-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpLk3zMkjk4S5QneQeUXL8Fl-3vFf9gktpEcqY7ubtNJv8zWiqBltbY6YsLQmt6I6SrlpQztfOaJg9axs3d3utLdo7OWr2mvFrMNmvqUz6Pn9voqUho3EZIAWc6ohmVu0OXXNrEbSz7A/s1600/IMAG2934-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpLk3zMkjk4S5QneQeUXL8Fl-3vFf9gktpEcqY7ubtNJv8zWiqBltbY6YsLQmt6I6SrlpQztfOaJg9axs3d3utLdo7OWr2mvFrMNmvqUz6Pn9voqUho3EZIAWc6ohmVu0OXXNrEbSz7A/s320/IMAG2934-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo-7p_kRYwJVzJ3pKoNA2kU5KImRoqPTxtoiNkmKGRj8M68NnboaKE-34gHRO4sI6_ZaFX-GWo3VaRC0sxKHLw2s156xMQk08W78cwwtoi98AUjzipCU8LSde4rI-j4JrNLffGdgikys/s1600/IMAG2935-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo-7p_kRYwJVzJ3pKoNA2kU5KImRoqPTxtoiNkmKGRj8M68NnboaKE-34gHRO4sI6_ZaFX-GWo3VaRC0sxKHLw2s156xMQk08W78cwwtoi98AUjzipCU8LSde4rI-j4JrNLffGdgikys/s320/IMAG2935-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RNtVmzdmAi7_Cxr98RWrNIBdN1lWFFfEBwlOmHNyy87aFgiYmDo8wKOX30WTduAVU46kV2JA2onLyzQC1HgjJJtpoW6jCdCsemDwpMCBn1gJw-KeEVtuSslfhZf1Z5t27_eNuRlU0E4/s1600/IMAG2936-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RNtVmzdmAi7_Cxr98RWrNIBdN1lWFFfEBwlOmHNyy87aFgiYmDo8wKOX30WTduAVU46kV2JA2onLyzQC1HgjJJtpoW6jCdCsemDwpMCBn1gJw-KeEVtuSslfhZf1Z5t27_eNuRlU0E4/s320/IMAG2936-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpTQLlvjtB5M1s0m3hc0QcYWGAIoukrIorqp87RIzNXN2AH_a0SBOxGpjYnc7nzhE7eTfU7XhP220PnU_ucGkqP9eoS3J-9vXzTyEmti-VFpG7ke_NaUWG8UrzBP0z8Mv4dnegy4bMEY/s1600/IMAG2937-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpTQLlvjtB5M1s0m3hc0QcYWGAIoukrIorqp87RIzNXN2AH_a0SBOxGpjYnc7nzhE7eTfU7XhP220PnU_ucGkqP9eoS3J-9vXzTyEmti-VFpG7ke_NaUWG8UrzBP0z8Mv4dnegy4bMEY/s320/IMAG2937-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This series is available at Stephen Ministries: </span><a href="http://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?View=1,30&ItemID=458&CatID=247"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?View=1,30&ItemID=458&CatID=247</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book review was done of my own free will. I was not compensated or asked to provide this review.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-86151566378515157362012-05-29T16:47:00.001-07:002012-05-29T16:51:10.084-07:00Growing Rate Of Suicides Among Senior Citizens<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DTJqSQrc2clzbWqiOXUeS55_D1_UFYa1RyzIVDonSpiKJEyX-LdiuBv9pJrUNBbdqGXc7o1cTSczpglGbro6YCPFvsZs9GpwVi1bxZjVyy_ePWkIn11r6nXa0ROJHqWpzf0aXL20uqA/s1600/elderly-female-crossed-hand.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DTJqSQrc2clzbWqiOXUeS55_D1_UFYa1RyzIVDonSpiKJEyX-LdiuBv9pJrUNBbdqGXc7o1cTSczpglGbro6YCPFvsZs9GpwVi1bxZjVyy_ePWkIn11r6nXa0ROJHqWpzf0aXL20uqA/s320/elderly-female-crossed-hand.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Statistics on Senior Suicide</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Most Americans are unaware of the high rate of suicide among senior citizens, and researchers at the University of Iowa College of Medicine have issued a wake-up call for the elderly, their families, caregivers, and physicians. Although older Americans make up about 13 percent of the population, they account for nearly 20 percent of all suicides. An estimated five million of the 32 million people 65 and older suffer from depression. They are a more determined group to act and they use more lethal methods.<br />(</span><a href="http://depression.about.com/od/drugsalcohol/a/alcoholanddep_2.htm"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://depression.about.com/od/drugsalcohol/a/alcoholanddep_2.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*****</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Although older adults<strong> </strong>attempt suicide less often than other age groups, they are more likely to die from the attempt. The suicide rate is highest<strong> </strong>for adults 75 years of age and older. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(</span><a href="http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*****</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* There is one senior adult suicide every 99 minutes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 84% of senior adult suicides are men. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The suicide rate is highest for adults 75 years of age and older. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Only a fraction (2-4%) of suicide victims have been diagnosed with a terminal illness at the time of their death. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As many as 75% of depressed older Americans are not receiving proper mental health treatment, placing them at an increased rate of suicide. <br />(</span><a href="http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*****</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* In Orange County California, 57 people over the age of 65 died by suicide in 2010. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These suicides account for 23% of the county's self-inflicted deaths for the year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 90% of suicide cases involving people over the age of 65, psychological autopsies show clinical depression, said Charles Reynolds, an aging expert with the University of Pittsburgh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(</span><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/18/local/la-me-elderly-suicides-20110118"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/18/local/la-me-elderly-suicides-20110118</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*****</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* The National Institute of Mental Health reported the most recent U. S. suicide rate within the general population as 10.9 per 100,000, while the rate of those aged 65 years and older is 14.3 per 100,000.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(</span><a href="http://www.urbanhousecallmagazine.com/unmasking-suicide-rates-in-the-elderly/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.urbanhousecallmagazine.com/unmasking-suicide-rates-in-the-elderly/</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*****</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you or someone you know is considering suicide, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For additional information on aging issues including locating eldercare, contact the Administration on Aging at 1-202-619-0724 or 1-800-677-1116.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Statistics were gathered from the website links placed below each statistic.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Statistics posted are accurate as of the year the article was printed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Photograph from Google Images.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-82777758851749946242012-05-22T10:35:00.002-07:002012-05-22T10:40:09.368-07:00My Story Published by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1MGW6NtL_iZ-ngZnQMlTtw8OHOIlBW1s141K6wO7pGyMJH_NS6j4j9uDX0VkWUUxcn6pPCZCRetOvwk0n1Xs9UwXBhIYLToW4e9NeUaO3yaT1gSwAe8IijzQWnovtD4L975i-Lz2Qc/s1600/AFSP+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="55" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1MGW6NtL_iZ-ngZnQMlTtw8OHOIlBW1s141K6wO7pGyMJH_NS6j4j9uDX0VkWUUxcn6pPCZCRetOvwk0n1Xs9UwXBhIYLToW4e9NeUaO3yaT1gSwAe8IijzQWnovtD4L975i-Lz2Qc/s320/AFSP+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKawllJHYcO5OqxlTMKA6D30IjwA7FAzPxR0KTuOcMuh3aJGahWmqHnj4Xo5mNflibJOL43uUXae3uqxkUWiKsB96txred2QS7RJd-wz48uF6RCdtO0TvHtVbfSz7KUxMxcbn17mjE8U/s1600/AFSP+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKawllJHYcO5OqxlTMKA6D30IjwA7FAzPxR0KTuOcMuh3aJGahWmqHnj4Xo5mNflibJOL43uUXae3uqxkUWiKsB96txred2QS7RJd-wz48uF6RCdtO0TvHtVbfSz7KUxMxcbn17mjE8U/s320/AFSP+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received an e-mail from Jessica V. from the west coast chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention asking if I'd be interested in sharing my story with their subscribers for Mother's Day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While it was a bit difficult to write, the response I received following it's publication, made each tear I cried while writing it worth it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below is the link to my story. I encourage you to talk and share your story. You never know who's life you are impacting and quite possibly saving!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=d759klcab&v=001i_oc2EXSXOtDcyK3wlyS5fuNTeqvqmHDQri5mFVztNfjZEeGJMcIH_r1fmPUl6wPed8ds4zWdnxwAmrIapp_4UVVzUB27C5Zzw60uBIIHNNhUdnTqhGpx__1AOFY34fTL1R4cij8YdmMGYnnyQPhJg%3D%3D"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=d759klcab&v=001i_oc2EXSXOtDcyK3wlyS5fuNTeqvqmHDQri5mFVztNfjZEeGJMcIH_r1fmPUl6wPed8ds4zWdnxwAmrIapp_4UVVzUB27C5Zzw60uBIIHNNhUdnTqhGpx__1AOFY34fTL1R4cij8YdmMGYnnyQPhJg%3D%3D</span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>My thanks to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for reaching out to me and sharing my story. </em></span></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-10971495957769032432012-05-21T21:38:00.002-07:002012-05-21T21:38:16.552-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-8oXOylJOspbHFk1IoggMYSmvY-EvXs_U_TYKHAvdkOZphNz7aU8W9zK6NgqAt2_NdvT1CBxjeVANKU0ziWCgVJhGfFt0Y6g2twnzXkWreZ6ebPNkQNVgY2rrf9nRXRHzgw0S3ndFYk/s1600/I+care+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-8oXOylJOspbHFk1IoggMYSmvY-EvXs_U_TYKHAvdkOZphNz7aU8W9zK6NgqAt2_NdvT1CBxjeVANKU0ziWCgVJhGfFt0Y6g2twnzXkWreZ6ebPNkQNVgY2rrf9nRXRHzgw0S3ndFYk/s320/I+care+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PLEASE reach our for help or be the help your loved one needs.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call 1-800-273-TALK or 911</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-67208469668882368452012-04-27T19:58:00.003-07:002012-04-27T20:00:50.916-07:00Balloon Release in Memory of Zach<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4yRLYvGTlFQpiItXUQpr6IMsKhEz8_4pWujxmoataAtkJzFYsM-ESpUTlAcM3uLw9C3TJ9a2VTXAzZrwkfpaOpC4JO476-YGCW20VlYqlfk9iu7g4cfXWFNacmdXEcxp0iKaD8UYe1s/s1600/Balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4yRLYvGTlFQpiItXUQpr6IMsKhEz8_4pWujxmoataAtkJzFYsM-ESpUTlAcM3uLw9C3TJ9a2VTXAzZrwkfpaOpC4JO476-YGCW20VlYqlfk9iu7g4cfXWFNacmdXEcxp0iKaD8UYe1s/s320/Balloons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ended Zach's birthday by releasing 20 Birthday Balloons to Heaven.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We each took a turn sending a single balloon to Heaven, then we all gathered together and released the rest of them all at once.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlglaWzCDz1am7I9e1q91IjPSnydJe-eG2THh9W54BQq8R_W1T3bRKN0PcvQsJREJuWUqWmYB2aaXlDJWg0ohHy2iT3v5mAO7FYydYAczbbwyxzRq-_7WWoL3TEsfNCJ6C8GCOUL-VHjk/s1600/545059_3837054372986_1476806679_3454087_1725576472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlglaWzCDz1am7I9e1q91IjPSnydJe-eG2THh9W54BQq8R_W1T3bRKN0PcvQsJREJuWUqWmYB2aaXlDJWg0ohHy2iT3v5mAO7FYydYAczbbwyxzRq-_7WWoL3TEsfNCJ6C8GCOUL-VHjk/s320/545059_3837054372986_1476806679_3454087_1725576472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPHu4jOPIVkiBlC-3k8c_ORAlomd4DlBohGfmHlGsqAwrmUMWm0IrjbtAokFAHIbZEGkWoegxrZyFhS5Wc028SGyQmWW0bekBJ8m7ezXYsk2ysgdVhEkgN8tAQDRVFUpy4YT7lDdYZpk/s1600/balloons+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPHu4jOPIVkiBlC-3k8c_ORAlomd4DlBohGfmHlGsqAwrmUMWm0IrjbtAokFAHIbZEGkWoegxrZyFhS5Wc028SGyQmWW0bekBJ8m7ezXYsk2ysgdVhEkgN8tAQDRVFUpy4YT7lDdYZpk/s320/balloons+1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was beautiful watching them continue to rise.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like to imagine Zach receiving them in Heaven.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday my lovely son.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We MISS you and LOVE you so much!</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-8878709696210290062012-04-27T09:38:00.001-07:002012-04-27T09:44:30.000-07:00Happy Birthday Zach<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today marks 20 years since I gave birth to my son Zachary.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-pHC_UkZQZoaj9eI6t73nW96ON3nb36teTZrd3sSkAX_FUrqnIvK4XfoINA_qdohuODA5GhR9r34jALIR0WtSLdsL5Cg7yS6X4S59NSPwwbp90Bg4a0wmYO-MBMm-dcI26zD6UjtcsY/s1600/Zach+Birth+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-pHC_UkZQZoaj9eI6t73nW96ON3nb36teTZrd3sSkAX_FUrqnIvK4XfoINA_qdohuODA5GhR9r34jALIR0WtSLdsL5Cg7yS6X4S59NSPwwbp90Bg4a0wmYO-MBMm-dcI26zD6UjtcsY/s320/Zach+Birth+Day.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I remember being in labor hour after hour just wishing for my labor to be over.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wasn't definite on what I was having before he was born, but I had a good idea I was about to have a son.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I was young when I had Zach and a fan of two popular 90's shows. One being <em>90210</em> and the other <em>Saved By The Bell</em>. Thus, I named my boy after my favorite characters, Zachary & Dylan.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Seems silly now that I'm a "real adult" and not a 17 year old girl giving birth to her first child, but it's always a fun story to share with people.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I imagine that if Zach were here today he'd probably ask for the latest electronic device or maybe something for his car.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I imagine we'd be with him or planning another trip to see him.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I also imagine him spending most of the day playing around and making sure everyone knew he was no longer a teenager, but an adult...he's now 20 and everyone would know.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I imagine him talking with his friends and probably his dad about how they would have to celebrate his 21st birthday in Vegas. Even though we'd been to Vegas many, many times, Zach often talked about just he and his dad going to Vegas and having fun together.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">While imagining all of these things brings a temporary smile to my face I know none of these things could ever happen for Zach and our family.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Zach's decision to end his life on April 8th, 2011 stopped all future event planning with him.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've spent many hours blaming others for what they did or didn't do. I've spent hours blaming myself for what I did or didn't do. I have revisited mistakes I made as a mother, wondering if ultimately this was all my fault. I've spent hours in counseling and have heard the same thing over and over again...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"<em>This is all normal"..."Your feelings are normal</em>".</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Being told everything you're going through is normal, doesn't always make the pain any easier to handle.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My baby boy should be celebrating his 20th birthday today with his friends and family. Instead we mourn his death and pray for healing and peace.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'd like to remind you that whatever is happening in your life at this moment, good or bad is a moment in your life. Our lives are made up of "moments"...each one passing and soon you're living a new "moment".</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Please don't let a bad "moment" dictate your decision to live or die.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What you are going through right now may be the worst thing you can ever imagine going through. I know I feel that way myself. However, you CAN and WILL make it through it. You were given this "moment" to develop who you are and shape your future.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For me, I find that using this "moment", (a "moment" that will last the rest of my life) to help others is the best way to remember my son and honor him. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not just on the anniversary of his passing or his birthday, but every day.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Whether it be in writing, speaking with someone or simply wearing the Friend of Zach bracelets we had made, I choose to honor his memory by remembering him...the good times as well as the not so good times.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I remember to thank God for blessing my life with him...even if my time with him on earth was cut short, I'm still grateful for every moment I was given.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I give thanks and think about the joy he brought to so many lives.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Does doing this take away the pain?</em> </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">N</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">o. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I truly believe nothing will ever take away the pain and heartache of his death. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>However</em>, I can say it does help and it does bring me a sense of "peace" knowing that I'm doing something to honor his memory and his life.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Something to hopefully help others in need so their families don't have to live the life I am living.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Please REACH OUT and help someone you think is in need.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Even if you think they are "only doing it for attention".</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">IF they are doing this for attention, give it to them. HELP Him/Her.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Make that call - Call 911 or The Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If YOU are considering suicide, PLEASE Reach Out for Help!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Call 911 or the Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">They are there 24 hours day/ 7 days a week.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">YOU are LOVED!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You have many more birthday's to celebrate!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-80300629964473632772012-04-23T21:44:00.002-07:002012-04-23T21:44:46.671-07:00I Choose...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUM2brC5TMfiABELvNY8rBzE3jmzmAnlxW3KbxEOkalmTw_CsPYEPsDvVXEksfFxjPn82ot-zfHpOOd7jGebEW7dTEPpnPnKzKa-pYMwRDV-yUQK-Jv-CMHoILJAB-xumJwSPQn1phcs/s1600/Best+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUM2brC5TMfiABELvNY8rBzE3jmzmAnlxW3KbxEOkalmTw_CsPYEPsDvVXEksfFxjPn82ot-zfHpOOd7jGebEW7dTEPpnPnKzKa-pYMwRDV-yUQK-Jv-CMHoILJAB-xumJwSPQn1phcs/s1600/Best+life.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw this today and wanted to share it with all of you.</span></div>Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132475960723320469.post-38002501208591777192012-04-21T10:19:00.002-07:002012-04-22T14:33:51.724-07:00A year passed....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmSk8QidPyXe730b62Ws7h619BUpGKjauo6tHR8ZY4wFPOgE4Vj58kHDnCLmJHTGUqEgebObihPvdf_sCMztTXEi4HTQyE1Ldhs6Ge8lxJWGlbC0qVFUnypFwT98npGK_6GjiFXoLrhA/s1600/The+worst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmSk8QidPyXe730b62Ws7h619BUpGKjauo6tHR8ZY4wFPOgE4Vj58kHDnCLmJHTGUqEgebObihPvdf_sCMztTXEi4HTQyE1Ldhs6Ge8lxJWGlbC0qVFUnypFwT98npGK_6GjiFXoLrhA/s320/The+worst.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A year has passed since Zach's death. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure where the past year has gone or how I've mustered the strength to do the things I have done and where the strength was when I needed it but didn't have it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter Sunday fell on April 8th this year. My family and I celebrated Easter by eating at Zach's favorite restaurant, Joe's Crab Shack. We also purchased and planted several flowers in his garden as well as some little garden "treasures" that reminded us of him. Each of us spent time crying and laughing as we shared stories about Zach.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April 19th marked 1 year since Zach's funeral. I felt fortunate to spend that day at </span><a href="http://www.chalenejohnson.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chalene Johnson's PUSH Live event in LA</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Some grieving parents wouldn't dream of doing something so fun on such a sad, sad day. However, for me, I wanted to do something that would uplift me and in turn uplift my family. And it did just that. While I was there I learned a lot...a lot about personal development, a lot about why I'm doing what I'm doing...or not doing. While there we were asked a question. I came up with an answer that I've been telling myself is true, even though I know it's not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The question was: <em> "Do you believe that "fear" may be holding you back from doing some of the things you know you need to do?"</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My answer:<em> "Some. Maybe if I'm happy people will think I stopped thinking about Zach -- which could NEVER happen. Maybe others will forget him or not bring up his name because they will think I don't think about him. Maybe others will forget my amazing and loving son. That scares me. I don't want people to forget him and I don't want people to think that I've forgotten him."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wonder how many other people think this way. How do we break this train of thought? If I had the opportunity to call Zach in Heaven today and ask him, "Is it okay if I am 'happy' or do something 'fun'?" He would say, "YES!! I'm happy, you should be too." Instead I sit back and worry about the judgement of other grieving parents and I shouldn't...and neither should you!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not suggesting that we will "get over our loved ones death". That's simply not possible. What I'm suggesting is that we take steps forward to live the best possible life we can and honor our loved ones by helping those who come into our lives. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm writing this today because I want everyone who ever stumbles upon this blog to know, that I am going to live the rest of my life being the best parent, wife, Christian, business owner and friend I can possibly be. Will I have days of overwhelming sadness? Most certainly...but I'm also going to allow myself to have days of overwhelming happiness. I'm going to listen, learn and grow. I'm going to use my experience and honor my son's memory by helping as many people as I can. I don't expect it all to come together overnight, but I do expect it to come together as well as it possibly can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't ask for this "purpose" in my life, but I've learned that if talking to others comes easy for me, which many times it does, then I should do it and I encourage you to do it as well.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to suicide awareness and prevention...or a cause you believe in, the best asset we have is our mouth and our experience. I feel it is our responsibility to help those who come into our lives and need us. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I do in most every blog, if you are reading this and YOU feel suicidal or that no one cares or have read this thinking, "See my family will be okay after I'm gone." Please KNOW that, you couldn't be more wrong! I am not "Okay" without my son. As a mother, I feel broken. I probably always will. I feel as though I have a huge hole in the center of my heart. I cry out for him, I wish so much I could change the situation I am in. I hope and pray...I BEG you to reach out for help. Please don't make a decision that will forever hurt and shatter your family. YOU DESERVE TO BE HERE! WE DESERVE TO HAVE YOU! You are LOVED! You are NEEDED! Do you know someone SMILES when they think of you? It's true!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please make the call to get help! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call 911 or 1-800-273-8255. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">They are there 24 hours a day/7 days a week.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If YOU know someone who needs help, make that call FOR YOUR FRIEND!! You will NEVER regret saving his/her life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div align="right">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Melissa</span></div>
<div align="right">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zach's Mom</span></div>
<br />Zach's Friendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06033395156401214189noreply@blogger.com0