A Long Drive South

Ron and I just returned from Klamath Falls, Oregon where I spoke at three different facilities. The first one I spoke with doctors, nurses, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement and a few general pubic. I basically had a training power point followed by Q & A. The firefighters were called out on a call - I talked with them before the presentation and told them if they were called out I might ask if I could go with them. They chuckled - they received a call - I said, "Be Safe , can I go too?" They chuckled as they left. Before I go any farther I must say my dear husband gave me his nasty cold. Luckily that 7:00 in the morning was the only one I had that day. Throat was sore and voice raspy. My classmate who started this entire process put us up at the Running Y World Mark. It was beautiful. We walked around, ate in their restaurant and then went back to get some sleep and try to recover from these colds. Actually, I spent about two hours getting ready for my second event at 9 in the morning on Wednesday. This was open to the general public. The tech guy told me his story of his friend's suicide. So sad. As I spoke I noticed how intently he was listening. A great young man and so helpful. First thing that morning I received a call from my friend who told me the military event was definitely on. The Oregon Institute of Technology event was a good group of people although not many had and questions. At 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon we headed for Kingsley Air Force Base where we met the Chief!. What a personable man. So much energy and so happy I was able to come speak to his Airmen. As my friend and husband followed us we discussed exactly what he wanted. He shared that 5-6 air force personnel had committed suicide that month due to failed relationships and just wanted me to share my story which was perfect for me. Prior to my speaking we had about an hour to kill. I was all set up so the Chief took us on a tour of the base. We saw the F-15 and learned the process they go through before they ever start flying. He showed us the mechanics room, which is being remodeled, where the Airmen mechanics were working. It was so quiet - I expected a lot of noise. We saw how the engines work. He then introduced me to many coworkers. These people were so friendly and thankful that I was able to come to the base. My husband wanted to take pictures but he wasn't allowed due to high security. The room was filled for my presentation - and off I went. As I shared, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," Ron and I did a little role play. One of my main points was to consider all who will be left behind if that awful choice is made. At that point I opened it up to Q & A. As the questions began, the conversation took on a life of its own as one after another shared a personal story or made a comment on someone else's question, etc. Everyone was engaged and talked about what might be done to help the Airmen on base. At the end, I was given a picture of the F-15. So cool. One of my highlights is that before I started speaking I was chatting with two young men who had been Marines. After talking with them for several minutes we realized that they were in boot camp in San Diego the same time Matthew was. They were one and two classes behind him but thought they might have met him. What an end to a fabulous trip. Unfortunately, my cold kept getting worse and worse. However, God made sure my voice held out until I was done speaking. Our trip home was about 9 hours. To my friend - thank you for all the work you did and for believing in me. If we hadn't had colds we would have spent a lot more time with you. May God richly Bless you. Thanks to all involved in this week's presentations.

Opportunity

A high school classmate recently contacted me and wanted me to come to Klamath Falls, Oregon to share my story, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," and to talk about suicide prevention, grief and death. I will be headed for Oregon next week for three different events with three different presentations. I love sharing my story with others in hopes that I might save a life. God has provided me with the passion and I am a good listener for those who need to talk. It is my hope that through these presentations those in attendance will be able to use the tools to help those in their sphere of influence.