A DECADE LATER

Ten years ago tomorrow was the worst day of my life. My son, Matthew took his life due to a failed relationship. I am at peace because I know he is with the Lord. His heart was shattered and he made a fateful decision. I'd like to take this time to thank those who have helped me through these past 10 years. God enables us to stand. The special weekly lunches with Theresa, Tash gave me CD's of very special songs with great meaning when she and Matt dated. Many of Matt's Marine Corps brothers now face book with me. It is so much fun getting to know these men with whom Matt shared much time. His law enforcement brothers and sisters are fantastic - one is always by my side at a moment's notice. You know who you are. CCSO will never know how much you all mean to me. Those of you who have moved on, moved or retired are still in contact with me. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. Thank you. My beautiful daughter-in-law whom I met the day Matt died. She also met Matt on Memorial Day when he was working his deputy shift at Lake Chelan. Matt missed his brother, Mark's, wedding to Jess and now they have a beautiful baby girl. I know Matt would have loved her as he did his sister, Tami's, kids. Going to the cemetery weekly is a challenge but I NEED to be there. On certain occasions I will find a flower or a bouquet someone left or someone tells me they stopped by his grave - remembering or for encouragement. I light up - SOMEBODY remembers. Little things make me smile. I talk to Matt telling him how much he is missed and how the little things people do that make my day a little better. The cards, calls and hugs mean so much. I continue my journey through speaking and sharing, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors." Thank you everyone for your support.

Memories

As the days go by and I am connected more and more with Matt's Marine brothers. I am thrilled when a picture of Matt and his Marines pops up. I get so excited - the pain goes away for an instant. I feel Matt's love of his brothers and that they care enough about him to share with me. The very kind comments about Matt's character mean the world to me. I love to hear stories about his Marine and Sheriff Deputy life. God has Matthew now and I know I will see him again. Please remember those who have lost a child, of any age, and share your memories of that person with their family members. It means so much to us. If you don't have a copy of "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors" please purchase one and learn more about Matt's life, The Stigma of Suicide, Grief and some helpful stories from a father, a Marine, Sheriff Deputy, family and friends. Let's prevent suicide by being more aware and reach out to those in need.

I KNOW

. It is not going to happen you . I'll never know anyone who would do that So and so is a loser . Nothing can be that bad Well, let me tell you - I thought most of those things before my Marine Sgt. and Sheriff Deputy son took his life due to a failed relationship. It is the worst pain ever and my passion now is to do everything in my power to prevent future suicides. Instead of sweeping it under the table let's ban together and help SAVE those who are hurting. Chatting with one of Matt's Marine bros last night I found he, also, is trying to STOP suicide in his area. Several Vets are working together reaching out and helping those, or finding help for suicidal, PTSD veterans and first responders in particular. I am so proud of him. Please help us by reaching out to those you know are hurting. In my book, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors" I go over the Stigma of Suicide, grief, life will never be the same and more. It's available on my website, Amazon.com or you can contact me for a personalized copy. Let's change our attitudes about suicide and help rather than condemn. It cuts me to the core when someone attacks me for what my son did. My pain will NEVER go away but with God's help I stand strong today and more committed than ever not only to aid in suicide prevention but to work with survivors needing support.

Website finally working

I am sorry I haven't been blogging. My website has been messed up for quite a while and I am happy to say it is back up and running. In the next month or so I will be blogging more about suicide prevention. It is my hope to save lives through ongoing discussions. The stigma of suicide is so great that we must stop brushing suicide under the carpet. This is a serious subject. These people who take their lives for the most part are reaching out for help and NO one is hearing them. For those of you who are new to my blog or my story my Marine Sgt and Sheriff Deputy son was a Christian who loved God. His finance broke up with him and when he tried to work things out....well, he snapped and took his life. The worst pain I have ever felt. My life will NEVER be the same and I DO NOT want any other person to go through that experience. I hope you will make a commitment to join me in suicide prevention. I have started by writing, "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors" am currently an author and speaker. Sharing my story is my way of combatting the problem. "Matt's Last Call" is available on my website, http//mattcutshort.tateauthor.com, contact me at ztribe21@hotmail.com or Amazon.com. It is also available at Tate Publishing. May God Bless each and every one of you.