HAVE A HEART

I bet you are thinking that I am talking about Valentine's Day. I'm not. I am talking about those of us with broken hearts who continually hear remarks like, get over it, get on with your life, I know what you are going through - most likely they don't. In the past year two of my very good friends lost their husbands to heart attacks. These men were also my friend and let me tell you they died way to young. It has been 9 years 8 months and 12 days since my son, Matthew, the Sgt in the Marines and the Sheriff Deputy took his life. I am still to this day receiving these negative comments and worse. My heart is broken into a million pieces and so are my friend's hearts. I wrote "Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," for several reasons. Number one the Holy Spirit came to me and told me I needed to tell my story, number two, I don't want anyone else to go through what I go through every single day and three and maybe the most important I want to save lives. I want to get rid of the stigma of suicide, the ignorance and the rude comments. There are so many different organizations out there trying to end suicide. But, when NO one cares and just continue with the comments it hurts and it hurts bad. My friends whose husbands died from heart attacks are totally different than my son's death but the comments are the same and cutting to our already broken hearts. I am working with many survivors of not only suicide but other deaths trying to help my friends cope with this new life we don't want. I must say I have Jesus Christ in my life and he is the reason I stand today. He never condemns our loved ones but forgives us/them and he will always love us. If you don't know Jesus ask Him into your heart so you can be saved and have eternal life with our great Father in Heaven. I ask you to please think about what I have said, read the chapter "Life Will Never Be the Same" in my book and learn a little bit more on how we feel. I would also ask you to share this with your friends so that they may change their tune on responses to a survivor. Tell your friends and family, Law Enforcement and First Responders, USMC and all the other military service members. Back to Valentine's Day - my dad's birthday, may he rest in peace. Happy Valentine's Day to all my friend's and their loved ones and most important, say something nice to those of us suffering on this day. A little means a ton to us.

Fall

Today looks like a beautiful day but wouldn't you know the wind has come up and I feel like I am blowing off the hill. We went from no spring to a good HOT summer and back to rain and now wind. The leaves are beginning to turn colors, which is always beautiful but I once again long for summer. My life has changed so much in the last eight years with the death of my son. If it isn't hot and sunny I  can easily find myself back in that dark hole trying to climb out. Lucky for me I am so busy I don't have much time to go back to that place. I will be heading back to California  promoting my book, going to a COUGAR football game in Arizona and maybe catch up on some much needed sleep. As much as I would rather have my son back I am enjoying sharing  Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors. I believe Matt would be proud of what I have accomplished and helping others is what he was all about. It is amazing how many people are hurting and I see it every time I go to an event. I hope all listen to my story, invite Jesus Christ into their lives and begin living again. HE is the only way to eternal life.

Another Life Gone

 I was reading  facebook this morning and one of our sheriff deputy's had been asked if he had had a good shift. Well, not so much. A 14 year old boy took his own life - no one knows why. People, we must wake up and try to help those who are depressed or talking about taking their life. I know it is hard - we had NO clue when Matthew took his life. Everyday I hear of another person who has taken their life. God is the only one who knows the answers. Pray, ask Him for direction on how to help someone. My book is very informative and has a great resource directory. I thank God for His wisdom and direction to my special friend who was my inspiration in writing my book, A Life Too Short: Matt's Story. All I can do is pray for all and pray that my book will touch someone as soon as it hits the store shelves. God can and will help if you are struggling. All you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and then pray for wisdom. He is the only one that will always be there for you.

A New Year Approaches

As the new year approaches it is my prayer that all of you will ask Jesus into your life. As I wrap up the writing of my book I look forward to getting an agent/publisher. It is extremely important to get this information out to everyone. There is no greater tragedy than having a son take his own life.

 It is my hope that I can save a life. There is too much suicide in today's world. I will continue to blog a little bit of each chapter in the weeks to come.

 God continues to hold me up in His loving arms. May God Bless each and everyone of you.