And I’ll be with you through
The dark so that you do not,
Go through the dark alone.
~Biloxi Parish- The Gaslight Anthem
Depression, for me, has been like a darkness where all hope seems lost, and I can’t find my way left or right of it. In the beginning it was so difficult, because I didn’t let anyone in, and I carried the burden alone. I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. But, I know now that I was just doing more damage to myself. When I finally allowed people in, it wasn’t a magical cure. The darkness didn’t just float away and all was right with the world immediately. It took time, it was a long journey, and in many ways it is a journey I am still on.
But those people I let in, the became my guides. They took my hand and led me to the resources that I needed. They led me to safe places where I could share my truth. And each time I wanted to give up, they held my hand tighter to remind me that I was never alone. And on the really hard days, they carried me step by step until I found the strength to try again.
And as we continued, to move forward..together.. The light began seeping in.
And that is why the Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention is so important to me.
Each year as I take this symbolic journey of 16 miles through the night,
I am reminded how my community rallied together to get me out of the darkness and into the light.
As I walk alongside others, I know that each person is at a different point of their journey, I want to do for others what other so selflessly did for me.
***
This year’s walks will take place in San Francisco and Boston.
Due to physical restraints and work responsibilities I am not able to walk this year.
However, I am looking forward to either volunteering or taking on a crew responsibility In Boston to support my team.
I believe wholeheartedly in the work of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the impact of the Overnight Walks.
Since i am not walking myself, I have not yet set up my fundraising page, however many of my fellow team members are on their way to reaching their pledged minimum amount of $1000.
Please support some members of my team as we work to #stopsuicide.
Boston Soul-O’s
Hope Rising Project 