A death by suicide drops a bomb into the life of a survivor. Unexpected, quick, shocking...my world turned upside down the minute I knew my mom took her own life. That was in 1979. I was a young, married woman with 4 small children. Suicide? Huh?
I have written much about my journey. I felt relieved when, almost a year later, I went to a conference and heard the word "survivor" and knew it applied to me. I learned that there were others out there who had had a loved one die by suicide.
Through these many years, I have worked with and, more importantly, loved and identified with people who have had this same experience. We have held hands and navigated a path that seems, at first, impossible.
Saturday, October 26, 2013, survivors will travel to the Lake Geneva area to spend a day at the Aurora University/George William Campus. The focus is on togetherness - in- grieving but, more importantly, on self-care.
My goal for that day is to bring together a community that works hard to stay afloat and to help others stay afloat. The goal is self-care. In this community of survivors, we will hold hands and learn to regain some strength. Others outside of this community are helping to make this day possible by volunteering their time and talents.
Journaling, yoga, art therapy, music therapy, drumming, jewelry-making and more will be offered.
"In Their Shoes" is a healing walk that will occur after lunch. Survivors are asked to bring a pair of shoes (either ones that their loved one wore or a new pair) which will be left at a specific site. We are walking for "them". The shoes will then be gathered and donated to a homeless shelter.
People are encouraged to spend the night (262) 245-8519 for reservations that are $89/night.
After dinner, a bonfire will be lit and drumming will be offered. This will all by concluded with a Sky Lantern Festival over the Lake. (Yes, Wisconsin, such a pro-active state, hasn't banned them!)
Most of all, small groups of conversation among survivors will occur whether it's while eating or walking along the lake or...well, quite frankly...anywhere.
Please visit www.spsamerica.org to register for the day or just for the evening launching of lanterns. Join us as we celebrate life. After all, that's what it's REALLY all about!
