Some people don’t understand how much their words hurt. Some people don’t realize that their actions can have an effect on the people around them. I’m all for freedom of expression, but please take a look around before you do something that could be taken offensively.
Our generation uses expressions such as “kill me now” and hand motions that signal suicide. What some of these people don’t understand is that I’ve been there. I have family members who have committed suicide. This isn’t a joke to me. I know you’re only expressing yourself, or trying to be funny.
In 1992, before I was even born, one of my cousins shot himself in the mouth. This started as a bottomless threat to get his girlfriend to date him again. He was playing Russian roulette with what he thought was a completely empty gun. Unfortunately, the barrel wasn’t empty. He put the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. In 2004, another cousin gassed himself to death. We’re still unsure on why he did it. But no matter the reason, we miss both of them more than anything
Your hand motions of a gun to the head are hurtful. We aren’t trying to get sympathy. We honestly don’t need it. We’re strong and we’ll get through it. But there are days where we break down. Watch yourself. Don’t be an ignorant person.
Out of the Darkness is an organization for the prevention of suicide. Once a year, some of my cousins and other family members take part in a walk to raise money for this organization. 84.4% of the donations made to Out of the Darkness is used for the Out of the Darkness walks and other events, while the remaining 15.6% is used to keep the organization a part of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
To make donations or sign up to walk please visit the Out of the Darkness website at http://www.outofthedarkness.org/
Rest in Peace Sam and Buzz! We love and miss you so much!
