Two years ago today we suffered the biggest loss I can imagine when Kaleb died by suicide. Our family and friends have worked everyday since trying to put our lives back together. It was a loss we never saw coming, will never understand and it changed the course of so many people's lives. Our family remembers Kaleb everyday. We speak his name proudly. There is no shame in our voices. Our son lived 17 years making people laugh, telling many jokes, being a pain in people's back sides, and never meeting a stranger. There will never be another Kaleb. We want him remembered as he lived not how he died.
Having said that, we have chosen to particpate in the AFSP - River Valley Out of the Darkness Walk - to be held at Ben Geren, October 8th, 2017. We have put together a team in memory of Kaleb. "Kaleb's Army" Kaleb's battle might be over but we will continue the fight for him to see that others get the help and education they need in the fight against suicide. I have included a link below to our team's page. You can click on the link and it will take you to the website where you can join our roster to participate in the walk, or just to show your support. There is also a place if you choose to donate you can donate to the AFSP-Out of the Darkness Walk using a debit or credit card or a pay pal account. The money goes directly to the AFSP and is tax deductible. It is credited to our team (Kaleb's Army) for the walk.
https://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/Karen-Pate
The main point of this blog isn't about the fundraising but about the journey. This journey we have been on has given us platform to help us raise Awareness about Suicide. This is not something that was ever on my radar as something that would impact our lives. I'm a speech giver, just ask my kids. They've had speeches on everything from elevator etiquette (when my dad was in and out of the hospital so much it was important to know this), to what to do if your brakes go out on your car. As they were growing up we talked about every scenario I could come up with and how to handle it. This wasn't a chapter in my book of "what ifs". I want to add this to someone else's book. Not just an addendum, but a full chapter on Suicide Prevention/Awareness. Teaming up with the AFSP helps do this. Scroll through their website and look at what their funds are used for. I want to help break the stigma surrounding Suicide. Don't sweep it under the rug, or never speak of it. Talk openly with your kids about it so they know how to ask for and receive help. Let them know it's ok to ask for help if they need it.
If you need help, or someone to talk to please call someone that can help you.
