A Challenge to Understand

The Suicide Battlefield My child died on her own battlefield. She was killed in action fighting a civil war. She fought against adversaries that were as real to her as her casket is real to me. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of her energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of her courage and strength. At last these adversaries overwhelmed her. And it appeared that she lost the war. But did she? I see a host of victories that she has won! For one thing --she has won my admiration -- because even if she lost the war, I give her credit for her bravery on the battlefield. And I give her credit for the courage and pride and hope that she used as her weapons as long as she could. I shall remember not her death, but her daily victories gained through her kindnesses and thoughtfulness, through her love for family and friends, for animals and books and music, for all things beautiful, lovely and honorable. I shall remember the many days that she was victorious over overwhelming odds. I shall remember not the years I thought she had left, but the intensity with which she lived the years she had! Only God knows what she suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in her soul. But my consolation is that God does know and understands!

This poem was read at the end of the AFSP Suicide Survivors Conference. A wonderful way to remember our loved ones during the holiday season.

At the rising of the sun and its going down, we remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,we remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share,
we remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,we remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,we remember them. As long as we live, they, too, will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.