08/09/2026
My next upcoming event is one that supports a cause very near and dear to my heart & will be held on Saturday August 29th at Tripton Park for Empower Mental Health, LLC’s, Community Mental Health Event from 2-5pm! Free-will donation to enter.
Bounce houses, face paint, hair tinsel, talent show, food trucks, vendors. A little fun for everyone!
This year, EMH is also providing blank yard signs for $20 each to decorate in memory of a loved one who’s completed su***de. All you have to do is stop by their office to pay for/pick it up, go home and decorate it, then bring it with you to the event (they’ll place them around the park to be displayed during the event)!
I grabbed one a couple of weeks ago and finally finished decorating mine tonight—in memory of my dad. ❤️
**Special thanks to Mom Inspired Loving Freshies for getting all these decals made up for me!! 🙏🏻
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Back in October of 2009, at just 41 years young, my dad did the unimaginable and completed su***de.
At that time, mental health awareness was practically nonexistent. Unfortunately, the inpatient facilities available to him were unable to provide the help and resources he needed during the few times he was admitted before his final attempt.
But my dad was so much more than the way his story ended.
He was kind.
He never knew a stranger. He found the good in everyone and was friendly to absolutely anyone he met.
He was generous.
We spent many summers donating fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden to local nursing homes. Because of his involvement with the United Way, I also spent many years volunteering my time to help those who were less fortunate than us.
He was smart.
I once found a trigonometry textbook sitting on the coffee table and thought he had decided to go back to college.
Nope. 😂
He was just bored and apparently wanted to do some math for.. fun? 😅
He was proud.
He joined the Army National Guard and eventually rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. He was a leader, and he had many people who looked up to him.
But above all else…
He is still so terribly missed. ❤️🩹
We’re coming up on 17 years since he left us, and the pain of missing him hasn’t disappeared. He is still missed just as much today as he was the day we lost him.
To say that I’m proud of how far mental health awareness has come since 2009 would be an understatement. But I also know that we still have a LONG way to go.
And we can get there.
If we all work together. 🤝
So please, believe me when I say:
You matter.
Your life matters.
Your story matters.
Please… STAY. 🙏🏻❤️🩹
If you or someone you love is struggling, please don’t be afraid to reach out. There is no shame in asking for help, and you never know how much one conversation could change someone’s life.
I hope to see you all at Tripton Park on August 29th. 💚
