Jolene from Arizona.

I spent this past weekend in Arizona for some much-needed time with my best friend and to help out with some events for To Write Love on Her Arms.  For those unfamiliar with the organization, TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery for people struggling with the issues of depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

The events were Q&A sessions held at church services.  It’s always different the way people react and talk about these issues within a church, and this one was particularly inviting and understanding of TWLOHA’s purpose.  I heard several people’s stories of hope and hurt in the few hours I stood at that table in the lobby, some coming with tears welling in their eyes and others with handshakes and shy smiles.  

One woman’s story in particular swelled with a courage that we all deserve to know for ourselves.  Jolene lost her husband to suicide in April 2010 after he became critically ill.  While her faith has played a large role in carrying her through the grieving process, her 16 year old son, Lemy, was hit especially hard by the loss.  With a newly-formed relationship with God, Lemy was searching for answers, and more importantly, for someone to listen.

What made their story so different from many others that day?  They bothwanted help.  Jolene was reaching out for counseling treatment resources for her and her son because they both wanted to move through this painful season together.  Mother and son, bonded through tragedy.  The bravery in her eyes and words inundated my entire soul with hope and amazement.

We need others in our pain— we weren’t meant to do life alone.  If you are struggling today, or tonight, or were yesterday, my hope is that you find the strength within yourself to share this season with other people.  Let them move through it with you.  Celebrate your victories and hold onto each other in your darker hours.

There will always be a tomorrow, and today is a victory in itself.  Keep moving through.