This is the week my brother Shane went missing in 2016. We suspect today is the day when he finished his mortal journey and was killed by suicide. It was also his birthday in early April. He would have been 41.

That’s Shane in the brown coat with our mother’s arm around him in one of the few pictures we were all together as a family.

Today has been a beautiful time to remember. Especially to remember the Gift that no goodbye will last forever. I love him with all my heart. I still miss him, though the ache and pain have mostly gone away.

I reflect on the gift and the process which I have shared previously which has brought much healing. The gift of peace that came at his funeral, and the process of continuing to share his story when the timing is right.

The timing feels right today.

Life can be pretty tough at times. If the darkness ever starts feeling too hard to handle, please know there is always hope, and there is always help. Family, friends, and resources are there to help.

There is also help available if you are worried about a loved one or friend who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

If you have also lost a loved one or friend to suicide, I hope you are also finding your peace and your healing. I hope you find beautiful moments of happiness. I also hope you’re creating those moments of joy which are also a beautiful gift of healing.

If you have lost a loved one or suicide, how have you found peace? If you are struggling to find peace, what gives you the strength to move forward each day?

I welcome your thoughts if you wish to share.

Thanks for letting me share.

Les

Thoughts of inspiration come in many forms, and may be expressed in many ways. The collection of stories, essays, and poetry shared under Red Edge Perspective represents some of my personal efforts to Gain The Red Edge through creative expression. Thanks for letting me share.