On February 3, 2008, ten years ago today, I had my very last phone call with my grandfather wishing him a happy birthday. I’ll never forget that call. It was his 80th birthday, Super Bowl XLII and I still remember my grandfather complaining that his Dallas Cowboys were not playing in that game. It was a short phone call, less than two minutes and while I am grateful that I had the opportunity to say “Happy Birthday” and “I love you” one last time, I will forever wish I would have spent more time on the phone with him that night as maybe I would have heard the warning signs had the call not ended so quickly. The following day I learned that my grandfather had committed suicide. My life forever changed that day.
Over the past few months, there have been a painful series of suicides among the youth in our community, one of which my son saw with his own eyes. These tragedies have had such a deep impact on my children.
Suicide affects everyone, from the young to the elderly, men and women. Regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, or social economic status, anyone can be impacted by mental illness.
I am participating in this walk today to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (“AFSP”) and to raise awareness about suicide prevention. As tragic as suicide is, it can often be prevented if we know the warning signs. To learn more about suicide risk factors and warning signs, please visit the AFSP’s website.
I also know that when our clients come to us at the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, it is often during one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives. It is not uncommon for one to suffer from depression when going through a divorce. I want our clients and friends to know that we are here for you if you are suffering from depression. There are resources available and we will help connect you with those resources.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
