Saving a Life.......

This morning while reading The Lantern (OSU's student newspaper), I read an article about a guy that came to speak at OSU. His name is Frank Warren. I have never heard of him until last week's article in The Lantern. He has the following blog: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/. People send him their secrets - often on postcards, and he posts some to his blog. It is my understanding that it started as part of a suicide prevention effort. It is a fairly interesting and somewhat funny, but yet sad site. I think it is interesting what people consider secrets........but nonetheless, think it is great if this helps someone "let something go." So, while taking a look at the site, I came across this letter that totally touched my heart this morning (he created a peer-to-peer crisis center):

"I've been depressed for a while now, but talking to one person on HopeLine helped me get through the night. I owe my well being and my life to Jerry.

Jerry... if you get a chance to read this... please know that you have done more for me than you could possibly know.

Thank you for just listening and being a friend even though we have never met. Your compassion just saved my life.

I'm going to get help tomorrow.

Thank you Frank and PostSecret for leading me to 1-800-SUICIDE"

WOW, how this touched me this morning. I teared-up at my desk (thankfully no one was around). :-) But anyway........I commend every person that works on a suicide hotline, every counselor that has helped someone considering suicide, every "regular" person that has been there for a person and helped them to keep from completing suicide. I also want to commend and extend comfort to those that were unable to keep a loved one from completing this final act (it was not your fault............).

This letter also reminded me of how, one day soon.......I really need to volunteer for something like this. Suicide is such a topic that hits home and breaks my heart. If there is ever anything I could do to keep someone from stopping..........to do something to help take that pain away.......I totally would (well at least I hope I would/could). I wish more people would help and listen and be less judgmental.

I am not quite sure if I am ready yet (to volunteer at something so "real"), or perhaps I keep making excuses. Hell, I interceded and assisted suicidal students during my residence life days.........2 of of which were in the year following John's suicide, while I worked in Seattle. I certainly do not think I would freeze up, or not be able to stay strong in the midst of helping/listening (for some reason in the midst of chaos/crisis, I often can remain calm - yes shocker).........but I think I am more afraid of how much it would impact me afterward.......especially if I find out or someone would complete suicide that I was trying to help. But then I think, how selfish is that??? That I think "I" couldn't endure the heartache.......when these people are feeling something even more real and deeper than my darn empathetic heart is. I just need to get off my butt and do it. I have been saying it for 5 or more years that I want to "help" people in this way (volunteering).

So, anyway........I hope the above letter touches your heart too and reminds you how precious life is.....and how you never know how you "could be" showing someone compassion and care. It could be just what they need at that moment.