A Piece of Peace

Iris Bolton said in her book that there is a gift in a suicide. I wondered what she meant by that as I read it when Brett first died. I thought to myself, “Is this lady for real” and what can possibly be a gift in his DEATH.

Believe when I say that one has to look for the gift! Now that we are twelve years out from his death, I can look back and say that he is at peace and maybe that is his gift. Maybe I can say that we understand better where he was coming from and the turmoil of pain he endured had to be overwhelming. Maybe I can say that God had a hand in his decision. Maybe I can say, that helping others deal with a loss is a gift he gave to us. Maybe I can say he lived life on his own terms and died on his terms.

I know he took a piece of my heart when he made his decision and that life for us has changed. I value family time more, phone calls from friends are more important, and helping others deal with their loss. I’m not the same person and I would hope better.

There are however, those days that something or someone says something that reminds me of you. I may see a profile of a young man whose resemblance is you. When I see Moms with their little ones I am reminded of those special times.

As a result, each and every day I can make your death a gift to others by:

Remembering to tell people what they mean to me
Enjoying life each day
Helping others
Loving others
Not staying in feelings of regret
Taking steps to embrace new things
Accepting differences
Not dwelling on feelings of sadness

And sharing pieces of me to bring peace to others

And I promise that I will for the rest of my life.