Strange Connections
by Stacey on Jul.29, 2013, under Thoughts and Feelings
While I was in Washington DC in June, the morning that we were on Capitol Hill, I received a message from an old friend of mine that one of her friend’s children had died by suicide, then I received a text from your friend Abby telling me that she had just found out that a young girl (13) in her community had died by suicide as well that day. It saddened me and I thought about you, and it made me realize even more than ever that I was in the place I was to do something GOOD for people, and to honor you.
When we returned home, we received a follow up e mail from the AFSP staff with 2 personal stories attached. I read both of them, then closed the e mail. For some reason, a few days later, I went back to re read the story from the person from PA. He made mention that on the day we were on the Hill, he had received a message regarding a young girl in his community that had died by suicide. I had to read it again, then I reached out to Abby to ask her what the young girl’s name was that she messaged me about that day. I sent an email to the representative from PA and let him know that I too had received a message that day about a young girl in PA that had died by suicide. I gave him the name and asked if it was the same person. There were some issues with e mails not going back and forth, so it took a few days to respond, but when he did, this is what I received:
Oh, my.
First, yes, the person is one and the same. And, the part that I didn’t know at the time, is that her aunt lives just 2 houses over from me.
Also I seem to recall Brittany’s story. What last name did she go by? I believe my daughter knew her.
I responded to him and once again, this was his reply:
YES, once and the same. After her passing, there were 2 teams who came to the walk, one from Lycoming and the other consisting of various members of the family. Were you there too? A number of folks returned this past year when we moved from Penn College to Indian Park.
My heart skipped several beats during those e mail exchanges. I traveled 3000 miles to lobby for Suicide Prevention reform and you were there the entire time. I should have known. You always seem to be with me when I need you the most.
Rest in peace my sweet angel….I love you