In Loving Memory of Jason Thomas Reid
August 24, 1972 - June 30, 2006
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In Loving Memory of Jason Thomas Reid August 24, 1972 - June 30, 2006
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Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Survival Today as I sit here at my computer contemplating the torment that Jason experienced his last days on this earth, his passing is still as incomprehensible to me as it was on June 30, 2006. Grief and sorrow never totally end, but as the years fade into the shadows of my soul, I find more hope in the future. The second year was in some respects more difficult for me than the first. I suppose it was because after the shock had worn off, the reality of losing Jason started to sink in. In the third year, I am finding more peace and moments of simple pleasures and am starting to find meaning in life again. Although, the part of me that will always feel responsible for not having been able to save Jason from himself doesn't haunt me as much, on frequent occasions, I am still struck down by an overwhelming sense of missing him so. I keep myself busy with work, writing and last year I began writing songs again. Having given up songwriting many years ago, I thought the music had left me forever. After losing Jason, I believe the sheer insanity of such trauma opened up a floodgate of creativity, which would turn out to be my lifeline. Last year I also took up piano again and have found much comfort and distraction in learning to play. It's been more than forty five years since I tried to learn to play Chopin's Polonaise in D minor, and I think it may be a while before I attempt it again, but the possibilities are endless. I find writing songs on my Yamaha PSR-S500 is an adventure that lifts my spirits and carries me places in my mind that soothe my wounded soul more than I thought would ever be possible. I have written nine chapters of Jason's and my story of life and death and this tragic journey of surviving suicide, but I have taken an extended hiatus for now. The struggle of such a labor of love became more than I could bear so it is germinating on my hard drive. One day I hope to continue writing our story, and hope to share with all who find themselves in this incomprehensible state of losing a loved one to suicide. In the meantime, I still post my poetry and other creative writing on My Space. Please stop by and visit and subscribe to my blog. I have also joined facebook where I am in touch with many old friends from my Nashville days, as well as new friends around the world and some of my Parents of Suicide family. I have learned through my experience with surviving suicide that it's so important to keep in touch with friends and family and to let them know how much I care. Knowing that there may not be a tomorrow to share with my loved ones and friends has left the biggest scar on my heart, and I don't know that I will ever feel completely secure without knowing that the ones I care for most are safe and happy. From my writings on MySpace and other online sites, I have compiled enough poetry to fill a small book and so, that is exactly what I have done. Included in this work of loss, grief and recovery, I have also included some of my favorite photos that I have taken throughout the years, as well as thoughts on my mindset while writing each poem. At the time of this writing, I have completed the writing part of the book and am tweaking and editing the final draft. I plan to self-publish and release my book in the spring of 2009. In a ongoing effort to reach more readers who could perhaps find some benefit from my experiences with surviving the loss of Jason to suicide, last year I published a series of articles on Associated Content. Please feel free stop by and read about my struggles and triumphs with surviving this devastating loss of my only child. If you stop by my Content Producers Page, you can find links to all articles. As always, comments are welcome. Losing a child to suicide is a mother's worst nightmare. Sadly, the statistics of death by suicide are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 31,484 deaths by suicide in the U.S. in 2004. This figure of 31,000 has become the standard conservative estimate per year and accounts for twice as many deaths as by homicide. According to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), death by suicide occurs every 17 minutes and leaves behind 40 survivors. Yet, the media ignores this epidemic. Those surviving suicide hide in shame, suffer with guilt and often deny the truth of such a tragic and horrific death of a loved one. They suffer in silence and in some instances become suicidal themselves. Suicide is a permanent solution that is often the result of an impulsive action. So many lives could have been saved if only they had stopped and called someone. If you are feeling suicidal, please seek help. Call a friend, loved one or a professional immediately. Know that you are worth saving. Your life is precious and you are loved!!!! If you don't know who to call, please dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1800 273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). I have listed below some links that provide good information and support. Please email me at Jasons Mom with any links you would like added or should you have any comments or information you would like to share. Please note that I am not employed by or sponsored by any of the links listed below. I have provided these links only because they have been informative and helpful to me personally.
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