On a sunny Saturday, standing on a bench overlooking Manning City Park, a beautiful testimonial was given. Full of heartbreak and hope, this story captured the heart of the day, loving those we have lost to suicide and honoring their memory by bringing awareness out in the open.
Among the crowd, a sea of colorful beads swayed as friends and family walked silently along the path. Some in contemplation, some in tears, some in support of the devastation that comes with loss. Names spoken aloud for all to hear and remember, lingered in the air with quiet moments of respectful silence.
Organized by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSA), this year’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk, has yet again, grown in number. These walks are “journeys of remembrance” that acknowledge the different ways that suicide/mental illness affect our lives.
Audubon County Memorial Hospital and Clinics partnered with Lois Potthoff, LMHC, MS, CTP and Kevin Reynolds, LMHC of Touching Lives, LLC to remind those struggling that support is here for them.
BB’s Smokin’ Que was on hand to feed the soul with their delicious meal choices. Owner Brian Bird donated back all proceeds that day to AFSA.
When registering for these walks, donations go right back into our local communities and help our neighbors. For more information to participate in walk near you, go to afsp.org/swia.
If you or a loved one need help. There are resources available. For counseling services, contact Touching Lives, LLC at 855.303.9139.
Call: 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Languages: English, Spanish, Hours: Available 24 hours
