When You Least Expect It

As many of you don't know, this week is suicide prevention week. I didn't know that until last year.
There are many of you that think that suicide will never affect your life. I hope your right, BUT that's what I thought. I'll be honest. I thought that suicide was for depressed people with a bad home life. I thought that it would never affect me. Well, that's what I thought about cancer too. "Cancer is something that happens to other people." That's what I always thought. Apparently, I'm wrong about a lot...which I don't admit to very often. Both cancer and suicide affected my life in 2008 and still does. Once something happens, it will never be completely gone...no matter how hard you try. It will still be there. At least that's how it is with me. I'm not trying to discourage you--believe me, that's the last thing I want.

In February of 2008, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It flipped my life upside down.
Here's my story:


Katelyn's Story from Mark Cox on Vimeo.
At the Student Takeover, Katelyn told her story about her dad's rough battle with cancer and how it affected her family.

Suicide is a dangerous topic. People don't like to talk about it. It's taboo. If it is killing lives, let's do something about it! Last May I spoke at assemblies at my high school about my experience with suicide. People came up to me afterwards thanking me for sharing because they or someone they know are dealing with suicide. I know what it's like. I just want to stop it. I would love the opportunity to share my story with more people.

If you personally haven't been affected, you may be wondering why I'm writing this. There is something you can do. There is always something you can do. If it's asking a friend what is going on...if it is just being there for them...OR...if it's just a simple smile you give to the person you see down the hallway, there is always something you can do.

This week was suicide prevention week. Why can't we try to prevent suicide everyday instead of 7 days out of 365 days a year? Just a thought.