44 Comments
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Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

Yours is such a helpful story for us other parents, Rea. I’m doing a talk at a Compassionate Friends Retreat next month and hope that I can offer hope to other parents who are just at the start of this incredibly hard journey. The support from those who have experienced it is really the only thing that helps, I think. Thanks for all the understanding you’ve shown me here on SS…it’s meant a great deal 🙏❤️

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You definitely will offer them hope, Esther. You are an example of surviving the loss of a precious child. They will love you! Thank you, my friend! <3 <3

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

Thank you so much for the encouragement Rea 🙏❤️

Lisa Jordan's avatar

Tears, Rea. Your public words are so important. People are scared alone, take irrevocable action alone, grieve alone. You’ve opened the dialogue, given people hope, support, love. It’s amazing. You’re amazing. Big hugs. ❤️

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. I deeply appreciate it. ❤️

Brenda - A Voice that Wonders's avatar

Rea… wonderful. You are truly a hero in my eyes. You took a devastating time in your life and let it do something different. And just reading this… it made a difference. 💞

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful words, Brenda. ❤️❤️

Virginia Curtis's avatar

I have no pity, but I join you in sorrow and compassion. I am in awe of how you have survived to thrive and to write about what happened. Your grief has a purpose, and the story of the young person who reached out to his mother is a testament to that. You are probably one of the strongest women I've ever met. Truly. Love, Virg

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I was a complete mess, Virg. Thank you. ❤️

Ink and Light by Nat Hale's avatar

standing with you

Ellis Wiens's avatar

A buddy of mine almost did it. Had the note and everything. But he waited, hoping tomorrow would be different, and it turned out he was right: he's still here today. Sometimes time heals and you'll never find out until you stick it out.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I'm glad your friend waited, Ellis. If only all of them could wait a little. ❤️

Marcia Abboud's avatar

Wow, Rea. This is such an inspirational read. You helped that young man, probably saved his life. What a gift that is.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I think the Universe directed him to the website, Marcia.

Thank you!

Marcia Abboud's avatar

I believe that 🤍

Beth L. Gainer's avatar

Oh my goodness, Rea. This is such a powerful, necessary post. It is so clear that you are not having a pity party -- ever. You are bearing witness to having a loved one commit suicide, and you are helping others who come across your and your son's story. Raising your voice is so necessary because you are helping to create more awareness of such a tragedy. And I can't imagine how many people your story has helped. Your voice is so needed in the world, and I hope you keep sharing your story.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for your encouragement, Beth. ❤️❤️

Martine 🦋's avatar

Rea, thank you for sharing these important words that truly can make a difference in someone's life. Inspirational 🙏🏻

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for commenting, Simona. 🩵

Nancy Hesting's avatar

Your words are so important and vital to people who are struggling. I am sure you helped that young man and his mother find a way out of the darkness.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

He reached out to his mother, and that was the most important step he took.

Most people who die by suicide don't reach out at the crucial time.

Thank you, Nancy.

Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

Oh Rea, this was so amazing. You are a voice of healing for countless suffering souls because of your strength, resilience, and insights. And speaking honestly as you do about life's steep traumas, which often don't feel survivable even though they are (or can be), helps us find our way when the night sky is clouded in black. So grateful for you and the light you shine. <3

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You touch my heart with your kindness, Stephanie. I was a complete mess for a long time, and tried to find meaning in life. I'm grateful for a chance to atone. Thank you. 🙏

Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

You are a healer for many, including me. The gratitude is all mine/ours. 🐦💛🌳

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

Thank you, Rea. Your courage is an inspiration. As difficult as it way, intuitively, you knew how to heal and touch others on your path.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

All I did was write about my experience to make sense of it. The Universe had other plans. Thank you for your compassion, Stephanie.

Jen Reich's avatar

There is so much potential for healing in sharing our stories. Thank you for your writing, Rea. 🩷

Rea de Miranda's avatar

There is always someone who needs encouragement, Jen. Thank you.

Adrian's avatar

Thank you, for sharing your experience for others

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you for always supporting me, Adrian.

Moorea Maguire's avatar

I'm so sorry you lost your son, Rea. That's wonderful that you're helping other parents feel less alone and helping prevent future suicides.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Moorea. 💞

Stephen Drew's avatar

And this is how we honor our beloved ones. Death can indeed delight in service to the living.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Perfectly said, Stephen.