The Quiet Beauty of Grief - DAY 27

Two years ago I was moved by a photo that a woman in one of my online suicide loss support groups posted.

With her permission, I published the photo on this blog. The photo was an expression of grief and beauty combined.  Her two young children who'd lost their father, and in the photo their love for him still was so evident, even when they were at his graveside.

I believe that survivors of suicide loss need to be allowed to grieve with the same dignity and respect as any other person who has suffered a loss.

Since publishing that photo two years ago, I  created a regular series on this blog called The Beauty of Grief. I have published inspirational quotes, photos, artwork, poems, and more.

You can learn more about The Beauty of Grief series, by clicking here.

Looking for a way to make a difference in the fight against suicide? Volunteering your time or talents to an organization that is actively working toward suicide prevention has benefits not just for those who are looking for a way to support the cause, but studies have shown that volunteering can be helpful if you are recovering from depression, or if you are enduring the grief of suicide loss.

If you aren't sure where to start, there are some tips compiled here.

And if you are unable to do regular volunteer work right now, remember that there are always opportunities to do good. Every act of kindness has the potential to change lives for the better, and we can all make an effort to be kind.

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The Beauty of Grief

These small handmade hearts are distributed for free by The Peyton Heart Project. The project is named after a thirteen year old boy, Peyton James, who died by suicide. Each heart represents the heart of a life lost to suicide. The inspirational messages that are attached to each heart also provide hope to anyone who is now struggling. 

According to the Peyton Heart Project website:

'The hearts are placed in public places around the world for people to find during their everyday lives. We hope the hearts cause people to stop for a moment and reflect on a young life lost to suicide, on bullying, and on the fact that everyone’s life matters.'

The project has distributed thousands of hearts throughout the United States and internationally as well. Truly, the Peyton Heart Project represents the beauty of grief.

The Beauty of Grief

Holding her father's flag.

Amon Gift, a US Army veteran, was twenty three years old 

when he died by suicide, in January of 2017. 

This photo is of his daughter, at his funeral.

Thank you to Kelsey Leann Tobin for permission to use this beautiful photo.

The Beauty of Grief

"My girls didn't want to step on their Daddy's grave, thinking they might hurt him."

- Bernice Estalilla, Quezon City, Philippines





Photo used with permission.