To Write Love on Her Arms

A Journey of Hope.

Feb. 8, 2010 at 6:47pm

This past October we had the pleasure of joining the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Cocoa Beach chapter for an Out of the Darkness walk in our area. This past Saturday, we were able to join them a second time, and our entire team went out. We’ve truly enjoyed growing closer with the AFSP this year. We value them as an organization, and believe strongly in their vision.

Below you’ll find the voice of Erin, one of our spring interns. We’ve invited her to share her perspective from the walk in Orlando. Enjoy her words, as we hope they find you well tonight.

---

This weekend our team was invited by the Central Florida chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to participate in their Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Orlando, FL. The walk was both a fundraiser and a community event; it raised money for suicide prevention and gave survivors and supporters a chance to connect with one another. This was a day for sharing and grieving, for hoping and remembering. This was a day for change.

The day was filled with many emotions—pain, sadness, happiness, hope. It was filled with questions and memories. We were a group of more than 700 strangers, but we were all connected by our shared experiences and stories. Laughter helped us remember the good times and our tears served as a reminder that the pain never fully leaves us.

As we walked, many wore beaded necklaces in honor of the loved ones they had lost. Some were walking in an effort to bring awareness, to support the cause and bring an end to the tragedy called suicide. On the sidewalk were chalk drawings and names of those lost and words of hope from survivors. There were stories shared of recovery and hope. We were honored to be able to walk with them and celebrate life together.

Finishing the walk was an accomplishment, because we truly had gone on a journey together. There were hugs, cheering, memories, and a sense of connection. Strangers had become friends. No one was walking alone. Another intern, Kim, said that it felt like we began the walk in pain, but ended in love and newfound hope.

We saw beauty through the pain of loss. Hope was restored through those three miles, and love broke through the wall of pain. Behind the sorrowful words, were stories of hope. We want to help others and make a difference, and put an end to suicide. And we can. We can walk with those who are hurting, and hold their hands through the pain. Together, we can save lives.

Click here to see photos from the walk.

<3 - Erin
Spring 2010 Intern

Posted in General by Kaitlyn Suveg

Comments (12)

Those last two paragraphs are absolutely perfect. The entire post is excellent, but the point/conclusion thats made.... is marvelous.

"we began the walk in pain, but ended in love and newfound hope."

I believe in that. I'm finding it now in ways I never imagined possible.

God is still in the business of redemption.

Much love to all of you

-Zach B.

1 | Left by Zach Banta | Feb. 8, 2010 at 6:57pm

So beautiful... thank you for your thoughts, Erin. <3

2 | Left by AllyC | Feb. 8, 2010 at 7:05pm

Strong. Connected. Love. Tears. Hope. Faith. Strangers. Strength. Laughter. Memories. Friends. Pain. Journeys. Remembering . . . .Beautiful

3 | Left by Anon | Feb. 8, 2010 at 7:12pm

Sometimes we feel so alone as survivors... it's good to know we're not really alone. Thanks for sharing. Beautiful words and beautiful pictures.

I'll always miss my Ashley, lost Oct 2009, age 14... <3

4 | Left by Andrea | Feb. 8, 2010 at 7:28pm

Truly inspiring. The pictures are wonderful.

5 | Left by Andie | Feb. 8, 2010 at 7:46pm

Its a beautiful thing that happened. Hope can be born through love...and we truly aren't alone.

6 | Left by Andrea K. | Feb. 9, 2010 at 1:20pm

I always remember all the tuff times that i have had to deal with on my own. I am so happy to see that now there are people out there to help those of us in need. it is a wonderful butiful thing that happened. tank you for showing us that we are not alone and we share the pain.

7 | Left by Britt | Feb. 14, 2010 at 4:22pm

My best friend told me about TWHA but I really didn't understand, untill I saw an artical in Alterative Press.
This is an amazing thing what you guy do,
there is hope and now I see it.
I wish I knew about this when you came to flordia,
even though it was on my birthday,
I would of been there in a flash.
This just absolutely broke my heart of how many people are missed.
I hope you come to flordia again.

-Mallory<3

8 | Left by Mallory | Feb. 17, 2010 at 5:17pm

even though it was on my birthday

9 | Left by Find Your Favorate Video Simple | Mar. 9, 2010 at 1:45am

Just Checked out one Time You Will Like It Really !!
www.seosilvershine.com Seo Silvershine India
www.easilyshopping.com Fashion Appeals
www.outingplaceinfoat.blogspot.com Hotal Travel India
www.homecaretipsguide.com Easy Home Care Tips
www.forverification.blogspot.com Know More About Google BuZZ Service

10 | Left by Enchance Your Home Theater | Mar. 10, 2010 at 9:58am

www.outingplaceinfoat.blogspot.com Hotal Travel India

11 | Left by Outing Place Information | Mar. 12, 2010 at 3:37am

There will always be hope. This is your tool to have a wonderful and memorable life ahead of you. With your vision it will really provide a great deal of a new life.

12 | Left by Residential Treatment | Apr. 1, 2010 at 5:04am

Name:

Email:

URL:

Comment: * No HTML, http:// will auto-link
* required

Comment Guidelines