To Write LOVE

I just found this out when looking through my pages that today is the official "To Write Love On Her Arms" day for the entire world. This cause is extremely close to my heart. It is a non profit organization dedicated to presenting HOPE and finding help for those stuggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. And as you can see here, right above, is a great example of how one leads into another. I, unfortunetly, have delt with all four.

Hope is extremely hard to find when you can't get out of bed in the morning due to depression. And Hope is hard to find when you lay down at night and say your passive death wish to not wake up over and over. Hope is hard to find when you are so down and out you turn to drugs to get through the day. Hope is hard to see when self injury/cutting is the only way you can find any kind of joy. And HOPE is VERY hard to find when your mind is on the fast track of finding a way to end your life and writing suicide letters to your family and friends.

Okay I am horribly crying right now but it's just so crazy to believe that just one year ago, that was my life. I HAVE NO IDEA how I made it. All I have to say is that there must have been the best team of angels watching over me because for some reason I made it through.....once again. I have suffered through 12 years of on and off severe depression. I can't believe this is my life now. I sometimes pinch myself when I wake up because can't believe I am getting to feel this happy and alive and filled with love.

As for today, I have been 8 months happy, 25 pounds heavier, and I wake up with a smile on my face. I discovered having love in your life is all that really matters and sharing your stories can save peoples lives. Today is your day to tell your story. Please give someone Hope today. A will to live. The goal today is to write LOVE on your arm and post it. It lets us see that there are others that have dealt with this or know someone that have. I did it and I hope everyone sees it!!!

This is in dedication to: All of the amazing people I spent two months with living it up at COPE and my psychiatrist at the hospital, Dr. Danko, who managed to save my life. Maggie, Emily, Joahana, Jen, Kate G., Kate P, Em, Kaylie, Kara, Noreen, Jamie, Liz, Melanie, Jessica, Isabella, Ashley, Leah, Shelly, Tiffany, Madelyn, etc. I'm soo sorry if I left anyone from COPE out if I did you can scream at me.

I also want to dedicate this to my beautiful friends who sent me endless love and many visits: Michelle, Whitney, Tera, Bekah, Allison, Blare, Carolyn, Lara, Whitney B., Katie, Laura, Talia, Ryan, Julie, Mike, and Aaron.

Keith-This is to you.

In memory of Scott Connors. Suicide Victim and little brother to my best friend Allison. They are my family.

Peace and Love

S