Grieving is as natural as

Crying when you are hurt,

Sleeping when you are tired,

Eating when you are hungry, or

Sneezing when your nose itches.

It is nature's way of healing

A broken heart.

–Unknown

This survivor to survivor publication is provided free as a service to Wisconsin families by the HOPES (Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide) organization.

HOPES
1902 Tarragon Drive
Madison, WI. 53716

608-274-9686

We also sponsor an opportunity to have your loved one remembered on a quilt project called, "the Many Faces of Suicide."

The Wisconsin part of a national quilt project that is displayed around the state and goes to Washington D.C. for a National Awareness event sponsored by SPAN each year.

Each spring we host a Walk for Awareness, Bringing Depression and Suicide to Light in Madison. It is an opportunity to join other survivors and supporters of suicide prevention as we remember the lives of people we lost to suicide and renew our efforts towards suicide prevention.

View our website or call 608-274-9686 for more details.

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Letter to Fellow Survivors

Explaining Suicide to Children

Guidelines for Immediate Help From Close Friends in the Aftermath of a Suicide

Permit Me

People Say the Darndest Things

I Don't Know Why…

Beyond Surviving

Grief and the Mourning Process

Dear Friends

It’s Okay

Why We Grieve Differently

Asking the Question Why?

How Support Groups can be Beneficial

When Your Child Died by Suicide

A Father Speaks Up

The Father's Experience

My Brother Jay

Please Don't Ask Me to Explain ... Again

Ode to NinaJo

The Center of My Life

Holidays and Special Days

Lifekeepers History

Recommended Reading

Additional Resources

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HOPES
1902 Tarragon Drive
Madison, WI. 53716

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