November 3, 2013

Each year as October becomes November
As the tress loose their brilliantly colored leaves
As the days shorten and the nights are longer
As we settle into the routine of the new school year
My thoughts are of Tommy.

At this time of the year I revisit the tragedy,
The loss of a precious young life
A boy destined to …
We will never know.

There is a longing for his physical presence
But comfort in feeling his presence.

There is extreme frustration knowing that
so many go without treatment –
whether out of shame, ignorance or
lack of access to medical professionals and/or facilities
there is still so much to learn about the brain
before diagnoses and treatments are more effective.

If you’re reading this page you, too, are probably remembering Tommy. Might I
suggest that the best way to remember Tommy and all those we’ve lost to suicide is to:

Reach out to those in need and encourage them to seek help
Remove the stigma through one’s own words and actions
And when possible, support mental illness research and resources

Working together we CAN make a difference.

–RoseMary B. Fuss

__________________________________________________________________________

The Tommy Quilts

On a lighter note I would like to take the opportunity to share with you pieces of the Tommy Quilts, an “art therapy” project that enables me to remember Tommy through creativity.

Click on any image to look through larger images individually. Click on the [Show as slideshow] link, then on the ‘Full Screen’ icon to view them in full screen mode.