To stop or Go for it with Grace

I want to thank all the ladies that helped me with the relaunch of Much Love last night. With their strength in numbers it gave me the confidence to not give up on this foundation . I was once so passionate about. I lost my way. I lost my drive to help save lives.

It has been way too long since I have reached out. Mainly, for personal reasons. I got hurt. I was dealing with physical pain. Which is sometimes easier than the emotional pain and grief. I was also taking care of my dad. He had so many major medical problems going on. Endless doctors appointments, endless tests and hospital stays. It will be a year ago, Monday, we lost my dad at the age of 85. He was a good hearted man with a brilliant mind. His last words to me in a whisper were “Much Love” with an emphasis on love. I don’t know for sure but at that moment I believe Zach was holding his hand guiding him to the other side. Somehow, I felt comfort yet terrified of loosing someone else I love. More grief.....

Fast forward to this week. I met with a friend for lunch on Wednesday. Her name is Grace. Wow, what a lunch! I had no more excuses of why I wasn’t doing anything with the website. I had no more excuses of the fear I had to get started talking about suicide again. She is exactly her name, with Grace we came up with a plan. A relaunch. She got her friends together, I got my friends. Friday night, we met, I told my story, holding in the tears, exactly why this website was so important. We toasted to the relaunch. Off we went with bags of stickers and business cards headed to an open farmers market. We split up not on purpose but with a mission to touch as many people as possible with what much love was about. We handed out 120 stickers and business cards. Again, if we can stop one person from suicide. I feel that’s a success story.

We met many people that in turn told their stories. It felt good. I didn’t feel alone in this anymore. I have my purpose back. Listening is so very important when you approach people with a story of suicide. No one really wants to talk about this. Yet, when approached some open up and share. I feel so grateful for all the stories that were shared with us.

I will post more pictures on Facebook of our night. With friends like this comes love, strength and confidence. My heart is bigger. I still have the hole where I lost my oldest son, Zach, to suicide. Now, I have hope, I can do what I feel is my purpose in life.

To continue sharing my story in hopes to stop more suicides.

Much Love -

Leigh

The Much Love relaunch crew!