Twenty-Two Missed Calls: The Moment I Knew My Worst Fear Had Come True
This is the opening chapter of my book, Wake Up, You Could Lose Your Teen to Suicide. Writing it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Reliving those moments brought a flood of vivid memories and the searing pain of the night we lost my 14-year-old daughter, Maddie, to suicide.
On the night of April 10, 2015, I was jolted awake by an urgent voice and a series of missed calls, leading to the devastating truth: Maddie was gone. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, a moment that shattered my world. But from this unimaginable tragedy came a commitment—a mission to change how we approach mental health.
My goal is to ensure no family has to experience the same unbearable pain we did that night. Through better awareness, support, and prevention, I want to make sure that parents, children, and communities are equipped to handle the challenges of mental health in ways we weren’t. This book is my way of turning that grief into action, and my hope is that it will help save lives.
Maddie’s Legacy: Turning Pain into Purpose
"Losing Maddie to suicide was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. But over time, I’ve realized her story doesn’t end there. Her life, as short as it was, still has the power to make a difference. By sharing her story, I’ve seen families start conversations about mental health they had been avoiding, and even seen people find the courage to ask for help. That’s Maddie’s legacy—her light still shines.
We all have a role to play. By checking in on each other, listening without judgment, and talking openly about mental health, we can make a real difference. It’s in those small actions that we can create a world where no one feels alone.
Maddie’s legacy is bigger than me—it’s for everyone who’s been touched by her story. Together, we can keep her light going.
#MaddiesLegacy #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone"