We Can’t Promise Zero Suicide, but These 4 Actions Will Save Lives
We can’t promise zero suicide, but we can take meaningful steps to save lives. By teaching emotional intelligence, addressing mental health care gaps, tackling environmental stressors, and supporting those in crisis, we can create a safer, more compassionate world. These four actions won’t solve everything, but they could make the difference between life and loss.
Forever Fourteen: Maddie’s Photo on My Fridge and the Journey of Life
A simple photo on my fridge tells a profound story. While pictures of my sons change with each milestone—graduations, travels, and new adventures—Maddie’s Grade 8 photo remains frozen in time. Nearly 10 years after her passing, her legacy continues to grow through her brothers’ advocacy for mental health. Life moves on, but Maddie’s radiant smile reminds us of love, loss, and the power of memory.
What Would You Do If Your Teen Texted You, ‘I Don’t Want to Live’?
What would you do if your teen sent you a text saying they didn’t want to live anymore? Would you know how to respond?
Most parents think, ‘That could never happen to my child.’ But trust me, no one is immune. I’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories from parents who thought they’d see the signs but didn’t.
Are you prepared for that moment? Because waiting until it happens could be the biggest mistake of your life.
What If You Could Be the Reason Someone Chose to Live?
Imagine if a small act of kindness or a moment of listening could be the reason someone chooses to keep going. This simple but powerful idea reminds us that we each hold the potential to be a lifeline for someone struggling silently. You don’t need to be a mental health expert—just show up, check in, and let people know they’re not alone. A tiny gesture might just save a life.
From Grief to Growth: A Journey of Healing
In this heartfelt and introspective piece, the author shares their ongoing journey of grief and resilience after the tragic loss of their daughter, Madeline. With honesty and vulnerability, they express the complexity of emotions and the lasting impact of memories. The author explores the support received from friends, family, and strangers, highlighting the power of social media in raising awareness about mental illness. They also emphasize the importance of seeking help and breaking down barriers in accessing mental health resources. Through their writing, the author pays tribute to Madeline's enduring legacy and finds solace in turning pain into purpose.
A Lighthouse in the Storm: Empowering Parents to Find Their Way Through Teen Struggles
Navigating the mental health journey with a struggling teen can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Sharing our stories is vital for connecting and supporting one another as parents. By opening up about our experiences, we can help each other face the challenges of raising teens who may be struggling. Together, we can foster a sense of community and understanding, reminding ourselves that we don’t have to go through this alone.
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"