Hey Buddy,
It is difficult to describe the pain we have endured this past year. We can only imagine that it is a small fraction of what you were feeling, lost in the darkness.
Every day is a battle to get up and face the world, to keep pushing forward. Every night is an endless torture, laying awake, questioning why we didn’t see the pain you were in, why we didn’t know you needed help. We don’t sleep much anymore, the dreams of regret are too painful.
One year ago we were at Parent Teacher Conferences and overflowing with pride. Not because of your grades, which were great as always, but because of the stories told to us by your teachers on how you were constantly helping others with their classes and homework.
Then we came home and our world stopped. The only positive memory from that day was the look of peace on your face. You were finally free from the darkness that had engulfed you.
The next several days were a blur, we were numb with shock, but there were several points where we had absolutely clarity on what had to happen moving forward. Looking back we feel strongly that we were being guided, unknown, and unasked for.
Having coffee on Saturday morning and looking at each other with a resolve to prevent this from happening to other families, to give teens HOPE.
Finding Red Rocks Church and Cameron Cathcart (a previous survivor) to lead your service after the original church we had picked would not even return our call because we were burying a victim of suicide. The AV team at Red Rocks providing an impactful service that would change the trajectory of the conversation. The 500+ students that attended your funeral.
Hearing from a half dozen teens at the visitation and funeral about how you had helped them escape the darkness and walk away from their plans to take their lives.
The outpouring of financial generosity that jumpstarted Robbie’s Hope, even though we had no idea what our plan or purpose was.
The first teen meeting 2 weeks after your funeral where over 200 kids from 11 schools showed up, wanting to know how to give each other HOPE and how they could stop these tragedies.
A lot has happened in this past year but we constantly question if we are making a difference or if this is all just to make us feel good. We are brought back to reality every time there is another teen suicide, it is like someone is sticking a knife back into our heart reopening raw wounds.
We imagine you would be proud of the other teens that are tired of losing their friends to suicide, that are struggling with their own demons. They are growing into a powerful voice, a voice that is not only demanding change but teaching the adults what change looks like and how they can help. They are the HOPE for the future.
Some day maybe the pain will dull slightly but it will never erased. Every birthday, holiday, graduation, and special event is a fresh reminder of what you will never be able to experience. We will keep fighting for our teens in your name. We will try to live up to the standard of compassion toward others that you set.
We love you Robbie.
http://bitly.com/2oIW0d7
If you or someone you know is in crisis please stop watching this video and call 911 or the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Si usted o alguien que conoce está en crisis, deje de ver este video y llame al 911 o al National Suicide Crisis Lifeline al 800-273-8255.
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