Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR, AB - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Real Estate Sales
Several days ago I came across a post on Facebook. It was announcing Save the One - the SPAN 4th Annual Memorial Walk. There was a comment under the post that had been left by my client and friend Tulsa McCormick. Tulsa lost her son Nico to suicide this past year, and my heart is broken for her incomprehensible loss. When I saw her comment saying that her thoughts would be with the walkers but she was unable to attend, I left my own comment that I would pick up the torch and walk in her place.
It's difficult for those of us who care about someone going through a tough time to know what to do to help. We offer love and support, but really, what can we do? I was excited at the thought of doing this one, small thing for Tulsa. At least it was SOMETHING! I would walk in her place in the 4th Annual Save the One Memorial Walk.
We walk to remember the one lost, and to save the one still with us.
As it turned out, Tulsa was able to rearrange her schedule and attend the walk that took place this morning. I am so glad she was able to be there to soak up the love and positive energy from all of those there today.
The rain clouds dissipated, the sun came out and we enjoyed a lovely 3.8 mile walk on the Centennial Trail along Coeur d'Alene Lake. I thought of my beautiful sister-in-law Shelly Scharf, who we lost to suicide at the age of 25, just about 25 years ago. She was the same age as my own sister Ronna, and I couldn't help but think of all the life Ronna has lived - her six beautiful children with her first grandchild due in a few weeks. And in contrast, all that Shelly never got to experience, and how senseless and tragic her death was.
Then my mind went back about 20 years ago, to a call from the counselor at my son's junior high. A student had betrayed the confidence of her friends and informed the counselor of a suicide pact among a small group of students that included my son. How grateful I am for that student who had the courage to do the right thing, and that intervention came before more tragic and preventable loss of life.
SPAN - Idaho is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing leadership throughout the state in suicide prevention. For more information visit www.spanidaho.org.
By walking to remember those lost, we can also raise public awareness about suicide as a preventable form af death. We all have the ability to Save the One next to us at work, on the school bus, at the dinner table. Join us in this statewide effort to save lives.
Click here to view my Facebook album of photos from today's walk.
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