It has been a difficult few weeks. As a parent, as a mother, as a friend. We attended the funeral of our daughter’s friend; my friend’s son. Just 20 years old, so young. He had taken his own life and we all struggle with it. He was a lovely young man; handsome, gregarious, kind, funny, bright, athletic and a friend to all. He was adored by his family and cherished by so many. Yet he had a terrible private struggle that he didn’t share with many. Felt so very alone. He is so truly missed.

Mental illness has a terrible stigma and one of the most important messages at the funeral was that you are not alone. It’s ok to ask for help. And we do not need to be ashamed to get help and talk about it.

As sad as today was, this young man who was so loved, brought so many people together through this tragedy. His classmates have been reaching out, being a lighthouse in this turbulent time to each other. Life is just too short and we need to value each moment, and each other. We have lost too many young people to suicide.

Liz Shea Designs will donate a portion of all sales from our Holiday Pop Up Shop on 12/13 to www.hopewayfoundation.org in honor of this young man (Sean), and to provide help to others who may be struggling.

And be sure to keep your light bright and shining-
You never know just how many people
You may be a lighthouse for.
You never know how many people find their way home,
In even the wildest storms,
because you are there.
– Cleo Wade

Be a lighthouse. You are not alone.

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Cheers!