It is that time of the year once again that will see the Pieta House “Darkness Into Light Walk” This year Moyvane is the local place that will see the walk take place in the early hours of Saturday morning.
As I previously mentioned in other pieces, people question on a yearly basis where all the money raised goes as the governance of Pieta House has come in for stern criticism over the past few years.
The walk itself is a special one to do as it does allow people time to reflect on their lives and maybe look forward to the future and in some cases a future that certain people like myself for a number of years didn’t deserve or so the voice in my mind kept telling me anyway.
Thank god, those days are behind yours truly and bar the odd moment I can see that future in front of me. I will always only speak of my own situation and how suicide has impacted my life.
Several times over an 18 year period in particular I struggled and contemplated suicide but I thank my lucky stars that a number of people were there for me intentionally or by a stroke of luck to help me see things more clearly.
Those interventions made sure I am still here because had those interventions not come I would not be typing this piece and that I am certain of. I owe a number of people who I have spoken of over a number of years I owe my life to my mother, a first cousin, a family friend’s father and one or two other people. To all of those people that helped keep me off the canvas, thank you for not giving up on this sometimes crabby fella.
I know too that my experiences have helped a few people and that has given me great pride and satisfaction. Amazing how far you may reach unbeknown to yourself via a written piece or a short video.
The walk is a moment to stand with those who may lost family members, friends and others to suicide. It is still a huge issue and those in power are the only ones that can make meaningful change at national level.
Take it from one who is speaking from experience it is not a great spot to be in and you really do feel that suicide is the best course of action but in more recent years I have journaled, written and spoken of my experience. This course of action has helped me look back clearly and see the journey I have been on over the last 12 years including my last attempt back in early 2023.
Wishing all of those who will tomorrow take part in the walk, all the very best and to those who may be struggling today, reach out to those you feel comfortable speaking to and you too will see the light. Trust me, it isn’t an easy step but once taken you will see the benefits of it as the support is there for you.
Lastly to those who reached out a hand to this author, thank you all and to those who I know my words and experiences have helped, I am humbled that my resilience and story helped you see that life is worth living….