Category Archives: Uncategorized

Out of the Darkness Overnight

I am committing right now, that CliffStory.com will be attending its first fundraising event on June 9-10, 2012 at the “Out of the Darkness Overnight” 18 mile walk. How many of you will join me? Take a look at this video……

I have never walked 18 miles in my life, but in the memory of my son, and all of the other sons, daughters, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and cousins out there…..I will walk for YOU!

I would love to have as many of you as possible join me in this walk! We must bring more awareness to Suicide and reach out to those suffering!

I have committed to raise a minimum of $2500, so I must begin asap!

If you are interested in joining with me either by walking, or perhaps donating….please send me an email to cilla@cliffsstory.com.

God Bless You!

Priscilla, Cliff’s Mom

My son Cliff~

International Survivor of Suicide Loss-Did you attend?

Yesterday was “International Survivor of Suicide Loss Day”, did you attend a conference near you? Did you watch it online?

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was working, but managed to attend the majority of the conference. I am so glad that I did.

I know that many of you suffer silently, as I did as well for over 6 years. I did start blogging at about the 4 year mark, but never attended anything that would help me with my grief, nor did I read anything.

After attending my first Survivor of Suicide loss group meeting last week, and then followed up with this conference, I am now very ready to read and be a part of whatever I can get my hands on.

When you are around those who share a similar situation as your own, it really does help. I know I had people when my son first passed that tried to get me to go to something similar, but I was not ready.

And, if you are like I was, this online conference is perfect for you to get an idea of how you might feel at a live meeting. At first, I did not want to talk. I was so emotional, and I do not like to appear weak or be out of control. I am not after pity, nor do I want people to feel sorry for me. Perhaps that is why I suffered in silence for as long as I did. Just know that attending a group meeting such as this can be very healthy. It will let you know that what you are currently feeling, whether it be guilt, anger, etc. you are not alone! I think knowing that it is a normal thing grants comfort. At least I hope it will for you.

So, here is the link to the conference that I attended yesterday:

http://www.afsp.org/SurvivorDay

You can also watch the 2010 conference if you would like. I think I am going to go back and watch again as I did miss some parts of it, and also watch the 2010 conference. Every person gives you a different perspective, and I am now seeking this comfort myself.

I desire to help as many as I can, so I need to understand how differently everybody grieves.

I will be hosting a live call on Thanksgiving morning at 8am pst. If you would like to listen in, or perhaps even call in, here is the link for that call, I look forward to connecting with you!
http://BlogTalkRadio.com/CliffsStory

Have a blessed week, and hopefully with each others help, we can get through this next week without too much pain!

Priscilla, Cliff’s Mom                                               My son Cliff~                       

Substance Abuse in Youth with Bipolar Disorder

I am attending a webinar tomorrow on “Substance Abuse in Youth with Bipolar Disorder”; courtesy of http://www.thebalancedmind.org/ . This will be the first time I have attended a webinar like this, but I will let you know if I get any nuggets of information that may help us all in both “Mental Illness Awareness”, and “Suicide Prevention”.

Have a blessed day!

Priscilla 😉

Meet Maggie……Ribbons of Hope

Take a minute to watch this video…..

Your are not alone, and you can get help!

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-8255

Priscilla, Cliff’s Mom

Jordan Burnham speaks about his suicide attempt

In researching about Jordan Burnham, I found him on activeminds.org.  He is a great inspiration to anyone who has tried to commit suicide, or has ever thought about committing suicide.  Take a look……

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Please share!

We need to reach out and help those who cannot tell us they are suffering!

If someone should share with you their thoughts of wanting to commit suicide, please share the “Crisis Hotline” number 1-800-273-2855

Thank you……..

Priscilla, Cliff’s Mom

Joey Pantoliano shares about Depression

I was talking with a new friend of mine today, Sheila.  We were just talking about our past involvement on the issue of mental illness, and she told me about this documentary that Joey Pantoliano did.  I have included a couple of videos below that I wanted to share with you.  It is so important to get the word out about mental illness, and reach out to those who suffer……..

 

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3

I really want you to hear about Jordan Burnham as well…..he suffers from Depression. He talks about the fact that many people do not understand that there is a difference between being depressed, and suffering from depression.

If you are suffering, I hope this will inspire you to reach out for help. You are loved, and although the illness makes you feel that you and everyone else would be better off without you, that is just not true!

If you are in crisis, please click on the yellow ribbon and call the hotline and get the help anonymously if that is what it takes. Please, for all of the people that love you, reach out for help!

Priscilla, Cliff’s Mom

I have a BIG dream!

I have a BIG Dream!  I will be putting together a non profit foundation in Cliff’s name.  This is not new, but I was struggling with how I could utilize my own gifts and passion, that would also be something Cliff would have been a part of!

 

So, I have come up with the answer.  I have always wanted to rescue horses that have been injured, or perhaps have just gotten too old to race.  They are such a beautiful animal, and growing up I was always riding and participating in different competitions.  My son also had a passion for horses, and he would have really enjoyed helping me on this adventure.

So, as I put together this foundation, we will utilize the saving of these animals to also provide a place for those suffering from Bi-Polar disorder to come and help these animals, which will also help them as well.  I want to give them every chance to take care of themselves as I know that Cliff always wanted that.  Because of their illness they are not always able to keep a steady job, but desire it so very much.  I also will have them be a part of the main household, preparing meals, keeping the grounds clean, keeping the house clean, tending to the horses, etc.  Basically teaching them life skills while understanding their condition and giving them every possible chance to succeed in life.  Mental illness is often times swept under the rug, and it is very sad.  Nobody asks to suffer from mental illness, and unlike other illnesses, often times they have nowhere to turn to other than perhaps a mental institution that will medicate them to a point of non existence.  Please help me with this dream!  I am committed to my local Relay for Life Event as Event Chair for the next 2 years, but I am going to utilize this time to put together a group of interested parties in seeing this Dream of mine come to fruition.  If you or somebody you know would be interested in bringing your personal gifts to the table and get this foundation established, I would love to speak with you!  You can email me your contact information at cliffsstory@gmail.com    Thank you!  Cliffs Mom~ Priscilla 😉

 

Thanksgiving day call with Cliff’s Mom on Blog Talk Radio

If you missed the show yesterday, you can still listen to the call. Please pass this on to everyone you know. The people who are hurting the most will never tell you. Grief over losing a loved one is so gut wrenching that it parralizes you and they don’t share it with anyone because they don’t want to admit how deeply it affects them. Just click on the “Listen to Cliff’s Mom” on Blog Talk Radio located on the left sidebar, and it will take you to the show. Remember to share this with everyone you know. God Bless! 🙂

Letter to Cliff :-)

Hey Cliff!

Its mom here……

I just got done doing a blog talk radio show in your name. The holidays are tough on those of us left here on earth.

We had Thanksgiving in Kerman on Sunday, and your presence was definately missed. I miss you each and every day. You have our puppies Bobo and Smokey with you now, so I know that they are being well taken care of, and I am sure they were happy to see you!

It has been over 4 years since you left us, but it seems like just yesterday!

You will never be forgotten, and I will make sure that many others are helped in your name.

I love you son!

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. I have met a new friend April who also lost her son Daniel; we both find comfort in knowing that you both are not hurting anymore! Take care of oneanother and look for me…..I will be home to see you some day.