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~ 
