Keep Moving Forward

Nearly 2 years ago, I lost my cousin to suicide (I’ve also lost my grandfather and uncle to suicide). It was, is and always will be devastating to me. When I was made aware of his passing, I felt like the floor had been stolen from beneath me. I couldn’t breathe, speak or comprehend what my parents had just told me. In a fluster, I managed to blurt out a sentence. “I already miss him” …That was the first thing I could say, think or feel. The pain was unbearable. He was one of the most incredidle human beings I had ever encountered but he struggled with his mental health every single day of his life. He inspired every single person he interacted with, to be better people. He lost his battle to Depression at the age of 29. Most people would say he left behind his family and friends. However, I say he left his family and friends with precious memories and moments that we treasure more than ever now. Seeing as I have had time to grieve, I can now look at his passing in a different light. I will never define him by the way that he died. I will only define him by the way he lived, the way he made others feel and his love for adventure. To anyone who is reading this and has gone or is going through a similar situation; you are not alone, you are loved and you are stronger than you think. Keep moving forward. One day you will learn to live for them, instead of without them. I promise.