Laurie's legacy team rocked!

Saturday was a beautiful day for a 5K walk for AFSP, the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide. I am so proud of each of our team, my girls from my Student Impact small group and Lisa's husband, Rick and Lisa's mom. Each one is a rock start in my mind. These girls have been with me every step of the way in the long journey of losing Laurie. They were Laurie's friends but they have also been "my girlie -girls". Thank you to each of them and to everyone who contributed to our team. We ended up being in the top five teams out of over 100 teams and I was the second highest fundraiser out of over 800 walkers. 800 walkers represents too many mourning the loss of someone to suicide.

Former IL state's attorney Jim Ryan opened the ceremony by describing his own handsome 24 year old son who took his life last October. He told a story too close to all of us. But he also gave hope that there can be better help to those suffering from mental disorders, better education programs to identify those in trouble. There is hope. Thanks goodness for that.