Maybe You Forgot: A Mother's Loss to Suicide and Her Message to Her Son

My name is Lori Day; my only child Forrest took his life on April 7, 2020. He was 29 years old and in nursing school. Forrest struggled with anxiety, depression and binge drinking. “Maybe you forgot” came into my mind, not only for my son but also for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or any mental health disorders. I wrote this to give strength and hope to anyone in that dark place, to remind them there is love all around them and that they are never truly alone. My hope, and Forrest’s hope, is that we can help even one person to reach out for help.

Screen Shot 2020-05-17 at 10.15.57 AM.png

I wrote this for Forrest this morning ❤️

Maybe you forgot.

Maybe you forgot you are not alone
Maybe you forgot to ask for help in your despair
Maybe you forgot you are precious
Maybe you forgot better things are ahead of you
Maybe you forgot but
I will never forget holding you for the first time
I will never forget loving your smile, how funny you are & how fun you are to be around
Loving to hug you and hearing “I love you moms”
Loving to watch you learn new things
Listening to you teach yourself to play the guitar & how to read music
Watching your love for all music
Watching you talk to anyone and connect with them with ease
Watching you reading numerous books about so many topics just to learn new things
Watching you scuba diving and coming up on your last breath of air with absolutely no fear only fascination with the ocean
Watching you as an “old soul” trying to figure out this crazy world
Watching you being so critical of yourself and holding yourself to impossible standards
Watching you learn nursing & helping your classmates through hard times
Watching your heart for helping people
Watching you be incredibly stubborn
Watching you mocking me for my lack of technical knowledge (this is not that hard moms it’s color-coded)
Watching you learn about respect and love
I know I gave you life but the truth is you gave me mine
You may have forgotten a few things but our love and our bond can never be broken in life or death
I’m your Mom and it’s my job to remind you how amazing you are
I love you Forrest, Rest In Peace my Son

If you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or you know someone who is please PLEASE call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Screen Shot 2020-05-25 at 9.54.23 AM.png

You might feel alone but know that you are NOT!
People do want to be there for you & do want to help.
Please reach out to someone.

Much love & good vibes friends.

Sarah LackoComment