The Lost & The Found
Tragedy- The Lost
This past week we’ve seen two celebrities, seemingly happy and prosperous, take their own lives in unimaginable ways. I’m speaking of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Two very famous, self-made and successful people. Both plagued by mental health issues that were wholly unknown to the rest of us. But what about all the other people on this planet wrought with the same mental illnesses? Their names are not mentioned in the press. They are remembered only by their friends an family.
The conversation needs to start with each one of us. There is no shame in having a health issue, mental or otherwise. The mind is part of our body and sometimes that needs treatment as well. There should be no shame in speaking about our problems or seeking out a professional for help. People who truly love you will not judge you or shame you or embarrass you for seeking the help you need. If you or someone you know need help, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They have experienced people available 24 hours a day and great information on their website as well. Please reach out if you are in need.
Tragedy- The Found
The past week also brought us the most heartbreaking story of Baby June found in Boynton Beach, FL. And as a mom of a two and a half year old, I can’t even speak about this story without tearing up. Being pregnant is hard. Birthing a child is hard. Not to mention all of the challenges and sometimes family drama that goes along with it. And if you don’t have a support system to help you, the outlook on life can be overwhelming for a new mom. There is ALWAYS an alternative. Adoption for one. Two of my best friends have been actively trying to adopt for the past year and circumstances out of their control in each situation have prevented them from bringing home a child of their own. There are people out there who are ready, willing and able to take a child in. Florida’s Safe Haven law is another alternative.
There are Safe Haven locations throughout the state: “any hospital, emergency medical service station or fire station with full time emergency medical technicians paramedics, or fire fighters”. These places can accept your newborn child, up to 7 days old with no questions asked. There is no threat against prosecution. There is no reason for babies to be abandoned in the State of Florida with this law in place. If you have questions, please visit A Safe Haven For Newborns.com. There’s no reason for the news to report on another Baby June.
Love and peace to everyone. JM