John's Story

“Johnny this is your grandmother you need to come home immediately... Ray just shot himself.“

Just like that my whole world was turned upside down—my mother's fiancé committed suicide in the master bedroom. What was supposed to be another care-free day in my senior year of high school, ending up being a life altering event.

Upon getting home, I heard screams from outside walking up the steps to the front door. Before even walking in I could feel the grief and pain hanging in the air like a dark cloud. I paused wondering what to say to my mother or if my two younger brothers were home, how terrified they must be.

I stood staring wondering what's going to happen next? I then wiped away tears, took a deep breath and opened the door.