Devastating News
Early in 2023, I got the devastating news that my eldest son Anthony took his life. The thought of never talking to or seeing him again took me to a bad place. As a parent, this news was life-changing. Not having any direction, I tried — with the help of my wife — to process this and deal with the horror. I must admit: it felt like way too much for me to handle.
As the days went by, my wife tried to help find resources for me to cope, and came across The Samaritans on Cape Cod & the Islands’ Crisis Line. She said that I should call and at least talk with someone who might be able to help me. I was so reluctant to call… thinking that there was nothing anyone could say to help me deal with the pain.
After a week or so, I finally made the call. I spoke to a lovely woman who could not have been more compassionate or helpful to me. It was a great conversation, as she guided me through how to even just get through the next couple of days. However, my amazement really came when she called me back a few days later just to see how I was doing.
Then, later in that same week, another member from The Samaritans called to invite me to attend a Safe Place support group meeting — a place where I could express my feelings, as well as talk to others who experienced a loss similar to what I was going through. I attended the six-week group and felt extremely supported. It was an environment where I could express my grief in a very safe place.
The Samaritans was a Life-Saver for me
In simple terms, The Samaritans was a life-saver for me. I could not have made it through if it wasn’t for the team at this organization, and I will forever be indebted to them for their support and love and care for me after the loss of my son.
Please help us to continue making a difference in the lives of those impacted by suicide loss by giving a tax-deductible donation so we can provide these critical resources to the community. We are so thankful for your support.
Losing a loved one to suicide is a painful and difficult experience that can leave survivors feeling a range of complex emotions. Our Grief Services aim to combat the isolation that loss survivors may feel by providing free services and resources to help navigate the grief that follows such a tremendous loss.
425+ Safe Place support groups