Karyl B

My hero, Karyl, is someone I've met in person only once. In August 7, 1996 her only daughter, Arlyn, died by suicide. She was 18 years old.

Rather than become bitter and stay withdrawn, fearful, and angry, Karyl became a warrior.

In the years since Arlyn's death, Karyl (and husband, Ron) has worked tirelessly to educate others about the truth behind suicide and reach out to those who are left behind after the suicide-death of a love one.

She has formed several online support groups, created online memorials, facilitated retreats for survivors of suicide, spoken at seminars and classes and been instrumental in actually saving the lives of several people who were actively suicidal.

There is a saying about when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. This is way too trite to apply to what Karyl has done since the death of her daughter ~ and yet, I can think of no more painful thing to experience and survive, than your child's death, particularly when it is by his/her own hand.

For not giving up, for reaching out to others, for the hope and support that she has given to so many, and for any number of steps she has taken, Karyl is my hero.

Submitted by Anonymous

Rising Above