Enjoy your Saturday

Beautiful, sunny fall day in Lawrence, KS. And, KU won! I know nothing about sports, so won't attempt to comment on it, except to say that what I read in the Lawrence Journal World was that it was a big win! Yay!

KU has been inundated with bad press lately. And, it seems like it is all earned. For once, Dolph Simons, the editor of the LJW got an 'amen' from me this morning as I read his column. He talked about how KU needs to pull its' head out and clean things up, in the business school in the provosts' office and in the athletic department.

Greed is never good. Just sayin.

I am working on activities for the 4th annual Healing After Suicide Freedom of Expression Retreat. I urge anyone who has lost someone to suicide, that is within driving distance of Baldwin City, KS, who would benefit from a day in the country, with people who will listen, to consider it. The mission is simple: helping people express whatever the heck they need to express, do so. People left behind after a suicide are the silent grievers, I like to say. People don't want to approach us, people don't want to upset us, people don't know what to say. But, guess what? We need support!

Family and friends stop talking about the person who died. It's as if they never existed. And, maybe for those who weren't connected like we were, it is easier to act 'as if' they never were here. But, it doesn't work that way. It hurts. And, it hurts badly. I am sure I annoy people when I get on my suicide soap box, but, I don't care. My kids and I survived the loss of 1/4 of our family. And, we have worked hard to find ways of rebuilding, albeit with a big chunk gone.

Anyway, the retreat. It will be relaxing. It will be emotional. It will be fun. It will be whatever the heck a survivor wants it to be. That is what makes it so successful, in my mind. Expressing whatever it is that one needs to express. Anger? No problem. Guilt? We'll try and talk you out of that nasty emotion. Gratitude? We'll raise our glass in honor of the loved one with you. Sadness? We'll be there to hand you a kleenex and listen. And, more than anything, we'll LISTEN.

So, I am thinking of activities to do. Anyone that reads that that is artistically inclined that has ideas, please let me know! I am eager for activities!

Ok, my teenager needs a ride somewhere! Off I go! Enjoy your Saturday!