This is my sister, Breann.
She was vibrant, vivacious, charming, and witty. Her bright green eyes and contagious laugh could light up any room and she wore a spirit that was, “free as a bird” she would say. Many people admired her charisma and lived vicariously through her inner beauty. But, there was another side to my sister that most were not trusted to know. She was deeply lonely. No matter how many people surrounded her.
Moments of happiness would fill her up and leave as quickly as they came. Often times, I would be completely captivated by curiosity throughout some of our deepest conversations when she would vividly talk about all of the beauty in her life while at the same time expressing feelings of indifference, apathy, and lack. She would cry and say, “I wish I could hold onto the moments that make me laugh and smile but I just can’t. I feel them, I blink, and then it is gone. No matter how hard I try to keep it around. I am constantly grasping.”
My sister struggled with Bipolar 2 Manic Depressive Disorder and for years my family and I stood by her side and fought for and with her.
On September 4th, 2017, I found my 25 year old sister who had taken her own life. In those moments, holding her, breathless…my world changed forever.
In the days and months following, I knew that every day for the rest of my life, I would continue her life through me, striving to help people create healing, hope, purpose, joy, and fulfillment in their lives.
She is the reason I do what I do.
SHE IS IN EVERY BREATH I BREATHE.
SHE IS MY WHY.
Everyone has a story behind their smile. Help my family and I get rid of the stigma around Mental Illness. Encourage others to talk, to share, to seek help.
Show love. Have compassion. Give grace. Be kind. Support others.
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