Song of the day:
Thankful Thursday
It’s hard to be thankful sometimes…
Yesterday morning as my staff and I were setting up for our department holiday event one of them got a text from their daughter that tWitch, aka Stephen Boss, had died from suicide. It was shocking to hear not only because he was so young, but because he seemed to be always filled with joy. His smile was contagious and his dancing beyond impressive. And he had a beautiful family who are now left to cope without him. It’s true what they say, you never know what someone is going through, and it seems clear now that he was going through a lot.
I’ve seen so many posts on various social media about this loss. It was truly awful news in the morning and then became overwhelmingly sad. There were a lot of reminders to check on your friends and loved ones, and while sometimes that can be difficult, it’s incredibly important.
One thing to be thankful for are the people and organizations who fight to help those who struggle with mental illness, with depression, with thoughts of suicide. I’ve been supporting an organization called To Write Love On Her Arms for several years now, and they are “…dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.” I’ve certainly thankful for them.
I’m thankful for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline that was rolled out a few months ago and for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. I’m thankful for counselors and doctors, for those who struggle but continue to get out of bed each day. Please keep doing that, and when it seems impossible, reach out. Call 988, call a friend, call me.
Finally, I’m thankful for the joy that tWitch brought into the world, despite the darkness he was facing inside his mind. The performances below showcase his incredible talent and his seemingly unending joy. He will be greatly missed.
Videos of the day:
Rest In Peace, Stephen…