Out of the Darkness Overnight

[klwilliams]

I was thinking about Kath on Thursday, as I recently asked LinkedIn to remove her from my contacts list. I was very upset by her suicide, and wish there were something I could have done. I was musing about this on the way to Weight Watchers, and then started to think about exercise, goals, and why I wasn't doing enough, when a serendipitous radio ad came on. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding a fundraising walk on July 22 in San Francisco. The Out of the Darkness Overnight is a 20-mile walk from dusk to dawn, to shed light on suicide. I'm going to do it.

Once their registration page is fixed and I can register, I'll let you know more about it. I need to raise at least $1000 to walk, though my personal goal is $2000. If any of you feel moved to sponsor me, I'd appreciate it, but I'd also appreciate moral support. I'll need it. Twenty miles up and down hills is currently impossible for me, though I plan to use their 22-week training guide religiously.

Along with Kath, my uncle Cecil Davis and my great-grandfather Claude Olive succeeded in their suicides, and my mother came very, very close. I've been in that darkness several times in the past, and intend to climb out every time in the future, but others are not blessed with my stubbornness. I hope I can help them.

Comments

[patchwork-prose.livejournal.com]

Just let me know where to send a check. I think that Kath's suicide had more of an impact on me because of suicides in my father's family--people of importance to me--as well as my own attempts when I was younger.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'm glad you weren't successful.

[christymarx.livejournal.com]

It's a noble goal and I wish I had some money to spare, dammit.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Encouragement and moral support are very helpful, too.

[janni.livejournal.com]

That's an excellent thing to do. Let us know once your registration page is up; we'll support you.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I will.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a great project: do good deeds, and get in shape at the same time.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

And I intend to be successful.

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

I'll sponsor you. Let me know.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[mevennen.livejournal.com]

It's a great goal. Let us know how it proceeds.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I will. I'll even try not to be boring about it. :-)

[maryosmanski.livejournal.com]

Best of luck with the part you can do. Just let me know when we can register to support your efforts.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

I'll walk with you for training.

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

I know all the local training walks since that little jaunt in 2001.

Re: I'll walk with you for training.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I was hoping you'd say that.

[seachanges.livejournal.com]

Funny, I was just thinking about Kath last night.

That is a most worthy goal, and I am happy to contribute whatever I can.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm hoping this may lay to rest the last of the pain, if that's possible.

[aberwyn.livejournal.com]

I too have been thinking about Kath.

I'll be glad to be a sponsor, though training time or not, I know I can't do the walk this year! Nothing wrong with the old check writing hand, though. :-)

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[acanthusleaf.livejournal.com]

What a fantastic idea! Of course I'll sponsor you. I'll be checking your LJ for the registration page.

Keep being stubborn.