Her Name Was Kathy
Her name was Kathy.
She lived 25 beautiful years.
She had the sweetest smile and the softest voice.
She was a daughter.
She was a sister.
She played the cello.
She loved cooking and baking.
She loved gardening.
She loved animals.
She was in college.
She loved reading and writing poems.
She loved traveling.
She loved Indian food…especially Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan.
She loved knitting.
She loved nature.
She loved singing around the house.
She dreamed of becoming an anthropologist.
She was the kindest person I ever knew.
She was loved.
She was important.
She was a million other beautiful things that could never fit on this list.
And then, one day, depression and suicide took away all the tomorrows she should have had.
Her name was Kathy, and in her name we are asking you to:
Learn the warning signs.
Talk openly about mental health and suicide.
Check on the people you love…even the ones who seem okay.
Listen without judgment.
Create a safe space for someone to say, “I’m struggling.”
Encourage them to ask for help before the pain becomes overwhelming.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support in the U.S., call or text 988.
We cannot change my Kathy’s ending, but together, we may be able to change someone else’s.