Our Story – In Memory of Alison
This is our story… On May 6, 2007 our 27 year old daughter Alison chose to take her own life. Why? Her note said, “I can’t do this anymore!” Was it because her boyfriend broke up with her that afternoon? What else was weighing so heavily on her? We’ll never know for sure. Alison was a beautiful, successful EMT for the local paramedic service. She touched many lives in her short career. Her EMS family said something was different when Alison was on the scene; with great compassion she cared for her patients. Colossians 3:12 describes her well: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Alison was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes two weeks before her 9th birthday. As she struggled with diabetes, she developed depression in her teen years. At a young age she received Jesus Christ as her Savior but became angry at times with Him over her health issues. Though sometimes distant from the Lord, her love for Him never wavered. We know that she is with Him at this very moment and that truly is our source of joy. The loss of a child is a most difficult and painful journey. Yet through this journey we continue to be blessed by the Lord, friends and family who walk with us.
In August 2007 we experienced the suicide death of one of my employee’s son, age 30, who that day also encountered difficulties with a girlfriend. And then on the four-month anniversary of Alison’s death, her 26-year-old boyfriend chose to take his own life. He could not forgive himself for Alison’s death, even though we assured him that we had and more importantly the Lord had.
With these events and involvement in our suicide support group, we know the Lord called us to a suicide prevention ministry. We believe that young people struggle with issues that can only be met by the Lord. Who am I? I don’t feel loved! My parents don’t understand me! My parents don’t care! Why don’t kids like me? Why are they bullying me? Why can’t I find my future spouse? And certainly, there are many more similar thoughts and questions to be asked. We also want to share with parents that they must take time for their children. They are our most precious gift from the Lord.
As we continue our journey of grief, we have become more aware of the mental health issues so many confront in their lives. As a society we look at mental health differently than physical health, a huge mistake! They are intertwined and we must do a much better job of addressing the mental health needs of people of all ages. Please help us make people aware of this great need.
Thank You for joining us in our mission to prevent suicide and to overcome the stigma of mental illness!
In Christ’s Love,
Rick & Barb Jenkins
