Finding Meaning After Loss: How I Honor Their Memory

Losing someone to suicide is an unimaginable pain—one that reshapes your life in ways you never expected. When I lost my wife, I found myself searching for meaning, for a way to carry her memory forward while also helping others who might be struggling. I wanted to do something that honored her life, something that turned my grief into purpose. That’s when I started selling suicide prevention awareness apparel and products—a mission that became more than just a business. It became a way to heal, connect, and inspire.

Turning Grief Into Purpose

In the aftermath of loss, it’s easy to feel powerless. The “what-ifs” and “if-onlys” can be overwhelming, leaving you stuck in an endless cycle of guilt and pain. I knew that I couldn’t change the past, but I also knew that I had the power to change the future—for myself and for others. That’s when the idea came to me: What if I could create something that not only kept my wife’s memory alive but also started important conversations about suicide prevention?

I started designing and selling apparel that carried messages of hope, resilience, and awareness. Every shirt, hoodie, and bracelet wasn’t just a product; it was a symbol—a way to remind people that they are not alone, that their struggles are seen, and that help is out there.

Sharing My Story to Help Others

One of the hardest but most healing things I’ve done is share my story. For a long time, I carried my grief quietly, afraid of how people would react or if talking about suicide would make them uncomfortable. But the more I opened up, the more I realized how many people had been affected by suicide—how many were struggling silently.

Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of meeting others who have lost loved ones, who are battling their own mental health challenges, and who are looking for ways to honor the people they’ve lost. Every conversation reminds me why I started this journey in the first place: to create a space where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to take action.

Inspiring Others to Honor Their Loved Ones

Grief looks different for everyone, and there is no “right” way to honor a loved one. Some start support groups, others participate in awareness walks, and some create art, music, or writing to express their emotions. For me, it was about creating something tangible—something that people could wear and share, sparking conversations that might just save a life.

If you’re reading this and wondering how you can honor someone you’ve lost, know that your grief can be transformed into something meaningful. Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or acts of kindness, every effort counts. The most important thing is that their memory lives on, not just in sorrow, but in action.

A Message of Hope

Losing my wife changed me forever, but it also gave me a purpose I never expected. Through my work, I honor her every day—not just by remembering her but by fighting for a world where fewer people have to experience this kind of loss.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, please know that you are not alone. Your pain is real, but so is the love that still exists. And that love can be a powerful force for change.

Together, we can turn grief into purpose, pain into awareness, and loss into hope.