I am always getting messages from moms, or family members from across the US. These folks are worried about their children, teens and adult children. They may be struggling with depression, suicidal ideation or some other mental health disorder. What can I do from across the country to help? I have never even met these people. I don’t know local resources. How can I HELP?
There is always something to do, to be kind. I send them an AIR Hero package with a hand written personalized letter of care and encouragement. Anyone who wakes up each day and fights to stay alive IS AN AIR HERO!
Here is the story of one mom and her son:
April 2017
“My son is 24, just gave me my first grandson 2 months ago. He was diagnosed with mental illness in grade school. It has been so hard. He’s attempted suicide multiple times. Just yesterday he was talking about it again. I can’t get help around here, and because of the lack of help the counseling center here has given up on him. Please, I’m desperate. I’ve called the national suicide hotline to help. He won’t call and he’s refusing help because he says it never works. I’m so scared, so hopeless, and i know I’m running out of options. The last time he tried it, he was handcuffed slammed into a cop car and driven 3 hours away to a psyche ward. Please, I need help before my son becomes a statistic to a failed system… Please, I’m begging someone…”
April 2017
“Oh my gosh Tricia…
Thank you for returning a reply…I cannot say any words how my heart swells for your loss…I am already deeply thankful for someone caring to write me back. I also am amazed and so grateful your son didn’t pass in vain. Your husband and you putting your story and pain in words made me shake and cry for hours. I am utterly a wreck as you very well can relate. We live in a very small town. There are no competent mental health places here. I’m just am afraid of the place he is hospitalized, as is he.
I almost got arrested over it too for screaming at them – he’s not a criminal, he’s having an episode…a break down. Please don’t treat him this way.. They tackled me and took me to the ground and put me in a car, handcuffed, till he was gone, crying… For a 3 hour drive handcuffed like that… I’m so lost…
I think that what you suggested would help him see that he matters in a different light… Thank you so much for anything you can do… Even if it’s just writing me. People here do not understand, nor can they relate to anything close, You’re an Angel to me that God himself put me in touch with thru a search on my phone you popped up and I instantly knew, even if it were only kind words you could offer, I felt you were the person”.
May 2017
“Wanted to let you know your package came… I was the one who found it in the mail and took it to him.
My son was like…” What’s this?” He opened it and slowly read your letter… He looked at me sitting on his bed with tears in my eyes… He said Mom, “how? How did Tricia know.”..I said because I Love You son…. As she loved her son… And no one wants to see you in pain… No matter if we cant see what’s going on in your head… To know your suffering is too much for your one soul to handle… I’m here, and there’s people whom never met ya, who want you to know… You are awesome!!! He actually smiled…
Tricia, MY SON SMILED!!!! HE HELD UP THE SHIRTS AND SAID, “WOW THESE ARE AWESOME…I LOVE THE DOG TAG ONE AND I’LL WEAR THE DOG TAG WITH IT.”
THEN, HE SAID “” SO MOM, DO YOU THINK I’M A HERO?””
I SAID….””EVERYDAY SON, EVERYDAY YOU ARE MY HERO FOR FIGHTING AND TRYING… YOU DEFINITELY ARE MY HERO!””
WE HUGGED……
…and of course this ole woman cried….I can’t thank you enough… As you know anything can be an eye opener….. You never know what does sometimes… Especially when we are desperate… This kindness you have shown in a desperate mother’s times of need… Is amazing… You are a wonderful soul Tricia….
I will keep you in the loop if you don’t mind and updates of things.
I AGAIN WANT TO THANK YOU FOR CARING SO MUCH…. LOVE FROM MY HEART AND SOUL TO YOU!!!!”
September 2017
“I wanted to touch base with ya and let you know we have been doing really good so far. My son got a job, and he’s been truly enjoying his son. He is already looking at a promotion at work and I’m ever so proud of how far he’s come. He wears the shirts and bracelet with pride that you sent him… And he explains what they mean and how he came about owning them. He is a struggling survivor so far, but surviving is key… I’m feeling very blessed to date. You have been a huge part of this life saving endeavor and I thank you for being a part of this saving of my son journey…. GOD BLESS
AND MY UTMOST RESPECT AND GRATITUDE.”
AND MY UTMOST RESPECT AND GRATITUDE.”THIS is why I do what I do. A little kindness can help inspire someone to keep fighting. BE KIND. Always! You never know the impact you make on someone else’s life.
