Almost every walker was walking in memory of a loved one who took their own life. I met people walking for their friends, brothers, sisters, mothers, husbands...and most heart-wrenching of all, for their children. There were pictures of lost loved ones everywhere - on t-shirts, posters, and the luminaire bags we decorated and lit with candles to light the way. Your support helped make this time of healing possible for these families, and they expressed so much appreciation for everyone who made the walk possible.
Heart-wrenching and physically exhausting as it was, there was a lot of laughter and an atmosphere of acceptance and friendship such that I've never experienced before. I arrived at opening ceremonies alone and a little apprehensive, but I met some amazing people and finished the walk with a great new friend named Jana. She's a psychiatric nurse who was inspired to walk in support of her patients. She's witnessed the amazing turnaround people can make when they seek treatment, and wants to make that possible for everyone who suffers from depression.
Thank you for making a difference!
Julie
Lying in the grass at the base of the space needle, resting up before the 20-mile walk.
Opening Ceremonies
The people on the stage, standing hand-in-hand, were just a few examples of those affected by suicide: a mother and father walking for their 18-year old son, a woman walking for her husband who took his life just a few months ago, a woman walking for her brother and her son, and a girl who suffers from bi-polar disorder.
My new friend Jana, right before we embarked on our 20-mile adventure.
Walking along the waterfront at sunset was so beautiful!
One of thousands of bags in memory of a lost loved one.
At the finish line, about 2:30 am.
