Category Archives: Guest Post
Hey Chaos
My house is a home right now. It feels so good to wake up here. I have everything I need. Starting my day feels ease these days. WHAT I WOULD DO TO HAVE YOU OVER. My whole life you decorate every room I had until my early 20s. I’m 33 now, 3 years older than you ever got to be – weird because I’m your little sister. I remember crying so hard on my 31st birthday; knowing I was passing your earth age. Speaking of, your birthdays coming up. March 25. This will be your 4th birthday absent; we will celebrate you anyways. I miss you brother.
B R E A T H
Well, I always think of you when I’m decorating my house. I could use your help, some guidance. I’m just not good at it. Previous years I would cry so hard because you weren’t here. Of course in the beginning it was a real angry cry – so mad at you; but today….. I am typing thus far without a tear. Probably my first post of many on this site. Don’t get me wrong, I still cry for you – realllllll ugly cries. Right now, I feel at peace; Lately I’ve been cocooning. More reason to have you here with me. I wish we could share food recipes. I miss you cooking for me. You’d be impressed by my skills in the kitchen.Ugh.. I am reminded that I’m still growing without you. I still don’t understand how. How I’m existing this long without you. Oh hey, there’s those tears. Hahaha gaddddamn.
It still hurts. My throat skill tightens up along with my chest. That weird congestion feeling, the tears, that physical pain in heart. Steven, I miss you so freaking much.Please please please give Mom and brother some of your radiant energy. I know they could use it these days. I’m okay over here, but still missing you always. XO XO
F. Pooh
GRIEF IS NEVER SOMETHING WE SEE COMING
In April 2024, I attempted to take my own life. I survived, and within hours my mom, my sister, and her husband—who live two hours away—were at my house. That night, we all sat together on my bed. I remember my sister asking me how I could do something like that, and whether I knew suicide was considered an unforgivable sin.
Through tears, I told her what I truly believed: that God forgives all sins. That in those final moments, when someone cries out, “God, I can’t do this anymore,” He knows their heart. I believe He meets them in that pain with understanding and mercy. And I also believe that when it isn’t our time, something intervenes. On August 1, 2024, my little sister went home alone and took her life.
When I got the call, I fell to my knees. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t understand how this could happen—especially after that conversation we had just months before. She was only 34 years old. At her funeral a week later, the room was overflowing. So many people loved her.
Seven days after we buried her, on August 14, I received another devastating call: my 14-year-old daughter had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Everything inside of me shattered. My days became filled with grief, anger, and a darkness I can barely put into words. Then, on September 18, I discovered a video in my husband’s email—he had been with another woman. That was the moment I felt completely broken. Hopeless. Alone. Like there was no way out. I attempted to take my life again. I had barricaded myself in a room. I don’t know how long I was unconscious before my husband broke in and called 911. I remember waking up angry—angry that I was still here, angry that it hadn’t worked.But today, it’s March 2026. And I’m still here.I’m not okay. Most days are still incredibly hard.
Missing You Little Brother
The last call
~ Autumn your older sister who will die just so you can come back
Little brother
When the effort to escape is exhausting.
I am there with you.
I am climbing out of the black hole with you, pushing you up and out. I am jumping off the cliff with you to land on a giant foam bed, safe and unharmed. The sun feels nice here. The breeze is soothing. No where else we need to be but in this stillness.
I know what it’s like to have sleep call your name. I’ve wanted her to hold me too. Multiple times. Don’t listen. Please stay.
I am caring for my pain beside you, as you care and bandage yours. If you run out of energy imagine my hug. The same when we were children. Warm and silly. I am still here little brother, I am hugging you even when I’m not there. I am giving you my energy meter. You can rest on my shoulder. I know you’re tired. Let it out. Breathe.
I know the pain is excruciating and tiring. Release it onto me, and hate me if you must. Just accept the help.
Remember that the feeling of overwhelming gloom is not forever. The pain will dull itself over time and the hard parts will be done and long gone. Don’t let her consume you. You’re so much stronger deep down. I know you’re there little brother. Don’t quit.
It’s okay you can collapse into my arms, I got you now little brother. You are safe. You are going to be okay. You are safe. I’m here. I am here for you always. Nothing else matters, block out the noise, you are going to be okay. I’m here for you. Please accept our help.
You matter. All versions of you are still you and I will always love you. Please stay.
I am so sorry to have caused you any pain. And for everything I didn’t do that I should have done. On behalf of our entire family, I apologize for it all.
I think of you every day.
I love you so much.
Your sister
Big brother recently lost
Tears for Tom
All it takes are certain songs to remind me of you.
It’s our dialogue, which continues although your breath in this world does not.
I see you in the sky, when I see a retail hawk or the bald eagles flying along the Hudson River.
I have to be the strong one and the eldest one now that you are gone.
May I always be available for your grown children and mine.
May I keep and share the memories of my older brother, Tom with tears of joy.
Forever grateful to have had you as my brother.
2 years
As we drove on I started remembering how sad we were two years ago, and at the same time realized life goes on. I don’t beat myself up anymore wondering what I could have done to help you. Thinking you taking your life was my fault. On January 9, 2024, I felt guilty thinking I could have done more. Sitting here on January 8, 2026, I have found peace in my life. Alice, my brothers and sister, and my friends have helped me along the way.
I will always miss you and will always love you little brother. Until we meet again.