This past Sunday I was lucky enough to participate in the “Out of the Darkness”, an event at Alton Baker Park focused on promoting suicide and depression awareness. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I was headed there, but when I arrived I was engulfed in a warm atmosphere. The sun was shining, the smiles were welcoming and the emotion was strong. There were hundreds of friends, family members and community members, all of which had been affected by suicide in some way. It was spiritual, the pain and the suffering, the happiness and the redemption, the heartache and fulfillment, all to compose a beautiful juxtaposition where every emotion, high and low, was felt and expressed to create a point of healing.
At the ceremonies opening, a women referred to us all as “suicide survivors”. Whether that means being the mother or father of a suicide victim, or at one time being depressed yourself, or even simply knowing someone who had dealt with depression and suicide; we are all survivors. I definitely take this title to heart and have come to realize that in my ability to live, I have been given the opportunity to help those who may be walking in darkness, to appreciate the time and the happiness that I am given, to realize that life isn’t perfect and that we all deal with these imperfections differently.
After a few speeches and readings were finished we began the walk. We went along the river from Alton Baker to the Autzen Stadium footbridge, crossed the river and headed back along the opposite side. The walk was amazing. There were hundreds of us moving together, progressing as a unified movement with a common struggle and a common willingness to heal and help the cause. I think crossing over the river was beautiful moment for many people, not only physically but emotionally. It was a crossing over of place and time, a crossing of intimate turmoil to come out on the other side, not letting the waters flush away the history, but allowing a new view of that history to arise.
If you’re interested in learning more about Out of the Darkness, I would encourage you to check out their website.
Photos by Tyler Woodke
Suscribe To This Blog
