A Tsunami Hits

Three months ago today my loving husband, best friend and the proud father of our three adventurous teenagers took his own life. He was joy and laughter personified, and yet suffered from years of depression. He left his family, friends and community shocked and still struggling.

But he also left us with such happy memories. With salt water grins and hoots of jubilant Warrior pride. With corny dad jokes and chirpy life lessons that all revolved around living life aggressively and joyously.  With a zealous need to cover the house in Patriots gear every football post-season. With a taste for a juicy grilled steak and a perfectly shucked oyster.  With a warm puppy snuggled happily on the couch at his feet. Geoff knew sorrow and so embraced his joy that much more.

These past few months have been filled with a comforting stream of friends, co-workers, schoolmates, neighbors and family who have taken the time to visit, send a card, share a story, make a meal, decorate a lawn, give a hug, and just be there for us in so many ways. While no one can ever fill the void that was Geoff's booming presence, we will always treasure the myriad reminders that he was a happy and loving friend, father and husband.

We may never know why this happened, but we can learn from his experiences and understand depression, bi-polar and other mental illnesses better. The kids and I are working with our school, our church, and Geoff's employer to develop resources to help our community share and care openly and prevent this from happening to some other family.

Thank you for your love and support.