10/05/2025
This young man has been coming to the Richmond Out of the Darkness walks for 15 years (since it started here). His younger brother, Rodney, died by su***de in 2009.
For the first few years, he came alone.
Then, one year, he posted a selfie on social media, and then most of his family wanted to know more and then also wanted to come, too.
I met the aunt, the father, and the uncle today and found out more about Rodney. Rodney’s mom is not yet ready to come, and I loved how he honored her grief journey, didn’t press, and that he has started a family tradition.
Like my son, this young man’s brother, Rodney, was 20 years old when he died by su***de.
I love going up to groups of people and asking their stories of what brings them to the walk. I want to hear about their person or people. Or their own fight to live. These days there are so many different people carrying this important message.
Ray Paul, National Chair of AFSP, spoke and like always it was amazing. His wife, my friend Tyler, was also there. I participated in the on-stage bead ceremony, standing with my friend Kate. I didn’t speak, just held onto Kate who also lost her son, Taylor. All of us in a row held onto those who lost a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a best friend, a veteran, a first responder, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. (I hope to get that photo. Apparently my husband wasn’t aware he needed to get his camera and take a photo.)