Long story short, my childhood brought me close to suicide once or twice. Through self actualization, I have found ways to cope but I will never forget those overwhelmingly dark days. 12 years old, my abuser still present in my home, I found myself constantly staring at a ceiling fan and wishing it all to end.

At age 18, having never told my story to a soul, I somehow met a man named Rich. I opened up. He stepped in, grabbed my hand and let me know that he lived through similar things, confirming that I am indeed not alone.

This was my saving grace, a helping hand if you will.

I had a dear friend kill himself a couple years back, I am sure many of us can relate. Sometimes, it can be quite difficult to shake the looming thought of "I could have helped if I were there, they should have called me." It really never is that simple, right?!

We must continue to be the light.

.5 ETH of this sale has been donated to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Zachary Owens in frame, 2016.