365 Days of Impacts

Here's a song I wrote about the many loved ones who left too soon by their own hand. The video is not great quality, but this was a recording session with the band EVERED (that I was in) for the song. We never finished it. Someday, maybe we will. In Your Prime Silently turn the engine over preparing for your ride Windows down, standing still, endless sleep Teddy bear, balled up in the back seat, Close your eyes, breathe the air, breathe in dirty air deep, so deep Remember your final thought before the blade sank deep? Long note found harsh words confess God gave you a second chance, and Lord knows you tried 10 years later said goodbye, bullet aimed for success, such duress Memory, a still life, a snapshot in time Lighting is perfect in your prime Lay it down, In your prime Lay it down, In your prime Enraged I was as you choked down those pills Shaking, I've become mean You glare right through me, blind by your depression Guilty, consent to have your g...

When I was 19, I worked with a beautiful girl named Lisa Gunn. We were lifeguards together for my first summer back from college and we worked almost every day together. We went to separate high schools, and different colleges but we got along great. I went to USC and her to Michigan State. She was a daughter, a sister and a great friend. Lisa was the kind of person that you wished you could be like because she was popular, well liked and she was amazing at everything. She was incredible at almost any sport. On top of this, Lisa was an academic whiz. Class Valedictorian, her grades were all As in high school, and she didn't drink or do drugs. She pretty much was perfect and on track to have an incredible life. But the pressure of everything had gotten to her. She had a close call her freshman year in college and was almost successful at taking her own life. She could not function, however everyone within her close sphere - family and friends - were not able to see the ...

I just finished binge watching 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Why am I writing about this? Because Suicide has had a HUGE impact on my life since I was roughly 20 when my first friend took her own life. Since 1985, at least 5 of my friends and family members have done the same. Many others have attempted, and not been successful, thankfully. 13 reasons why is about Hannah, a young woman takes her own life. Two weeks after her tragic death, a classmate named Clay finds a mysterious box on his porch. Inside the box are recordings made by Hannah -- on whom Clay had a crush -- in which she explains the 13 reasons why she chose to commit suicide. If Clay decides to listen to the recordings, he will find out if and how he made the list. The intricate and heart-wrenching tale is told through Clay and Hannah's dual narratives. To say this show hit home would be an understatement. It touched me on multiple levels. I believe it is something that every parent should consider watching wit...