9 YEARS & COUNTING...

Today is April 10th, 2025. To some people, it may just be a regular day. But for me, it's a tough day. Yet it is also a day I have come to be proud of. Let's rewind to precisely 9 years ago. April 10th, 2016. Kris Jenkins wasn't too far removed from becoming a hero and helping Villanova win the natty, the Warriors were closing in on a 73-win season, and Kobe was about to be playing in his last game. It was a Sunday, as I do remember. I was close to finishing my freshman year of high school. But I had other plans because that day was the first day I attempted to take my own life. I was 14 years old and had just about had enough of the constant bullying and harassment I had been enduring for years and years at that point. I felt isolated by my peers as I did not have a close friend group, didn't "fit in" with any social circles despite trying to be a part of nearly all of them, and was, plain and simple, just downright lonely. I went about my day normally and attempted that night. I will spare the details as to how and all of that, for that is personal and private. Call it divine intervention, maybe some stupidity on my part, or me being just downright lucky, but obviously (thank God), I ended up being unsuccessful and failing. And I thank God every day that I did. Now, I will admit my first time was not the last time I tried as painful as that is for me to confess. I have ebbed and flowed when it comes to my mental health and happiness for years, but then again, don't we all? I was young, naive, stupid, and alone. I thought it would solve all my problems, and in reality, it just would've caused even more for those around me. I wouldn't have gone on to get my license. Graduate high school. Turn 21 and have my first (legal) beer. I got to see my sister graduate from high school and start college. I wouldn't have made all the great memories and friends I have met since. I also wouldn't have been able to make some mistakes in my life that I had to learn from and help me grow as a person. I know I'm not alone in the world when it comes to people who have been depressed or lonely or had similar thoughts or even gone as far as to attempt suicide. I pray and send my love to anyone who knows someone who did lose their life by their own hand. Every single day, I count my blessings and strive to be as optimistic as I can. I have a semicolon tattoo, as it serves as a reminder that one's story isn't over. For I know that even on my worst days lately, I have certainly been lower. If anyone reading this has gone through anything similar, just know that you are not alone and you are loved. Life does get better. So to anyone that is reading this and got to this point, thank you for listening to my story. I'll leave you all with this:

LIFE ISN'T PERFECT, BUT IT IS PRECIOUS.