Losing a Child: Always Andy's Mom

Experiencing the death of a close loved one changes people. I became a changed person after mom mom died of cancer when I was in college. I changed again probably even more dramatically after my son, Andy, was killed in our car accident. When today’s guest, Crystal, lost her sister to suicide 3 years ago, Crystal’s life was forever changed.

Crystal had a young family including a 3 year old daughter. She was just finishing up her final weeks of college to earn her degree. She had a plan for her life. And then, her world was turned upside down when Gina, whom everyone described as a full of life ‘Energizer Bunny,’ took her own life. Crystal had decisions to make. She finished those final college classes, but then decided to take some time for herself to heal. It was during this time of healing when she began to feel a prompting to help others. She kept seeing little signs pushing her to help other grieving families. She felt like Gina want her to do more.

It was then that she started her business that she named ‘Scattering Hope.’ Even in the name, she felt her sister’s influence. “That’t what we need to do, Crystal,” she could almost hear her sister saying, “We need to scatter hope.” That is Crystal’s new life’s mission. She helps families heal after losing loved ones to suicide. Grief and hope aren’t often words that go together, but in community, we can begin to heal and to experience hope once again.

Next month, Crystal is hosting her third suicide summit for survivors of suicide loss. The summit is virtual and will feature speakers from all over the country, speakers that will hopefully help help Crystal scatter even more hope. Both Gwen and I are featured speakers as well. The summit is completely free to attend. The goals really are three-fold. First of all, it gives grievers an opportunity to be in community with each other. Secondly, it gives grievers tools to help them along their grief journey. Finally, it gives grievers opportunities to share their own stories. If you or anyone you know has been affected by suicide loss, I hope you will take time to register at scatteringhope.com.