25 Comments
Apr 3, 2022Liked by William Burleson

Thank you for sharing your story so poignantly, William. It's a gift to our world. As a suicide survivor, your honesty helps me understand something of where my Dad was when that "final symptom of his disease" took his life. May God continue to bless you on this journey.

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Thank you for your vulnerability in your thoughtful comment. Your words mean a great deal to me. I am truly blessed to have the support of our community.

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Apr 5, 2022Liked by William Burleson

Once again you have so vividly given us insight into your ideation in this illness. We are proud of you for your concern and compassion for Blue. You are a blessing to so many! Mimi and I love you! G’Dad

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I love you, G’dad! You support and love holds a special place in my heart. Wishing you and Meems the best. Hope to see ya’ll soon!

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Apr 4, 2022Liked by William Burleson

You are good writer, thanks for sharing, God bless you🙏🙏👏

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Apr 4, 2022Liked by William Burleson

Home-run piece! Talking about Blue really puts into perspective the value of family that we take for granted so often. Keep up the amazing work!

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Appreacite this, Thrifty. Blue has certainly changed my life. I am so blessed to be able to share some of her story.

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Apr 3, 2022Liked by William Burleson

William, we have been never met but I read your entries every week. And when I do, I offer a prayer for your journey and give thanks for the work you are doing for so many. My daughter and your sister Katie are sorority sisters. Thank you again for giving us insight and a perspective we need to hear.

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Thank you for kind words and for reading my entries. Insight, perspective, and honesty are the best means of sharing such a complex topic. Go Heels!

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Apr 3, 2022Liked by William Burleson

I always look forward to reading your installments--incredible writing, William--and always pray for you and your precious family. You ARE absolutely helping others! Thank you!!

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Thank you so much. I feel so blessed to have an oppurtunity to share my journey.

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Apr 3, 2022Liked by William Burleson

My tears today are joyful as I read of your strength. Your family is a strong unit that is proud of your journey and willing to take themselves in this journey with true support, love and determination.

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Who knew tears could encompass so many different emotions? I have learned many reasons for crying over this time - sadness, anger, happiness, and hope. Sometimes all at the same time! Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Collier!

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Thank you for sharing. I am so proud of you! 💙

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Apr 3, 2022Liked by William Burleson

Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty!

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You are helping others, William. I am so proud of you. You are a true inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you.

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Mr. Hammit - your support means the world to me. Thank you for being in my corner - I am certainly in yours.

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I am so awed by your courage, William, to share your story in such an honest, vulnerable way. Reading of your journey has been a comfort to me as my two teens struggle with their own mental health. Your openness is something not found in most adults. (Not to mention your gift in writing so articulately!) Count my family among the MANY whom I’m sure you are helping. Thank you.

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You are such an amazing writer. You're ability to recall and relay such vivid details of your internal dialogue and environment is beautiful. You should be SO PROUD. Again, as a mental health professional, I thank you for sharing your story. Keep going!

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William, you have been given many gifts. The gift of love to pull you away from that window in the depths of the darkest despair. The gift of life and second chances to make this life, your life, filled with the most important things to you. The gift of words that you can so eloquently put to paper that transport the reader right to where you are physically and emotionally, helping us travel through your pain right beside you. The gift of bravery and courage to be vulnerable and to put in the spotlight your mental health struggles so that others can learn and seek comfort and understanding. May God continue to be right beside you and your family in your journey with his arms wrapped around in protection.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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The biggest gift of all has been the support,love, and vulnerabilty through those who read each week. “Power is made perfect in weakness” perfectly represents mine, and so many others’, storie. Strength in times of hardship has the profounding ability to become power. Power, that is, to connect all of our stories in a special way. Thank you for your kind words.

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these are truly so special and although we have never met I have enjoyed reading these so much and learning more about your story so I can help others too. You have no idea how much your words mean to me and to others❤️❤️❤️ always praying for you and your family

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Facsinating how another’s story can be so closley related to another’s experiance. Hopefully, all of our stories will become one. A story of hope, community, and love.

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William, your words have touched me in each one of your installments. The strength you draw from your family’s love provides you with the strength to continue to help others. May you continue to feel the powerful love for your family that you have expressed so fully here. You are making such a difference for others; I hope you received my letter expressing the positive difference you made for me as your teacher.

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Thank you so much Mrs. McEachern. You will always be one of favorite teachers. Nothing compares to “The Outsiders” in the seventh grade. Your kind words mean so much to me - here and in your thoughtful letter.

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