I woke up one morning to a text. We were just getting ready to leave for church and the message stopped me in my tracks. It was just a few words. To protect who it came from I won’t share it here but I will summarize….
“Thank you for everything. Goodbye.”
At that moment I knew I had a choice to make. I could respond or go into action. When you know people you KNOW people, so I went into action. I had a feeling I knew what that message meant.
The hours and days that followed were difficult but the person on the other end of that text message is still here. They are healthy, happy and free. The story is theirs to tell and not mine. I am just glad they are still here.
No matter how you’re feeling today, the world still needs you to be here too.
People from Cleveland will know that there are 2 bridges, just past the old Richfield Coliseum.
I came home so often in college. I needed a place to lay down my sword and shield and 83 Woodrow was where I went. That journey took me past those 2 bridges. I am not overstating it but when I got to that place, I always thought of just jerking the wheel. The burdens I carried were many. Thankfully, God usually had a passenger with me and I knew I had precious cargo next to me.
Today I am still here.
Despite any battles I face physical or mental, I am still here. You need to be too.
I have had the blessing of meeting, marrying and loving my bride.
Together we brought 3 children into this world that we love and adore. They are my reasons. They are my joy and strength. They are why “Jesus took the wheel” and never let those events happen.
You have a reason too.
That friend I told you about at the beginning of this post?
They are expecting their first child within the next few days or even hours. I am so excited for them.
One of my daughters has a tattoo on her arm. It has hearts drawn by each member of our family and the words “give yourself a reason.”
If you’re struggling today, know that God has a plan for your life. It is not to exit before those pages are written.
My story has been incredible because I never turned that wheel to the right.
Perfect? No.
Difficult? Yes.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Honestly, every day, week and hour is Suicide Prevention. If you are struggling contact me.
Dial 988 on your phone. You can also text 988 on your phone.
The world needs your story and most importantly, it needs YOU in it.
Let the Hurt and The Healer collide.
I’m proud of you.
AARON CONRAD 