1 every 11 minutes.
50,000 moms, dads, sons, daughters every year.
The second leading cause of death for those aged 10-34.
The 10th leading cause of death nationwide.
These are the national statistic for suicides in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
After a death by suicide, those left with their loving memories are faced with a raging sea of emotions that can feel impossible to handle. So many questions that will never be answered; so much guilt and anger that has no place to go; worries of how they will continue to live. How will they explain this to their children? How will they overcome the still deafening stigma? How will they survive?
How will they afford a fitting farewell?
The Return Them Home Project | Giving Families Affected by Suicide of a Loved One an Option that Nourishes New Life
The Return Them Home Project gives families affected by suicide the ability to ensure their loved ones’ last act on earth is one that gives back, free of charge. It allows them to afford a fitting goodbye by returning to the earth in the form of life-giving soil. Just as life precedes death, death precedes life.
The Return Them Home Project is our opportunity to give back to families who find themselves in positions that some of our own staff members have been in, families whose situations are close to our hearts.
Through this project, Return Home is offering families affected by the suicide of a loved one our full 60-day terramation process at no cost. In taking away the burden of affording a fitting farewell, we hope that our 60-day terramation process will allow those left to care for their deceased loved one the time and space to grieve instead of rushing it. Visiting with their loved one allows for the release of grief because “grief is love with no place to go.” Families can explore how they will memorialize their loved one once they are returned home.
“Talk about them. Be proud of them. Losing a courageous battle doesn’t make you weak.” – Jennifer Betts
It is our hope that when we have returned them home, loved ones can start to celebrate the life and not just agonize over the death. Remember the way their eyes looked in the sunlight, enjoy the garden that they planted or the books that they read. Marvel at the paintings they completed or the friendships they made through their favorite games.
See them in the flowers that grow bright from them, in the trees that they grow strong, in the forests that they nourish.
Feel peace that they have returned home.
Want To learn more about the Return Them Home Project?
Please email Katey Houston at khouston@returnhome.com, or call (206) 888-HOME (4663)
If you are thinking about suicide, you are not alone. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Should you or someone you know need help, please refer to the following numbers and links;
800-273-8255 Suicide Lifeline | 866-833-6546 Teen Link | Lifeline Crisis Chat | Lifeline Website | Text “HEAL” to 741741 Crisis Text Line
