Purpose for the Pain

The one thing that I have said and prayed for since the day I found my son after losing his life to suicide is that I want God to use this situation for something good.  I want Him to use me in any way He sees fit.  I will keep myself open and available to whatever He brings my way or whatever way He leads me.  I think because of that openness and willingness, God has used me in ways I never imagined in such a short amount of time.  It’s been 6 months! 6 months since I lost my baby boy to depression by suicide.  A half of a year without my boy, yet I find myself focusing more on the blessing of the over 19 years I had him with me.  I am so grateful that my trust and faithfulness in God is allowing God to use me to bring hope and faith to others.  I have had the privilege of working alongside some pretty amazing people in the community, that like me are advocates for mental illness and suicide awareness.  We are so incredibly fortunate to have some great resources in the Rockford area that many towns and states don’t have available.  Ray of Hope is a suicide survivor’s support group that was established over 20 years ago by two wonderful ladies that wanted to bring Hope to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.  This group has helped me tremendously by showing me that I am not alone in this battle and that there is hope in getting through this ordeal.  We are also fortunate to have Group Hope which is a support group for those suffering with mental illness.  Group Hope was established by Dr. Smith after losing his daughter to depression by suicide in 2006.  These individuals had a passion to make a difference and a desire to use their loss to establish resources and change in our community.  This is also my hope.  I don’t want my son’s story to end with his death.  I want his story, our story, to be a catalyst for change and to improve current resources as well as create new resources.  This is the reason we established our endowment fund, The Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation.  This is the reason we are holding events to raise funds to create and help support local resources for those affected by suicide or mental illness.  I will not stop fighting for change.  I will not stop fighting against the stigmas.  I will continue to spread awareness and educate people on the truths of suicide and mental illness.  I will have my son’s life and memory make a difference in our community.  Will you join me?  Will you support me?  If so, sign up now for our first annual Each Breath of Faith 5k/3k.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!