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Finding Connection After Loss: Voices of Survivors

Grief is a language that doesn’t always have words. For those who have lost someone to suicide, the ache is not left in the past — it lives quietly in every day that follows. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, observed each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is a day to honor that truth. It’s a moment for survivors to gather, remember, and hold space for one another.


Each year, millions are touched by suicide loss. Research shows that for every suicide, it is estimated that 135 people are directly affected* — family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and communities. The ripple of grief is vast, but so too is the opportunity to reach out, connect, and help one another heal.


At Kid in the Corner, we know that healing is not about “moving on,” but about learning to carry both love and loss side by side. The stories of survivors remind us that even in the deepest pain, there is resilience. And when those stories are shared, they become a lifeline for others walking the same path.





What We Wish Others Knew About Suicide Loss


Suicide loss changes everything. It is shocking, life-altering, and permanent. Survivors often carry questions, guilt, and what-if scenarios for years. Harold Yahr, who lost both his twin sister, Heidi, and his mother, Wilma, shares:


“Suicide is not generally a rational selfless act, but the result of an unhealthy brain.”

For Katherine, who lost her daughter Kaiya, the experience brings its own deep and enduring pain. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and giving yourself permission to feel it:


“The pain of losing a loved one to suicide is unbearable. Healing doesn’t happen in a straight line, and some days and moments are harder than others. Be patient with yourself, and allow yourself to feel what you feel.”

Francine Sumner, who lost her son Zach, reflects on the shock and permanence of such a loss:


“There are so many questions, so much guilt, so many would-have-should-haves. The pain doesn’t subside, you just get used to it. It’s heartbreaking and overwhelming to know that I will live with it every day for the rest of my life.”


Honoring Loved Ones


Survivors find meaningful ways to remember those they have lost, creating rituals that keep their loved ones close.


Harold honors his twin sister, Heidi, by tying handwritten messages to helium balloons and sending them skyward on their shared birthday. He remembers his mother, Wilma, each Thanksgiving by preparing all of her traditional recipes — small acts that bring their memories into the present.


Katherine keeps her daughter Kaiya’s legacy alive through daily reflection, prayer, and intentional moments of remembrance, speaking to her and thinking of her often.


Francine carries Zach’s memory forward through the Penny Pledge, letting his spirit guide her actions of kindness and compassion every day:


“I honor Zach by living the Penny Pledge every single day, by being kind like he was, and by making sure his memory is never forgotten.”

These acts of remembrance transform grief into something tangible. They offer survivors connection, continuity, and a way to honor the lives of those they love while moving forward with hope and purpose.



Finding Support and Healing


Healing after suicide loss is rarely straightforward. Harold found support in the Survivors of Suicide Support Groups, a place to connect with others who truly understand the experience. Katherine has relied on the love of family and friends and the guidance of supportive practitioners to navigate her grief.


Francine points to Kid in the Corner as both a source of community and purpose:


“Kid in the Corner has become a place where I feel safe and where I can make a difference. The advocacy, community, relationships, and stories of lives saved have helped me tremendously.”

These sources of support remind survivors that connection and community are essential for navigating grief.



Messages of Hope


Even in the darkest moments, hope can be found through connection and understanding. Harold encourages sharing memories as a way to carry forward love:


“While the pain doesn’t completely go away, sharing fond memories of the ones we’ve lost helps keep their spirit alive.”

Katherine highlights the importance of self-compassion:


“Take time for yourself. Be gentle and patient as you grieve. Seeking support and connecting with others who understand makes the journey a little lighter.”

Francine’s message for all survivors is simple and direct:


“YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Every feeling and every tear is valid. Connecting with other survivors can bring understanding, comfort, and hope.”


Moving Forward Together


International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is about more than remembrance — it’s about community. By sharing stories, we remind one another that healing is not a solitary act. It grows in the presence of compassion, connection, and understanding.


At Kid in the Corner, we believe that stories save lives. By breaking the silence, we not only honor those we’ve lost, but we also #ShatterTheStigma around mental health and suicide.


To every survivor who has shared their story with us — thank you. Your courage reminds us that while grief may never disappear, love and connection carry us forward.


On this International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, may we honor our loved ones, hold space for one another, and remember that healing is possible. Together, we can #ShatterTheStigma and bring hope where it is needed most.



Resources, Support, and How You Can Help Others


If you have lost someone to suicide, know that you are not alone. Sharing your story can be a powerful way to help others feel seen, understood, and less isolated. Every story shared reminds someone grieving that there is hope, that connection is possible, and that their feelings are valid. By speaking your truth, you help create a community of support where compassion, understanding, and healing can grow.



For additional support and guidance, these trusted resources are available:



Together, by sharing, listening, and holding space for one another, we can honor those we’ve lost, carry love alongside grief, and continue to #ShatterTheStigma. 💜




 
 
 

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