As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end and we begin our journey into June, I am met with some familiar uncomfortable feelings. May is spent reminding myself that it’s okay not to be okay and that there are times (International Bereaved Mother’s Day and Mother’s Day itself) that I am not supposed to be okay. This Mother’s Day was especially hard as I had COVID and had to isolate and be by myself with my feelings alllll day long. Thank goodness for self-care plans. Knowing what I need on these difficult days helps immensely.
As June approaches, I can feel my sadness deepening. June is the most challenging month of the year for me, and this year, on June 13th, it will be five years since I have heard Zach’s voice, got a glimpse of his sideway smirk, or was the recipient of his kindness. Five…long…years….1,825 days. I miss him so much.
I know that I need to do something to honor him on that day. Something to carry on his legacy, yes, but ultimately it started selfishly so that I wouldn’t be alone. Planning for the known difficult days is essential. Hence the birth of Zach Packs.
For those who have never participated, Zach Packs is an event where individual groups (communities, families, friends) come together to fill packs for people suffering from homelessness and deliver them person to person. Each pack is filled with at least one protein source, fruit, snack, drink, hygiene items, and a dedication tag with the name of someone gone too soon.
This year our Zach Packs event will run from Friday, June 10th to Monday, June 13th. I encourage you to join us by getting a few people together to fill/deliver some Zach Packs and then share your experience on Social Media on June 13th.
For more information, visit https://www.kidinthecorner.org/zach-packs