November 12, 2021 The brain. The heart. So close yet so far. I’m reminded of this again, even after ten years of grieving the loss of my son. Brian died by suicide in 2011. For the most part, I’m doing well. Loving and living a meaning full life. They say, finding meaning is the final stage of grief. Is there a final stage of grief? For this ten year “anniversary” of Brian’s death, the brave me asked his friends to…
Continue ReadingOn November 12th, it will be ten years since the death of my son Brian, Whew. It’s been a long, turbulent road. But the years have soften the sharpness of my grief. I’ve learned that grief never end because it’s simply the price you pay for love, and love never dies. Now, my days are filled with memories that make me smile instead of cry. Yet, there are days when I get in “that place of overwhelming grief”, and I know it’s time to dig…
Continue ReadingSeptember is Suicide Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves on a subject we tend to avoid. Suicide Awareness and Prevention is a core part of the mission of the Brian Dagle Foundation which was founded in 2014 after the loss of my 19-year old son Brian to suicide. Back then, in 2011, there was little or no conversation about mental health and suicide. I did not know then what I know now. If I did, maybe my life…
Continue ReadingDear Friends and Supporters- As I sit down to write this message, it’s that wonderful time of the year, the 2020 Holiday Season. A season we like to imagine is filled with joy, peace, and hope. This year, ask people how they feel about the holiday season, and their response might be, “For this year, peace, joy, and hope have either been deferred or out of work”. For me, there is one word that describes the holidays of 2020. No, it’s…
Continue ReadingAs summer comes to an end, September welcomes cooler days and a return to some sense of order in our new reality. September is also National Suicide Awareness Month and September 10th is National Suicide Awareness Day. For myself and for the Brian Dagle Foundation, it is a month to highlight the mission of the foundation through an increase in community education, awareness, and trainings.It also allows me to share my story, with the hope that no one else has…
Continue Reading2020 is proving to be a year filled with challenges. We are being tested in ways none of us could’ve ever imagined. And also happens to be a new decade for the world and for me! As I begin a new decade of my life, I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned and the challenges I’ve faced. Below some of my reflections, thoughts, and advise I would give to my younger self. My Dear Ann, Be present. The good, the…
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Join us for the 6th Annual Brian Dagle Foundation Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Golf Course. All proceeds from the golf tournament support the free programs at the Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian’s Healing Hearts Grief Support Center.
Continue ReadingWhat I’ve learned…Going backward before you go forward. Reflecting back to 2019. Ironically, this was written before the uncertainty of the events we face today. In the chaos of life, I am grateful for the gift of time and reflection. I see now more than ever, this post is appropriate. As the new year begins, typically I try and reflect on a word that best describes the year in review-a glance in the rear view mirror as I reflect on what…
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Dear Friends and Supporters, I hope this message finds you and your family safe-doing the best you possibly can at this moment in time. As we pass an entire month of “sheltering in place”, I find my thoughts drifting to so many of you who have touched a special place in my heart. People who have lost a loved one and gave themselves permission to be vulnerable, sharing openly about their grief. I’m grateful to the many communities and schools…
Continue ReadingThe Brian Dagle Foundation has reached a momentous milestone. Five years ago we started with “Project Brian” whose sole purpose was to support parents who have lost a child and to provide support for people who lost a loved one to suicide. It was through serendipitous events as well as the kindness of many of you that the foundation took roots in our community. Your support inspires us at the challenging and many times heaviness of a grief support group.…
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