A Shoulder To Lean On

Brialynn Neitzel, third place

What is a law of life? A law of life is a short pithy saying or quotation that points to a core personal value or idea. I look back to one of the hardest experiences of my life and that is where I find my law of life.

I almost lost my brother to suicide. His grades started slipping, and his communication was little to none. It was almost like he was stuck at the bottom of a deep hole and there was no way out. The last thing he thought to do was take his own life. School was rough for him that day. We were going home and everything just kept going downhill from there. The door opened, air blew in then it slammed shut. He slowly walked outside. He never stopped walking until he met face-to-face with the road.

“Mom, he’s on the road!” I started to yell at the top of my lungs. My mom ran faster than she ever had before. I sat weeping and bawling on the lawn knowing that he would be gone this time. But the same thing kept repeating in my head.

“Why would he want to do this?” That wasn’t the last time he tried to take his life. There were two more times after that. My parents tried all sorts of things from counselors to medicine, but nothing worked. Until one fateful day, I was in school sitting at my desk. The phone started to ring. Hearing that ring over and over again, I continued with my work. The ringing stopped when my teacher picked up the phone. My teacher’s voice on the other side of the room called out, “Bria, it’s for you.” It was my mom. When I heard her voice coming from the phone to tell me that she and my dad were taking my brother to a mental hospital, I felt my heart sink down to the bottom of my stomach. They didn’t know how long he would be there or what would happen to him. Returning to my desk with tears about to burst out of my eyes, the only thing that kept me going was hope. I waited patiently, hoping that he would return home and everything would be better.

Well, fast forward two years. My brother has made remarkable progress. He’s currently thriving and bringing positivity into the lives of those around him. His ability to bring joy to others is truly inspiring. The credit for his recovery goes to the doctors, my parents, and the counselors who worked tirelessly to help him open up and stay optimistic. Their efforts have paid off and now my brother is living life to the fullest.

I learned from this experience that it’s important to lend each other a hand. When my brother was going through a tough time, my parents ensured that they were constantly checking on him. They encouraged him to express how he was feeling through conversations rather than letting his actions spiral out of control. It’s possible for someone to be struggling without anyone noticing. But by simply reaching out and asking if they are alright, you can make a difference. Without the support of those around him, my brother may not have lived to see another day.

I will now live my life being the person who can provide support and assistance for those who are going through difficult times. It’s easy to underestimate the struggles a person may be experiencing, even when they put on a happy face. I want to be the one who reaches out and offers a helping hand. I want to create a safe space for people to come and express themselves freely, without judgment. No one should have to face what my brother did without anyone to turn to. From now on, I am committed to others and making a positive impact on their lives.

“I may not be there with you, but I will always be there for you” — -Anonymous