A little over a year ago, I lost my younger brother, Luc, to suicide. He took his life using a gun he owned legally. The horrific nature of the event coupled with the devastation of his loss have lingered with me and my family every day since his passing. I loved him dearly, and he was one of the most talented and beautiful people I have ever known.
Luc and I were siblings. We grew up in a family of four kids in a single-parent household. We were both lifelong competitive swimmers and aspiring triathletes. We shared an innate and powerful drive to succeed in sports, in school and in our communities. I was so proud of his passion for life and his curiosity for exploration. He dabbled in everything from higher education to coaching children in sports, driving bulldozers and running community gardens on weekends. More than anything, he was the most devoted uncle to my two children. I know I will never lose the memories I have of him holding my kids as babies. His natural glow and infectious smile would seep into every ounce of their tiny bodies.
Luc and I shared common demons too. Growing up was often tumultuous and wrought with many unexpected challenges. In adulthood we both experienced paralyzing depression and addiction, and as I began to get sober and put my life back together, I watched in great pain as Luc spiraled further and further out of control.
We lost Luc on March 23, 2017. Luc’s pain must have been immense and unbearable when he picked up his gun that day. Those that loved Luc the most could see the depths of his suffering. And yet we were left helpless during his darkest moments. We miss Luc so much, and I feel his loss with every breath I take.