My father grew up during a time where mental illness was swept under the rug. He struggled with addiction. The people who loved him tried to help him, but he ended up taking his own life and the life of his ex-girlfriend. The impact of suicide left lifelong wounds in our family, and the process of healing has been difficult.
I want to join this fight to end gun violence. There’s no need for this to continue any longer. There’s no need for this much suffering. The lives of those we love should be valued above the desire to own guns.