To better tell my story, I should first tell you my brother's. Reed was larger than life in every sense. He was that guy. The kid in school everyone looked up to, the guy all the girls had a crush on, a friend to everyone. He was charming and free-spirited, the high school quarterback. Bright blue eyes, a big smile, and an infectious laugh. He was kind, especially to those who were different or alone. He was fearless, always one jump first and worry about it later. He was funny, constantly ready with joke or a silly sound effect . He was a true fan to all of his favorite sports teams but an even bigger fan of the people in his life. He would do anything to help those he cared about. He was an unbelievable friend and brother.

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We lost Reed in 2014 to suicide.

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Since then, I have tried to live life a little more like Reed everyday. I try to focus on the good and see that in every day there are a million and one things worth celebrating. I have found passions in advocating on Reed's behalf to focus on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. I have spoken with local media and participated in countless local & national events to spread awareness and give a face to a cause that seems too often to be depicted as black nail polish and heavy metal music.

 

I have realized that my experiences and outlook on life are different from many and that Reed continues to inspire me to make the world a more mindful,  accepting place where we all continue to talk about the hard things, laugh big, love more, and spread kindness like wildfire.

 

As for me, I'm a lover of movie theater popcorn, a good playlist, and exploring new places. I know that the world can't always be perfect, but that doesn't mean it has to be sad, lonely, or boring.

 

My goal is to spread a little sunshine and open up the conversations we don't like to have but need to.

 

So welcome friends,

I am so happy you are here.