What Bluebird Has Taught Us

By Bill and Mary Bowers

____________________________

We first came to Bluebird in 2015, not knowing how much a Labor Day gathering could teach us about grief, healing, and community.

Every year, hundreds of Tallahassee-area residents begin their Labor Day celebration at NAMI Tallahassee’s Bluebird Run/Walk, a community event dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

On Bluebird morning, people share hugs and handshakes, run or walk the scenic JR Alford Greenway, enjoy refreshments and entertainment at the trailhead, honor those lost to suicide, and support one another.

We have taken part in every Bluebird. Here is what it has taught us.

Remembering those we have lost to suicide can be somber. But we choose to honor their lives with this joyous community event. Everyone smiles and laughs at Bluebird. You might get a little choked up at Memory Lane like we do when we see mementos for our daughter Brook. But you will also remember the happiness we shared with the loved ones we lost.

Survivors of suicide loss long for the company of someone who understands their pain and their journey. Many of us take part in Bluebird every year. We support one another and welcome newcomers.

You may have heard of stigma associated with mental illness. You will not find this at Bluebird. Respect and compassion run through this community.

The mental health community in Tallahassee is vibrant, caring, and compassionate. They show up every year at the Bluebird Mental Health Fair. Wondering where to get help for yourself or your loved ones? These folks want to help. They understand the path to support, and they truly care.

There are many ways to connect with mental health support in Tallahassee. Start with all the free educational programs and support groups offered by NAMI. Find them at www.nami-tallahassee.org.

The featured 5K run/walk begins with a moment of silence to honor our loved ones lost to suicide. Then the runners and walkers take off to the sound of cowbells and cheers. The celebration continues all around the greenway trails and back at the party tent.

This Labor Day, start your morning at Bluebird: run or walk, visit Memory Lane and the Mental Health Fair, bring someone who could use the support, and help make remembrance visible, hopeful, and shared.

Learn about all things Bluebird at our webpage: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tallahassee/BluebirdRunforBrookieB 

Bill and Mary Bowers write in honor of their daughter Brook who died by suicide. They are long-time NAMI Tallahassee members and volunteers for Bluebird.