10/11/2025
I recently met a woman who showed me one of her tattoos. She said "you know what this means right?" My eyes gazed upon a semicolon. I was embarrassed because I had absolutely no idea! She then explained that is a tattoo for su***de survivors. I told her it was a honor to meet her and was happy that Life had turned around for the better...
My curiosity continued. I myself had struggled with the idea of su***de but kept myself alive for my mother who was my only family and had told me that if I ever wanted to destroy her, that would do it.
In reading more about the semicolon as a symbol for surviving su***de attempts, I came across Project Semicolon started by Amy Bleuel. My heart filled with sorrow as I learned pieces of her journey, inspiration, and her eventual su***de, which inspired this painting. I love the idea of a semicolon used as a way of saying my story continues where it could have ended. None of us know why we are here and Life is often painful. But please remember to keep going and that in times when there is no one else, you will always have yourself. Don't abandon yourself too...
..and to Amy, I hope wherever you are now, I hope you know you are missed and that you have left a profound impact that continues to live on...
***de ***desurvivor
