Losing a Loved One to Suicide is a Lonely Journey, Especially when it is a Murder-Suicide
By LaToya Bond, Kevin’s Song board member, international bestselling Author, and host of Speaking Of Love Podcast
On March 2, 2020, I was awakened in the middle of the night. I glanced at my cellphone and noticed several missed calls and text messages from family members. I soon discovered that my dad had taken his own life in a murder-suicide. I turned on the television and the story was on all of the local news channels. It was reported that my dad shot and killed his wife moments before turning the gun on himself. The murder-suicide took place inside of the couple’s home. They had only been married for 9 months. My dad was 66 years old, and his wife was just a few months older than him.
Initially, I felt shocked. I was numb and it felt like a dream. My dad was an amazing guy. He was a gentle soul. He was smart and had a huge heart. By all outward appearances, my dad led a rewarding life. He worked as a television broadcast engineer for a major news network for over 30 years. He was adored and respected by his family and colleagues. To this day, it is hard to comprehend that he was capable of such a life-altering act.
When he died, a part of me died too.
His actions shattered the hearts of many, especially those who loved him and his wife.
Losing my dad so tragically has been an educational journey of pain and strength. I have learned a great deal about myself. I am a woman who is determined to impact the world. I used to be afraid to share my voice, but now I speak loudly about what matters to me the most, like suicide prevention. I have learned that my voice has value. The world needs more love, and I am honored to be the carrier of that message.
I have made it my mission is to educate and empower others to prevent suicide. My hope is to create a world where suicide no longer exists. This is why I joined as a board member of Kevin’s Song – a charitable organization dedicated to generating public awareness about the causes of suicide.
This month, Kevin’s Song will host its 8th Annual Conference on Suicide, featuring a prestigious roster of leading mental health professionals, educators and experts. It addresses suicide as a public health crisis to better understand and prevent suicide while helping to build pathways to better models of prevention and treatment in order to save lives.
I am now connected with a community of people who all share the same common experiences of loss by suicide. My journey of grief has been enriched by those connections.
For more information about Kevin’s Song Conference on Suicide: Continuing the Conversation visit www.kevinssong.org.