irenekaludi

Thank you for making this movie. Veteran suicide should be headline news every day. It was 22 a day in 2014 and still is today. There's just no way to describe the soul shattering that results from a family suicide. Losing my 27 yr. Old brother Elias who was from 2/7 Marines in 29 Palms to suicide was the closest to un-living I've ever gotten. I couldn't function in my daily life, work, or socialize normally for 3 years after it happened. Almost 9 years later, I've come to terms with his loss because of my belief he is still around me and my family. But I really believe his suicide brought me closer to feeling how he must've felt in the years after those 3 horrifying deployments. Powerless, helpless, alone and in deep pain that never seemed to end and was getting more complicated by the demands of daily life and relationships. If not for the help of loved ones during this dark depression I'm not sure where or who I'd be today. Thank you for making this movie and bringing attention to this epidemic and to the hope that lives in the community of veterans supporting each other. I really feel like that's where Elias felt he could be his most authentic self and live out his true purpose. The group of veterans and ex-athletes at MVP had the courage to show up for themselves and for their brothers and sisters and even more guts to show vulnerability. It was extremely touching and heartbreaking at the same time. Thank you for spreading hope.