Our Semicolon Story
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Our Semicolon Story

Thank you, Amy

56
Our Semicolon Story
Ashley Cesaretti

When people think of punctuation, they usually think of the usual ones like, full-stops, commas, exclamation points, question marks, to not mean anything other than their intended use. For Project Semicolon, taking the meaning of a semicolon and creating a community, built on love, understanding, and most importantly, access to resources. It was founded in 2013 by Amy Bleuel in memory of her father who died by suicide. Those involved with Project Semicolon, started getting tattoos that incorporated semicolon's.

The semicolon has become a symbol for people living with Suicidality, Suicidal Thoughts, and Suicidal Depression. Amy Bleuel defines the semicolon's meaning as, "In literature, an author uses a semicolon to not end a sentence but to continue on. We see it as you are the author and your life is the sentence. You’re choosing to keep going,".

On March 29, 2017, The Mighty reported that Amy had passed away by Suicide (link).

I know personally, I was hit with an intense wave of grief, uncertainty, and anxiety of, "what now?". I felt grief for a woman I had never met, but shared a strong connection with. I felt uncertain about how someone who was such an advocate for mental health, felt as though ending her story was the best answer.

I got my semicolon tattoo a few month after I had voluntarily admitted myself into an Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) program for my own Passive Suicidal Thoughts. I attended 3 group therapy sessions a day, four days a week, for over a month. I learned new coping skills, I realized I wasn't alone in my fight, I was never ever alone (more on my story here).

For me, my semicolon tattoo reminds me that my story isn't over, and that I still have many more chapters to write. With regular counseling sessions, my family, and my friends, I know that I have all the support that I need.

Amy, I'm so sorry that you felt like this was the only way out. I'm sorry that we weren't there for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for giving us something to remember our own stories by.


If you or someone you know is suffering from Suicidal Thoughts, please reach out. For more information, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's Website. Call 1-800-273-8255 for 24/7 support, or text HOME to 741741 (link).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50210
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32050
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955458
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180602
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments