This article originally started as a Facebook post I made on World Suicide Prevention Day which was September 10th. This matter is really important to me, and I hope it reaches a larger audience than those on my Facebook friends list.

We light a candle near a window today in memory of those lost to suicide and to honor those who love them. We light a candle near a window to show our support for suicide prevention and for the survivors of suicide.

Let your light shine through the darkness.

All my love and prayers go out to the families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you have gone or are going through. Please know that they loved you and always will. They are your guardian angels now watching out for you.

To those battling, you are so much stronger than you may believe and are surrounded by love and care. You matter, and your life makes a difference. Do not think otherwise. I know life can be hard, and things don't always go as we expect. Life can be a rollercoaster, but you are here for a reason. Please keep fighting. I believe in you. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. The world would not be the same without you. If you ever feel like giving up, reach out to family, friends, or even me. We will all remind you of reasons to keep fighting and to stay here. You are never alone.

To the survivors, you are warriors. I am so proud of you for choosing life. Life is precious and every moment counts. I hope you know that your life has meaning. I hope you know that you are loved. I hope you know that you matter. I hope you know that your story if you have shared it, has given strength to others fighting their battle.

As cliché as it may sound, every small word and action can have a much bigger chain reaction. Please be kind and loving in all situations because you don't ever really know what's going through someone's mind and what is going on in their life. Your smile and caring words could make all the difference for them. You may never know it, but you could be the reason someone chose to keep fighting, to stay, to know their life is worth living.

As I grew up, I learned what suicide was. Being very young, I didn't realize how many people were really affected by it, were battling it, or had gone through it personally or knew someone that had. By the time I reached junior high, I learned the reality of suicide. By high school, I had watched friends and family become affected by it from either losing a loved one or by battling it themselves. Every day I hope and pray for the families and friends who lost a loved one and for each of those battling to continue to find the strength to keep fighting.

It's OK to have an off day, but if you ever need someone, even to talk to listen, please reach out.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255

Website:suicidepreventionlifeline.org