Braxton’s Branches

So many people today are in crisis, especially our young people. Even tough they are no longer reporting the statistics for those under 15, suicide was and still is the leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and the second leading cause of death for ages 15-21.  Where we live in Arizona, 39 kids including Braxton, to suicide in under 2 years.

As adults, it’s hard to grasp what could be so troubling for someone that age that they would choose to end their life, but our kids are  facing issues that we don’t understand.  We need to reach out to them, ask them what they need from us, and how we can make it safe to admit that they are having difficulties.

As his mom, I struggle with knowing that Braxton was lost in such darkness that he didn’t feel like he belonged here.  That he didn’t fit in. I can’t believe he would think he was weird or different. Because of his young age, I believe Braxton didn’t understand what he was feeling, that he lacked the vocabulary to put words to his emotions, and therefore didn’t know how to ask me for help. I know I am guilty of not asking for help when I need it, but we must let others, especially kids, know that there is a strength in admitting you need help.

Despite dealing with his own pain and darkness, Braxton helped so many around him struggling with the same emotions.  Braxton, being so smart and so tall, I often forgot that he too he was a just a 14-year-old boy, trying to navigate this world.

A quote from one of our favorite movies, and I’m paraphrasing here, says “that what we do in this life, can be heard as echoes throughout eternity”.  Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, we leave our mark on this life and the people we come in contact with.  Braxton had such a profound impact on so many people in his short 14 years and we felt the best way to honor his memory was by starting this foundation to continue to bring awareness to the serious issue of suicide.

Braxton’s Branches seeks to spread love and compassion, by sharing the vision of a tree. Trees have a gentle beauty and frailty we can see on the outside and an inner strength that lies below the surface that sometimes we can’t see.

Like every tree, there are four important parts and these 4 parts are symbolic of four ways to branch out and make an impact on those around you.  Maybe even show someone that is hurting, just how important they really are.

1.The roots
2.The trunk
3.The Branches
4.The leaves

Like the roots, we need to form solid relationships with those around us that are not just superficial, but ones that run deep. To accept people for who they are, faults and all, and realize that we are all looking for acceptance.

Like the trunk, we can be the person that someone can lean on in times of weakness.  Help carry the burden and lighten their load to get them through their times of darkness.

Like The Branches, we can be a shoulder to cry on when someone is having a hard day.  Branch out from our normal social circle and see those around us.   Extend a hand to those that are lonely or feel they don’t fit in.  Or just give them a hug.

Like the leaves, when the struggles of life are coming at them from all angles, we can provide a little shade and relief.

Braxton definitely embodied the branches of a tree which is why we chose this name for his foundation.

By providing funding for local initiatives in schools and communities, Braxton’s Branches hopes to reach out to teens and young adults, to let them know that they are important, that they matter, and that this world is a better place with them in it.

Together we can Branch Out and stop suicide.