My Life Preserver: Headquarters Crisis Center

I am mad, hopping mad, so mad I came home from cleaning all day, and cleaned some more. So, there you go.

I am mad because a local jewel, Headquarters Crisis Center will see a big reduction in support from KU, if the finance committee of Student Senate has their way.

I became familiar with Headquarters when my family needed life support. I didn't know I needed their support; I was in a fog, in shock, wandering through my days after my husband, Gordon took his life on May 4, 2004.

His suicide was a front page story and was on television and radio. I'm still pissed about this because it hit the news before I even told both of our kids. But, something 'good' came from this exposure: it connected me with Headquarters.

I received a letter from Marcia Epstein about one week after Gordon died. Marcia has been the director of Headquarters for a long, long time. She read in the paper about his suicide and wanted to reach out to me and the kids. I am grateful that this exposure connected us to Marcia and Headquarters.

Marcia told me about a support group at Headquarters for those who had lost a loved one to suicide. She offered her time and support. I count this letter from Marcia as one of my most important papers. She basically threw me a life preserver when I was drowning in grief.

I am not sure how many times I have attended this support group at Headquarters since receiving that letter nearly 7 years ago. But, what I do know, is that every, single time I go, I am welcomed, hugged and HEARD. I am able to share and support others who have recently lost a loved one to suicide.

Headquarters' phone number (785-841-2345) is one I remember and recite to others who are especially vulnerable and would benefit from their services. I have shared it with law students when I worked at the KU School of Law; I have shared it with tutors I supervised when I directed a tutoring center; I have shared it with clients when I was completing my first practicum.... I have shared it with alot of people because sometimes, people need access to a life preserver when they are sinking fast.

I wrote to my student senator and told her how important Headquarters is for my family. I don't know what else to do! This place, with the fluffy pillows and kleenex boxes and colorful paintings and warm hugs SAVED ME. It is THAT important.

I pray that others will join me in throwing Headquarters now a life preserver! We cannot let anything happen to this VITAL service, which has undoubtedly saved many many KU students, faculty and staff!

Join me in supporting Headquarters Crisis Center! It saved me! Now, let's save Headquarters!