Ataia and Savion Gabriel
Like everyone else reading this blog, I have had some pretty dark days in my life. I have suffered severe public humiliation, death of people whom I loved dearly, more than one embarrassing relationship rejection, huge business disappointments, and major financial challenges. Yet the thought of suicide has never entered my thoughts. I am too afraid of death.
I cannot pretend to know why people attempt or commit suicide. They must have experienced a deeper sense of loss than I have ever faced. None of us can escape it. Sooner or later, many of us will be hit with a hopeless situation.
I hadn’t wanted to want to write about this topic, but I just learned that Paris Jackson reportedly overdosed the other day and signs point to an attempted suicide. She leads a very public life with challenges none of us can understand.
However, you can relate to the misery my friend Sandra Gabriel is going through now. Her son, Savion, committed suicide about three months ago. I first read about it on a Facebook post that Sandra wrote. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Countless people wrote back to her immediately expressing their condolences and appreciation for all of the joy she has brought to them. Sandra is a TV producer (Regis and Kathie Lee, The Joan Rivers Show and others).
Her greatest loves are her children. She is now totally devastated. You can search forever for a reason, but there will be no justification. Sandra is no different than you or me. She was completely devoted to her family and a very positive person.
In that vein, Sandra can’t just sit there and do nothing. She started an email campaign. Hence, this blog post. I want you to join her efforts to support The Savion Gabriel Foundation.
Please read her email to hundreds of others. And please forward this post to get others to join in too.
Support The Savion Gabriel Foundation.
Dear Lois,
How are you? I hope this letter finds you and all in your family well and in good spirit.
Did you hear the news about my 22-year old son, Savion?
It’s hard to believe it has been two months and the pain of Savion’s passing continues to be difficult, but carry on we MUST as we have much to do to bring the Silence of Suicide Out of the Darkness and into the Light… http://tinyurl.com/RIPSavion1
Our biggest question remains:
WHY DID SUCH A WONDERFUL 22-YEAR OLD PUT A GUN TO HIS HEAD?
Unfortunately, we will never know.
We do know that we all did our very best and must never go to a place of guilt or regret. No one did this to Savion, but Savion.
That does not make our sorrow and pain any easier. We do know certain facts and we know we must reach out and help others to know these facts so that if we recognize the signs, maybe we can help prevent others?
So if you, or anyone you know, was touched by Savion, or by suicide specifically, please make an offering on his website:
We ask for a $5.00 minimum online to help cover the cost of online processing. Or, you can send a check to: Savion Gabriel Foundation, 9 Music Sq. South #375, Nashville, TN 37203. Whatever you can do is so appreciated as we have much to do and we thank you!
We continue to learn and share that Suicide is Preventable.
We have listed some of the symptoms to watch out for on Savion’s website, plus the 800 number to call if you, or someone you know, need help.
Please remember to talk openly about suicide and share this with your family and pay it forward…for the benefit of Savion and others.
Ataia and I thank you for your prayers and support.
With abundant gratitude, love and blessings,
Sandra and Ataia Gabriel
DigiDame 