There is still a stigma related to suicide, born of hundreds of centuries of misinformation and misunderstanding of mental illness. Many people find the subject difficult and will make every effort to avoid it. Many survivors struggle with what to tell others. 

In the past, many survivors felt isolated, without the opportunity to speak about their loved one. Today, survivors generally are able to acknowledge that their loved one died by suicide and be listened to with compassion. Courageous survivors who have shared their loss, have paved the way for others to share long-concealed stories of suicide in their own families. There is strength in community.

Time has passed, the Wheel has turned. 
It is time for you Chris to move on. 

You will walk hand in hand with the Lord and Lady 
and with your ancestors who came before you. 

Great Mother, welcome Chris
back into your womb.

And Great Father welcome him back 
into your divine instruction.

Let him come to you and 
know that he has been blessed 
by your gracious gift of Life.

Let him come into your Divine Love, 
and let him know 
that he has left behind a life of legacy,
that he shall be remembered and loved. 

As he enters your world, 
wrap him in your loving arms, 
and welcome him back home.

Let him speak to the Ancient Ones 
to learn the greater mysteries 
that lie beyond the veil.

Give him the strength to take these final steps, 
and allow him to do so with peace and dignity.

Those of us left behind 
shall indeed mourn his death, 
but we shall also know 
that his Soul and Spirit 
is coming back 
to Holy Mother and Holy Father, 
and that he shall be made whole again.

We shall cry, but we shall also laugh, 
for we shall celebrate the Life 
that had been given to Chris.

And let him also know 
that as we now merry part, 
that we shall also merry meet again.

And we now, with these candles {light candles} 
respect the flame of Chris' life, 
and though these candle flames shall die out, 
we know that Chris shall live on, 
and his flame shall never cease to burn, 
and we also know that he shall be reborn anew.

Take him by the hand and 
guide him back into your heart, 
for this is what is right and just.

Let him walk unerringly 
down the path that leads to your Love.

This is our will and so mote it be. 
Amen and Amen.

- Wiccan Prayer -

Sunday, September 8,2013 
Friends and loved ones gathered at the Celtic Cross in Bristol Lions Park to celebrate Chris' life and to share our favorite memories of him. Though many tears were shed, there was also a lot of laughter. He would have loved it.  I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time and talk with his chosen family. I am very happy that we were able to gather together yesterday and share our love for him and to comfort eachother as we greave for the loss of a very dear friend. Most of us only knew a few of the people who came at noon, but by the end of our celebration our circle of friends had expanded and even though the pain from losing him is overwhelming, our spirits were lifted to know that he was loved and cherished by so many people. 

On 8/19/13 Chris chose to end his life-long battle with depression. He was a remarkable young man who was a gifted artist and an accomplished mechanic. He was passionate about working on cars and bikes, as well as fishing. He was always quick with a smile, a joke, or some crazy idea that always ended with everyone laughing until their sides hurt. If a friend was sad, troubled or in need of comfort, Chris was the first one there to offer a hug, a shoulder to lean on, a compassionate ear, whatever he could do to help a friend, he was right there to do it. 
He leaves behind his daughter Sammie, his sister, Carrie-Anne Amato (Ball), his brother in law, Anthony Amato, his nephews Billy and Ian Drumm all from Warminster, Pa, as well as countless friends, many of whom were family to Chris. Although he has left us with broken hearts and with many unanswered questions, we hope and pray that he has finally found the peace that eluded him in life.