Remembering Tommy

November 3, 2021

There are some who bring a light so great to the world… that even after they have gone, their light remains.

Arp 86, a pair of interacting galaxies photographed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope — Hubble Watches an Intergalactic Dance. This observation from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope showcases Arp 86, a peculiar pair of interacting galaxies which lies roughly 220 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus.

Each year as October becomes November, as the trees lose their brilliantly colored leaves, as the days shorten and the nights are longer, as we settle into the routine of the new school year, my thoughts are of Tommy.

At this time of the year I revisit the tragedy, the loss of a precious young life — a boy destined to… We will never know.

There is a longing for his physical presence, but comfort in feeling his presence.

There is extreme frustration knowing that so many go without treatment — whether out of shame, ignorance or lack of access to medical professionals and/or facilities. There is still so much to learn about the brain before diagnoses and treatments are more effective.

If you're reading this page you, too, are probably remembering Tommy. Might I suggest that the best way to remember Tommy and all those we've lost to suicide is to:

Reach out to those in need and encourage them to seek help
Remove the stigma through one's own words and actions
And when possible, support mental illness research and resources

Working together we CAN make a difference.

–RoseMary B. Fuss, reprinted from Remembering Tommy, 2013