March 1st was Awareness Day
LEGACY OF THE YELLOW MUSTANG
The Yellow Ribbon program was founded in 1994 by the parents of a bright, funny, loving teen, Mike Emme, who took his life when he did not know the words to say, or how to let someone know he was in trouble and needed help.
"Don't blame yourselves, Mom and Dad, I love you." It was signed, "Love Mike 11:45pm". In a move that totally stunned all who know him, Mike shot himself at a time of deepest despair. At 11:52pm his parents pulled into the driveway behind that bright yellow Mustang, - seven minutes too late!
The legacy started when Mike rescued a 1968 Ford Mustang from a field where it had sat neglected. He bought it, rebuilt it and painted it bright yellow. As Mike and his mustang became more and more active helping other teens and friends - giving them rides to and from school and work he became known as "Mustang Mike".
Streams of stories began emerging of the help Mike had given so many people. A young mother who's car had broken down late one night, leaving her and her two small children stranded on a dark road. Mike stopped and shown her his driver's license assure her he would not harm them, got her car started, then accompanied them home to be sure they had arrived safely.
A classmate told of how Mike had canceled his order for a new transmission and bought two used ones from the salvage yard instead so that his classmate could get his car running too.
As the teens gathered to comfort the family, and each other, they discussed the tragedy of losing Mike. Mike's mom talked with the teens about creating mementos that others could have to remember him with, and she decided that yellow would be used in honor of the cherished yellow mustang. In response to teens asking what can we do?, - she told them, 'don't do this, don't attempt suicide'. 'If you are ever at this point of despair., please ask for help'! Kids took notes! Cards were made with the message to reach out for help, to never commit suicide, that It's OK to Ask4Help!
On the night before Mike's memorial services, his friends shared their grief and their tears as they pinned ribbons on the cards. Five hundred ribbon cards were placed in a basket and set out at his services. All the ribbon cards were gone at the end of the services!
Teens soon began to call and write, asking for 'those yellow ribbon cards','I want to give them to my best friend in case he/she would ever be in trouble and need help'.
The program began to spread and save countless precious lives. The program is worldwide today, continuing to grow and reach youth with help and comfort.
The ribbon became the symbol of the program when the teens began tying them their hair and pinning to their clothes on the day Mike died. Yellow was in memory of his cherished '68 Yellow Mustang.
The HEART in the middle of the ribbon is the symbol of the survivors left behind when loved ones die. Our hearts go on & our voices will speak for those who cannot.
It's ok to ask for help.
"Teens commit suicide not because they want to die but because they want to end their pain."
Get involved. Help yourself or someone else. A life is on the line either way.
www.yellowribbon.org
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Suicide: The Permanent Solution To A Temporary Problem
Ask the 25-year-old who tried to electrocute himself. He lived. But both his arms are gone.
What about jumping? Ask John. He used to be intelligent, with an engaging sense of humor. That was before he leapt from a building. Now, he's brain-damaged and will always need care. He staggers and has seizures. He lives in a fog. But, worst of all, he KNOWS he used to be normal.
What about pills? Ask the 12-year-old with extensive liver damage from an overdose. Have you ever seen anyone die of liver damage? You turn yellow. It's a hard way to go.
What about a gun? Ask the 24-year-old who shot himself in the head. Now he drags one leg, has a useless arm and has no vision or hearing on one side. He lived through his "foolproof" suicide. You might too.
But... Who will clean your blood off the carpet or scrape your brains from the ceiling? Commercial cleaning companies may refuse that job--but SOMEONE has to do it.
Who will have to cut you down from where you hung yourself or identify your bloated body after you've drowned? Your father? Your mother? Your wife? Your son?
The carefully worded "loving" suicide note is of no help. Those who loved you will NEVER completely recover. They'll feel regret and an unending pain.
Suicide is contagious. Look around your family. Look closely at the 4 year old playing with his cars on the rug. Kill yourself tonight, and he may do it ten years from now.
You DO have other choices. There are people who can help you through this crisis. Call a hotline. Call a friend. Call your minister or priest. Call a doctor or hospital. Call the police. They will tell you that there's hope. Maybe you'll find it in the mail tomorrow. Or in a phone call this weekend. But what you're seeking could be just a minute, a month, or a day away.
You say you don't want to be stopped? Still want to do it? -Well, then, I may see you in the psychiatric ward later. And we'll work with whatever you have left.
Remember: Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
IF YOU’RE READING THIS, PLEASE STEAL IT AND PUT IT IN YOUR JOURNAL, TOO