Walking for those lost, supporting those left behind

Some walked for a son or daughter. Others walked for a friend, a family member, or someone whose life ended far too soon. And some carried the photograph of a person they had never met, determined to make sure that person wasn't forgotten.

More than 50 people gathered at South Carter Street Park in Sparta over the weekend for the second annual Walking With a Purpose suicide awareness walk. Each had their own reason for being there, but they shared a common goal — to remember lives lost to suicide, support the families left behind, and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone.

The walk was organized by Brandy Abbott and Mia Hart, two mothers who know the pain of losing a child to suicide. Both lost sons who served in the military, and their personal experiences have led them to become advocates for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

But while their own losses inspired their efforts, the walk was never intended to be limited to military families. It was for anyone who has lost someone to suicide, anyone who has struggled with their own mental health, and anyone who simply wanted to show support.

As participants made their way along the park's walking trail, some wore photographs of their own loved ones. Others carried lanyards featuring the faces of military personnel who died by suicide, part of the 22 Too Many project.

The lanyards were available for anyone who wanted to carry one. Those who didn't have a particular person to walk for could choose a photograph, while others carried several, honoring more than one life lost.

Each photograph represented someone who was loved and whose absence is still felt by the people they left behind.

"The lanyards that everyone was carrying around their necks were heroes who lost their lives to military suicide," Abbott explained. "Mia and I never want to leave anyone behind."

For Abbott and Hart, carrying those photographs is also a way to reach the families of those pictured, some of whom may see photos from the event and recognize a familiar face.

"We will always honor and carry our heroes and offer support to the families who look for their loved one's photo on Facebook to see that they are not alone in their grief and that they don't have to carry the pain on their own," Abbott said.

Memorial displays throughout the event featured photographs, personal keepsakes, and tributes. Nearby, banners honoring Abbott's son, Marine Lance Cpl. Lebraun Hamilton, and Hart's son, Air Force Senior Airman Ollie J. Faure', stood alongside the walking trail.

The photographs and mementos were reminders that the people being honored were more than the circumstances of their deaths. They were sons, daughters, friends, and loved ones whose families continue to remember them.

While remembrance was an important part of Saturday's gathering, so was helping those who are still here.

Informational tables offered resources on mental health, suicide prevention, and community services. Materials about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline were available, along with information about recognizing warning signs, finding support, and accessing other services.

Members of Desrossett Brethren in Christ Church helped with the event, offering prayer, encouragement, and support. White County Executive Kyle Goff and County Commissioner Erick Dildine also stopped by.

"I am so proud of the community for coming together for something that so many fear to talk about," she said. "We hope that this walk provided hope and healing for all those who came to walk in honor of the ones they love."

And Saturday's walk may be just the beginning of something larger.

Abbott said people began reaching out after the event, asking how they could become involved in future activities. She hopes that interest will help establish an ongoing network of support in Sparta, where families can connect with others who understand what they are going through.

"I pray that we can continue to build a foundation in Sparta that continues to give people hope and a safe place where they can honor their loved ones," Abbott said.

Her own advocacy has become part of how she continues to cope with the loss of her son, and she believes helping others can offer a similar sense of purpose.

"I have found healing in advocating for mental health and suicide and I know others will also," she said.

More than anything, Abbott wants the connections made during the walk to continue long after the event is over.

"Today I have met so many amazing people and I hope to continue to connect with them and we can lean on each other on our hard days and celebrate each other on our good days," she said.

For Abbott, Hart, and the other families who attended, there will always be someone missing. No amount of awareness, support, or time can bring those loved ones back.

But on Saturday, more than 50 people came together to help carry the weight of those losses. Some walked with photographs of people they knew and loved. Others walked for strangers whose stories they may never fully know.

And whether they came to remember someone, support a grieving family, or stand beside someone who needed a friend, they helped deliver the message Abbott and Hart hope will continue long after the walk.

No one should have to carry that pain alone.