The phrase “Eyes Wide Shut” means a person refuses to see something in plain view, because of preconceived notions of what this something should look like.

I believe we are all subconsciously guilty of living with our eyes wide shut. Afterall, there is hardly enough time in a day to complete a fraction of the things on our own to-do list – right?! Most of us commit to focusing on ourselves and to respect others privacy and decisions for their own lives. In addition, even though we know everything that glitters isn’t gold, we tend to navigate life with our family and friends on the assumption that “they know they can talk to me, if something is wrong or if they just need someone to listen.”

Now think back to the line from my husband’s note – “I know I should have said something, but I didn’t.”

He is not the only person to commit suicide without talking to someone. We must stop the assumptions.

You may be familiar with the phrase “it takes a village”, in regard to raising children. Well in regard to prevention, I believe this phrase should be applicable through all phases of life because suicide effects individuals of all ages, families, and communities. Therefore, it takes a village to maintain a healthy tree of life.