A Bittersweet Birth Date | June 5th
By Rachel Papke
June 5th is my birthday. It’s a day of celebration, shared with my Grandma, cousin, friend, and co-worker—a special day of shared happiness.
But, on this day in 2018 the celebrations came to an abrupt halt, June 5th became bittersweet. I remember being excited it was my birthday, eating cake, laughing with friends, smiling about friends and family sending me happy birthday wishes, and then all of that came to an abrupt halt as I read the news.
My happiness moved to a space of sadness and guilt that I was celebrating my birthday on the day the iconic Kate Spade died by suicide. As I read the flurry of media headlines about her death, my heart fell into my stomach.
Today marks the two-year anniversary date of her tragic death, and I felt it was important to acknowledge that – acknowledge her – in writing. It’s a reminder of the ripple effect one suicide has on the community. It’s a call to action for each of us to persist in our suicide prevention efforts.
Kate Spade, I want you to know you are not forgotten. I hold you in my heart. I am thinking of you, your family, and friends. Your memory and legacy lives on. While I did not know you personally, I am forever connected to you by this date—June 5th. In loving memory of your life.
If you need support now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or, text “HOME” to 741-741 to get help 24/7 from the Crisis Text Line.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit the Jordan Porco Foundation’s resources page.
The opinions expressed in this blog are personal, and not those of the Jordan Porco Foundation. The information in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as mental health advice from the individual author or the Jordan Porco Foundation. You should consult a mental health professional for advice regarding your individual situation.
