Thank you

Wow, so it's almost been a month. I apologize for the lack of posting! But, I think it's safe to say I can get pretty distracted.

Today, I just want to take the time to ask a favor of all of you. I'd like you to look around, and see all that you have. Although things may be hard, there are still many great things in your life, even if you can't see them just yet. I think we, as humans, go around our lives without realizing how much we have, and without expressing our gratitude. Unfortunately, that means that people who need the 'thank you' the most, don't get it. And that could honestly save a life, just one small 'thank you'.

So I ask that as you go through your day, and week, and month, that you recognize what you have, and thank the people who give you strength. And don't forget to speak up and say something to the people who look like they need a little extra strength. It's a two way street.

I love you all, and you're in my thoughts and prayers
Love,
Madeline

Missing You

Today I had the opportunity to spend some fabulous alone time with my little sister Mimi. She's a precious girl who reminds me why I love this world so much. 

Well due to lack of cable, we're pounding out all the movies we've ever owned, and I chose to turn on Bridge to Terabithia. It's a wonderful movie and I've always loved it. If you haven't seen it, you should watch it soon, but I'll warn you, it's a tear jerker. 

Now I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll be vague and cut to the chase. While watching the ending, I thought of a precious girl who came into my life when I was thirteen. We were in a play together, and I was Annie, and she was one of the two girls who played Sandy, the dog. We became friends quickly, and we got to know each other. Two years passed and we talked every once in a while. 

On December 11th, 2010, I found out that I had lost my dear friend Brooke to suicide. It didn't hit me right away. I was shocked, and depressed, but I hadn't cried until a few nights later when I finally broke down. I didn't attend her funeral, which I regret, because it hurt too much. 

It's now coming up on the sixth month mark of Brooke's death, and I miss her so much. I'm not the only one either. On Brooke's Facebook page, there are daily posts from so many people who want to see her again. There was a Facebook page created in her memory which now has 1,105 fans. 

So many people miss Brooke tremendously. I don't know if anyone knew anything about her state the days leading up to it, but I can't help but wonder if she could have been helped. 

I'd like to take this time to express my love for all of you. Even if I have no idea who you are-- I love you. You mean so much to me, and it's my greatest goal to help you realize how special and irreplaceable you are. If you feel yourself so lost and alone, know that there is always help. I have learned that people love you, and there is always someone to listen. I know it may not seem like it, but I mean that, and I promise that.

Life is, unfortunately, painful, and my heart aches to know that so many people are where I have been, where Brooke was, and where so many people are. Reach out to those who you see hurting-- tell them you love them, give them a smile, let them talk to you, stand up for them. If you are hurting, tell someone, and begin to heal. 

1-800-SUICIDE		1-800-273-TALK
1-800-784-2433		1-800-273-8255

We love you Brooke, and we miss you so much. Be our angel <3

With all my love, 

Madeline

Our invitation

We really want to see this thing get going! So here's the project:

Take a picture of yourself with the words, 'Here'sWhyILoveYou' written somewhere on your body. You can use sharpie, highlighter, anything-- just as long as it is legible.

Then, take a picture of yourself with the words, or just the written words, it doesn't matter. Once you have done that, email the picture to hereswhyiloveyou@yahoo.com.

But before you send the message, we want you to type a message telling us why you love yourself. 

Here's an example:

 

Here's Why I Love You... I love you because you are talented. I love you because you love to help those around you, and because you never want to stop giving. I love you because you have learned how to be strong during your toughest times, and I love you because you let your guard down low enough to let others in when it hurt the most ♥

So tell us why you love yourself! We will keep your name totally anonymous, and you don't even have to show your face. Just show us the name, and tell us what you love.

“Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.” - Les Brown

Welcome to Here'sWhyILoveYou

Hi and welcome to Here'sWhyILoveYou. This is a developing organization with the goal of helping teens and young adults like you come to a place where you are able find some light in this dark world.

As teenagers and young adults, we go through some pretty tough stuff. Be it friend problems, issues at home, or personal struggles, we all find ourselves lost at some point. Sadly, so many of us are faced with harsh coping mechanisms such as eating disorders, depression, self-injury, and suicide, among plenty of others.

Here'sWhyILoveYou is dedicated to taking those numbers and providing love when it seems nonexistent. Here, we invite you to tell your story, tell us why you love yourself, and share how amazing you are.  No matter what you have been through, your story could help thousands of young adults like you find some common ground when it comes to depression and anything else we deal with. 

So, remember. Pain is not the answer. Love IS.  And we can get through this together.

With much love,

Madeline Abram

“Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.” - Leo F. Buscaglia