Be. Here. Tomorrow! Be. Here. Tomorrow! Be. Here. Tomorrow! We all chanted at the top of our lungs with linked arms, at the end of Kevin Hines talk. To see everyone in that auditorium come together, setting aside all that divides us and focusing on what connects us was truly magical.

Dear Kevin Hines,
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story of hope and bravery. Your story has helped me and millions of others through so much. I discovered your story after my mom died by suicide and again last year when I was given a copy of your book.

After a long and hard talk with one of my old counselor’s, she grabbed a book off and handed it to me. She said, “I know you are in a dark place right now but if you can do just one thing I want it to be reading this book. I don’t care how long it takes you to finish, just read it, please.” I took the book and read it. On the nights when sleep was absent, I would pick up the book and try to take the words of hope and healing to heart.
You inspire me to share my story. The courage it takes to speak out about the struggles you have faced is hard enough, lead alone the ones you are still facing. You continue to speak out even when you are struggling yourself because you know the power of vulnerability and how much showing yours demons and struggles can help someone else’s.

You have showed me it is okay to ask for help, no matter how much my brain or anyone else is telling me to silence my pain.

Seeing your talk last week was an experience I will never forget and I will hold the words you said close to my heart. During your talk, my emotions ranged from crying to laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

It me realize I could hold on for at least another day. The two simple words, thank you could never fully express how grateful I am for that.