My Birthday Wish: Start the Conversation

Yesterday was my birthday. I was honored and humbled by the outreach and good wishes I received from every channel possible. There were simple “happy birthdays,” badly sung but heartfelt versions of the Happy Birthday song, pictures of good times we’ve had together, memes and GIFs, and more.

I think of each person as an individual bloom in the bouquet of humans I’ve gathered who amaze, amuse, delight, love and challenge me. You know who you are.

Another Meaning for September 10

September 10 carries another meaning for me, too. My birthday coincides every year with World Suicide Prevention Day.

My brother Steve died by suicide in 2013, and his loss is always with me.

I didn’t see the signs. I didn’t understand the burdens he was carrying. I didn’t know he was on the precipice.

I will live forever with the ache of that distance, of not knowing how much he was hurting.

Over the years since Steve’s death, I have learned to give myself grace and not hold myself responsible for his tragedy. But I have also learned something else: silence gives suicide room to hide.

We have to talk about it.

Again, and again, and again.

Writing has been part of that for me. I’ve posted a handful of raw but meaningful poems and prose pieces here and in other forums, including at work, and I occasionally share them again in the hope that someone, even just one person, will hear something they need to hear or find the courage to speak.

Over the years, quiet words of thanks, glistening eyes during private conversations and messages from people who were hurting have been enough validation for me to keep sharing, keep writing and keep talking.

Will You Give Me a Belated Birthday Gift?

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” and its call to action is “Start the Conversation.”

So here’s the belated birthday present I’d like from you: take a few minutes to read the International Association for Suicide Prevention resource Taking Time to Reach Out. It offers practical guidance about signs to notice, ways to reach out and how to begin a difficult conversation, along with links to additional resources.

Take it from me: you never know when you might need to have a conversation like this.

One of the most useful things I’ve learned is to begin simply: “Are you OK?”

And when the automatic answer is “I’m fine”: “No, really. Are you OK?”

And if you are genuinely worried about someone, don’t be afraid to be direct: “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Starting the conversation won’t solve everything. But it can open a door that silence keeps closed.

I wish I had known to open that door for Steve.

A Few of My Suicide-Related Posts

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide in the United States, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Help is available 24/7. International suicide hotlines can be found here.

Thank you in advance for my gift.

And thank you for helping to start the conversation.

©️ 2026, Glover Gardens