Disclaimer: This story contains mentions of suicide loss which may be upsetting for some.
“As I was riding on our boat with my husband, enjoying the beautiful lake, sunshine, and gorgeous day, I heard the song ‘Why’ by Rascal Flatts. How had I not known this song was about a suicide? After a long, long sobbing session, I wiped my eyes and looked up the lyrics. It seemed like a great idea at the time, only to find it jumped out of the page and into my heart.
Why by Rascal Flatts
‘You must’ve been in a place so dark, couldn’t feel the light
Reachin’ for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This can’t be the way you meant to draw a crowd
Oh why? That’s what I keep askin’
Was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh I, had no clue you were masking a troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong, and why you’d leave the stage in the middle of a song
Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen (33) year old
Roundin’ third to score that winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun
Oh why? That’s what I keep askin’
Was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh I, had no clue you were masking a troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong, and why you’d leave the stage in the middle of a song
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Now the oak trees are swayin’ in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain’t that bad a place
Oh why? There’s no comprehending
And who am I to try to judge or explain?
Oh, but I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn’t worth the fight?
They were wrong
They lied
And now you’re gone
And we cried
‘Cause It’s not like you, to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song’
Songwriters: Robert Mathes / Allen Shamblin
No, it was never like Danielle to walk away from anything. She loved a good debate, challenge, or anything that would have stimulated her brain enough to share her viewpoint and fight for what she believed.
She was a powerhouse. A life changer. A woman with a dream. A woman who took better care of her people, neglected herself, and ultimately lost her fight. ‘Dani, what did I miss? And was there anything I could have said or done? What went wrong, to make you leave in the middle of your song?’
I’ll never have an answer on this side of heaven from my loved one, but I want YOU to never have to ask that question to yours.
Finally, this can’t be said enough: please, please check on your loved ones every chance you get. That ‘feeling’ you may have in your gut that something isn’t right, just may be the push you need to ask these questions instead:
‘Are you okay? I’ve noticed you’ve been withdrawing lately. What is going on?’
‘Your depression and anxiety seem worse right now. What can I do to help?’
‘How can I help you navigate your upcoming interview, without causing you unnecessary stress or anxiety?’
Those are just a few ways to ‘spark the conversation,’ but always keep these numbers in your phone, and use or share as often as needed:
The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text HELP to 741 741.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Donna Mencini Heck from Mansfield, Ohio. You can follow her journey on Instagram, her blog, Facebook, and her website. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
Read more from Donna here:
There Is No Right Or Wrong Way To Grieve; It Looks Different For All Of Us
‘How am I today? Terrible, thanks for asking.’: Mother candidly shares grief over daughter’s suicide
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