Holding of Wrist

                I have a warning for you.  College is tough.  Between the homework, making new friends, trying to find your way around campus, handling your new found freedom from Mom and Dad, and everything else, you are going to get stressed!  But don’t worry, college is also amazing.  As a freshman at The College of William and Mary, I can attest to this.  I’ve met so many new friends, found so many new things to get involved in and discovered a lot about myself in these past 6 months or so.  Unfortunately, not everyone thrives in college.

On Sunday, February 12 a fellow freshman by the name of Troy Pelish took his life.  I don’t know the details of what led up to his suicide but I do know this: I wish I could have reached him in time.  I didn’t know Troy, but he lived in the dorm building right next to mine and I’m sure that we passed each other at times on campus.  There is certainly a somber feeling on campus today, especially in my dorm, as many people who lived here knew Troy.

            As a supporter of and organizer for Holding of Wrist, I try to counsel people through tough times and show them the other options instead of suicide.  As I said, I don’t know what preceded Troy’s choice to take his own life but I wish I could have been there for him.  However, it will not help to dwell on the past.  Instead, I am making myself available for those that are here, many of whom need counseling and a shoulder to cry on in this tough time.

            I also want to reach out to you, Dear Reader.  I want you to know that whether you feel unlucky at love, your family seems not to care, you are suffering from a debilitating disease, you are struggling with your own identity, or whether it is just an unexplained depression, you are LOVED, CHERISHED, BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, PERFECT just the way you are.  I couldn’t be there for Troy, but I am here for you.  Holding of Wrist is here for you.  We love you.  We will help you, or we will guide you to resources to help you.  Do NOT think you are alone.

“For in love, there exists power but it is a power that is and must be shared.” 

-Derin Dacey, Holding of Wrist