Gr8ter Remembers Jeffrey Schultz
So many of us have grieved someone who was taken from this world too soon. Today Gr8ter honors the life of Jeffrey Schultz. Below is a message from his family who wish for just one more day with him. Their lives are forever changed by suicide.
“Jeff, we love you and miss you every day. We are so lucky to have had you in our lives for the time we did. You touched so many lives, even more than you knew. Your love for the trails and spending time with friends and family was when your true joy came out. Spending so many hours on the trails with you I got to hear story after story about your crazy life in New York, how much you loved your mom, brother and sister, everything from your first meeting with your wife to all the years you shared together, how much you loved your kids and how proud you were to be their dad. You shared those stories and a piece of you with everyone who got to spend time with you. Looking back, I know that’s why you connected with so many people and why so many loved you. I felt like we had a special connection, but I later realized you had that same connection with so many people. You made people feel good about themselves, made them realize they were strong, made them feel like they could do things they didn’t think they could. I don’t know how many people you told if you could do it, they could too… and you made us believe it! I think about you and your stories every day I’m out on the trails we spent so much time on.
We talked about your challenges too. I did my best to be there for you, I wish I could go back to those days. I’d find the right words, I’d make sure you knew how much everyone loved you. Thank you for making us all believe in ourselves, for reminding us to be kind to each other and to encourage each other. Thank you for allowing us into your life.” -Holly Finch (and your favorite Dirty Soles)
Top of Tamarack
On September 24th, Jeffrey will be one of our many honorees at Top of Tamarack, Gr8ter’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention event. Our honorees come from all walks of life. Different paths, different experiences, different interests. And while they all may have lost their lives to suicide, it’s the powerful impact they had that unites them. Their lives had value. Their legacies are important. They had laughs that were contagious and smiles that lit up rooms. They were someone’s friend. They were someone’s family member. They were loved. We pick up the torch they left behind to ensure their powerful flames never go dark. Sharing memories of who they were and why they were so adored allows their light to shine on.
Join us on September 24th 2022 as we honor Jeffrey and many more who were lost too soon at Top of Tamarack!
Help is 3 Digits Away
Your struggles are valid. There are people available to listen and offer support any time of day, any day of the week. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, or struggling with mental health in any way, help is now just three digits away. You can call or text 988 for immediate mental health help. Please know that while the crisis line can be lifesaving for people thinking of suicide or self-harm, you don’t need to be at risk to use it. If you are struggling in any way with your mental health, reach out. Help is available.