I lost my brother, Monty, (Monty Clay Crawford) June 6, 2001 after many years of struggling with depression. He was 41 and the father of  two beautiful children, Nicole and Zachary. He is also survived by his parents and three sisters, three brother-in-laws and 2 nephews, 2 nieces and a great-nephew.

He was my only brother, the youngest of four. I miss his laugh and is quick wit, such a great sense of humor. I was reluctant at first to get involved with the Memory Tree of Lights, but now have found it to be a rewarding and healing experience. I have found in my learning to deal with Monty's death that I need visual symbols to help me cope.

If this is true of others, I'm hoping that the Memory Tree will help others. That it will bring comfort and show support to those who need it. If I can help just one other to deal with this devastating form of loss, I will feel I have accomplished something. I would love to see the veil of silence about the losses to suicide lifted.