06/04/2026
Men account for nearly 80% of all su***de deaths in the United States.
Let that sink in.
When we saw Rachel's post earlier today, we knew we wanted to share it.
For those who have followed her since we installed her permanent lights, you know she loves finding reasons to light up her home and share it with pride. Holidays, special occasions, causes close to her heart. This month, those lights are glowing blue and green in honor of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and in memory of her little brother, Ethan.
Her message hit close to home.
A few years ago, we lost a friend of our own. Out of respect for his family, we'll simply call him JC.
The thing that still sticks with us is that we had no idea how much he was struggling.
He was the loud one. The funny one. The guy whose personality filled every room he walked into. The guy who could make everyone laugh. The guy you'd never suspect was carrying the weight he was carrying.
Looking back, there were signs.
Not big signs.
Small ones.
The kind that are easy to brush off. Easy to explain away. Easy to miss.
And when he finally did reach out in his own way, we missed that too.
Now there's a space where that big personality used to be. Friends who miss him. Family who miss him. Three children growing up without their dad. Countless memories that should still be being made.
Mental health doesn't always look like what people expect.
Sometimes it's hidden behind a smile.
Sometimes it's hidden behind a joke.
Sometimes it's hidden behind the person everyone else leans on.
So today we're sharing Rachel's post because the message matters.
Check on your people.
Send the text.
Make the call.
Stop by for the visit.
Ask the extra question.
And if someone says they're struggling, listen.
For Ethan.
For JC.
For every family carrying a loss that never should have happened.
You are loved.
You are needed.
And your story isn't over.
💙💚
