In this ninth episode, John Gibson is joined by Athena McLellan, who shares her powerful story of losing her son, Sandy, to suicide.
Athena speaks movingly about the immeasurable loss of her son, the strength she found through her family, and what she has learned about herself along the way.
Art has been central to Athena’s healing. She talks about how creativity can help anyone touched by suicide – it’s not about being an artist, but about finding a way to express emotion and connect with what cannot always be said in words.
Athena explains what she wants her grandson to know about his father, Sandy, and how her family’s openness in talking about suicide has been vital to their healing.
She also discusses her involvement with The Canmore Trust, where she has trained as an Experienced Friend, offering support to others and keeping Sandy’s memory close in everything she does.
A passionate advocate for kindness, postvention as prevention, and the LGBTQ+ community, Athena’s story is one of courage, compassion and creativity.