Since I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve seen so many advertisements for clothing advertised to suicide loss survivors. We are part of an unfortunate club. A group of individuals who are constantly looking for something anything to do to express our loss. While it is an unfortunate group to be counted among, it is a helpful reminder that I am not alone. Somewhere among my search for items that help me move forward from day to day I discovered Living Proof.

This is a website that sells a variety of items with the idea being that you are wearing your challenges on your sleeve. The items available have custom words printed on the sleeve beginning with the phrase, “I am living proof.” What immediately attracted me to the site, is that they have a range of tie dye hoodies. Tie dye will forever remind me of Kody since he loved wearing it to brighten his days. I ended up purchasing several different hoodies that have great reminders of my strength printed on the sleeves.

I think buying items like these is a big part of helping me to move forward. Something I read talks about the trouble with loss being that there is love left with nowhere to go. To me this sometimes feels like an itch that you can’t reach. There is a need to express love for someone who isn’t around anymore. For me, items like those sold by Living Proof allow me an outlet to express the love that I still have for my best friend.

With those words on my sleeve, I am constantly reminded of my strength. I am still here and I am still strong and capable despite everything I’ve gone through. Having a tangible reminder of this strength is extremely helpful. I am so glad that I came across Living Proof. My new clothing items are wonderful reminders of my ability to continue moving forward.