Hello, I’m Sarah Johnson, the mother of three daughters aged 10 to 17. On April 4, 2013, my world changed forever.
The tragedy began when my 15-year-old daughter, Leah, went to a social gathering where she was assaulted by four boys. A few days later, a photo of this horrific incident was circulated throughout her school and community. This led to relentless bullying and harassment from her peers, turning Leah into a target. What should have been a time of growth and joy for her spiraled into a nightmare.
The vibrant, confident girl who once shone so brightly began to fade. She made attempts to move past the trauma and advocate for herself, but each step forward was met with new emotional hurdles. Leah and our family were left traumatized, struggling to navigate this dark period while searching for the support she desperately needed.
For 17 agonizing months, we questioned everything: Why us? Why Leah? Despite reaching out to various protective agencies, our pleas for help went unanswered. Tragically, on April 4, 2013, in a moment of despair, Leah took her own life while I was downstairs, and her friend was just outside her door. The image of discovering my daughter that night will haunt me forever. We were aware of her pain and the battles she faced, but I had faith that she would overcome this dark chapter in her life.
We often discussed her feelings, and I never imagined she would act on her thoughts of wanting to end her life. Anyone who knew Leah would agree she was the rational one among her friends, always providing thoughtful advice and support. She was strong! But the trauma she endured altered her sense of self and overwhelmed her young mind.
Since Leah’s passing, I am now focused on creating a “new normal” for my family. Her two younger sisters look to me for strength and guidance. They, too, are grieving and missing their big sister. It’s vital for them to understand that while our lives have shattered, we remain united. We will be okay, and it’s perfectly fine to express our grief, but we will not let it consume us. I promise to always be there for them, and together, we honor Leah each day—both in small gestures and significant ways. We carry her memory with us wherever we go, discussing her life just as if she were still here. I continue to divide my attention among my three daughters, just as I always have.
Leah and I shared a special bond for the first seven years of her life, just the two of us. While her father was involved, I often felt like a single mom. From the moment I held her in my arms, I vowed to provide a better life for us. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later earned a Master’s in Counseling. Leah was my inspiration—she pushed me to be focused and driven. Those early years were truly the most fulfilling of my life.
Through this immense loss, I have learned to reach out and make a difference for others. I embrace life moment by moment, finding gratitude in the little things—a mantra that guides me even today. I advocate for young girls who have faced similar traumas by sharing Leah’s story, encouraging them to speak out and challenge societal views regarding female experiences. Bullying, harassment, and the stigma surrounding suicide are topics I address openly, as we need to foster honest conversations about mental health.
In this era of social media, it’s crucial to instill empathy and compassion in our youth, rather than allowing them to become desensitized to the suffering of others. Leah fought hard to reclaim her voice, and I witnessed her sadness, anger, and disappointments. Every day, I grapple with anger over what my daughter endured, but I choose to channel that pain into positive action. I strive to be a force for change in her memory, rather than allowing our shared anguish to break me. Leah inspires me to impact the world positively—to honor her legacy.
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In summary, my heart remains heavy with the loss of Leah, yet her spirit drives me to create meaningful change in the lives of others. Join me in honoring her memory.
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