Note: This episode includes sensitive dialogue about a mother's grief in losing her child to suicide. If you or someone you love suffers from mental illness, links at the bottom of the show notes offer support. Carrie Thompson is a compassionate, curious, open soul. Furthermore, she is an educator, an advocate, an author, and an intentional hiker of mountains.  In this conversation, you will also meet Carrie, the mother living with the loss of her child. The truth that her son Ben is gone is evident in her daily routines.  Alongside that truth is also the realization that "living" is what she must do, and now she lives for herself, for Ben, for her family, and for others she meets on the trails of life (literally and figuratively). It is not lost on me that the timing of this post correlates with  Mental Health Awareness Month. What does that even mean? It is a crucial focused call to action for the Month of May to pay attention to Mental Health, advocate for those suffering,  and become educated. What if we did this every day, not just for a month?   "Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families."  NAMI You can find Carrie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carrie.t.hikes/ #missyouBen  #lovelikebendid Crisis Hotlines    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  800-273-TALK (8255) you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line. Link for Grieving parents and family members   One Friday In April, David Antrim You may leave comments in the review section. I am sending hope for all to find a life of joy and fullness. Heather