Visited the American Association of Suicidology in
Washington, D.C. and briefly shared our ride
experiences and expressed our concern about the
numbers of individuals across the country who have
approached us.
As we were packing the bike this morning, we talked
with a grief counselor from Southern Pennsylvania. He
appreciated what we are trying to accomplish and lent
his support.
Traveling towards Madison it was again good to receive
encouragement from drivers on the road. We realized
to day that it seems we are being acknowledged more by
people under the age of 30. We believe that this
speaks to the fact that our young people are more
aware and openly communicating about suicide.
At a gas stop, we were approached by a young man who
has lost three friends to suicide. He is attending
college and is coaching wrestling. He stated that he
sees a need for education and communication at both
high school and college levels.
Due to tornado warnings, we stopped for the night and
were approached by a gentleman from Massachusetts. He
talked with us about an organization (Samaritans) in
Boston. They do an outreach by training counselors.
He asked for information on "Jay in Shades of Gray"
which he hopes to share with them.
