In Memory of Chance Dean Evans (Apollo)

You never know the struggles someone is going through. Some people in this world live larger than life to mask the hurt and pain they feel on the inside. They fight daily with the voices in their head telling them they aren't good enough and that no one loves them. They self-sabotage without realizing what they are doing. Their behavior can push people away because they sometimes lash out and hurt others to relieve the hurt they feel inside. When they look in the mirror, they do not see what we see when we look at them. They don't see the kind heart beneath the hurt, the big beaming smile that lights up a room, or the bright blue eyes that see the world in a more artistic way than most could dream of. They don't see their gifts and talents nor think others do. That is the thing about depression and mental illness. A person who lives with it struggles with it, and a lot of the time, they struggle most of their lives. For some, the pain becomes too much to bare and thinking that there is no other way they make a permanent choice. For those left behind, the choice seems selfish, but if you have ever struggled with thoughts of suicide, you understand how the person who chooses it was not being selfish in THEIR mind.

Chance was probably one of the least selfish people I have known. He did not always have much to give, but just the same, he would give you the shirt off his back if he even thought you needed it. Need someone to pull some shenanigans with you? Chance Dean Evans was your guy. Required an expert opinion on your outfit, hair, boy or girlfriend, he wouldn't hesitate and probably wouldn't wait for you to ask him for it. Needed a laugh? His crazy ass could give it in a matter of seconds. When it came to unsolicited advice, he could and would give you all he had to offer. Wanted to know what paint color to choose or need a piece of custom artwork; you could always count on him. If you ever needed a friend, a listening ear, a real big hug and someone who was going to have your back no matter what, call Chance Dean Evans. He and I had many talks about this, and he would not want me to remember the good without mentioning that he was aware that he could piss you off, be a psycho crazy ass, curse you out, work your last nerve, and act like a real bitch sometimes and a lot of the time he did it to get a reaction. And like the typical little turd he could be; if he knew he was getting under your skin, he would keep at it to show you who was boss.

Chance made his wishes well known and stated he wanted to be cremated and his Celebration of Life non-traditional. His desires will be honored tastefully. He wanted EVERYONE to feel welcome to come and share memories and stories of him. We are raising money to cover the cost of his cremation, which is approximately $1500. Chance did not have life insurance and was in the process of getting on disability. The family is looking for the appropriate place to have the Celebration of life and will update everyone as soon as plans are finalized. Words of appreciation will never contain the gratitude his family has for every person who donates but, more importantly, for those who were there for Chance.

In closing, if you need to talk and feel alone, PLEASE reach out to someone; you do not have to go through life alone. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.