Funeral and other expenses.
Donation protected
Many people believe suicide would not happen to them or their loved ones. Many people believe suicide can be selfish, in which we can all agree that this may be true. After living the moment, my beliefs may have changed.
4/21/19 was a terrible day for me and my loved ones. I received a phone call at 6:43 PM. My sister asked me if I spoke to Mom, and at this point, I knew something was wrong. I sensed a tone that was out of the ordinary, and finally the news was given to me. My cousin had shot himself while we were having Easter with the family just a mile from the house. My wife remembers my ghostly face as I stood in shock in Walmart. What do I say? What do I do? Is it real? Immediately, I felt sick to my stomach. I briefly gave my wife the news. My mother called me immediately after and I could barely make out any word. She mentioned that he had shot himself and she could not get a hold of his mother. Worried and in shock, I was able to reach her through Facebook where I had to tell her the bad news. I experienced a shrill scream that I never heard coming from the mother of my cousin. I knew what I had done was the right thing, but it was hard for me, being in that position, to tell her what happened first. We left the store immediately and my wife dropped me off alone. I show up, people gathered, police vehicles, and I noticed my mother... a complete disaster and completely broken like I have never seen. I ran up and hugged her tightly. More family showed up within minutes, detectives, and eventually the coroner.
While my family were gathered having Easter at a local park, Shawn committed suicide in my mother’s room with a gun. My mother, stepfather, and sisters walk into the house, unaware of what happened, until my step dad was the first into the bedroom and found him. The sight was that of a nightmare and will never be erased from his memory. Immediately, 911 was called. Once they showed up, they attempted to resuscitate him, all with failed attempts. It was apparent as to what happened.
Shawn and I had a great relationship growing up; I idolized him and wanted to do everything he was doing. I wrote reports on him, drew pictures of him, and was always ready for the weekend to hang out with him. He accepted me in and we were more like brothers than cousins. He taught me so much. We experienced life together and I still remember many moments we’ve had together that I will never let go of or forget.
Shawn Bruton was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and had mental disorders, but he hid them well. He was the light in every room, and was loved dearly by everyone. We may not understand his motives, but what we know is that he was struggling, and didn’t reach out for help. We know he must have been dealing with things we cannot ever imagine in a lifetime, and he felt the easiest way of dealing with it was leave this world. Mental illnesses are diseases that we may not have any control over. There will be millions of questions and no answers. There will be millions of “what-ifs”. He was very young. He was talented. He was smart. He had a lot to live for. He will be missed, deeply.
You will always be my childhood hero. Rest easy cousin, we love you.
Friends and family, this is to help raise awareness that this is a serious issue, and can happen to any of you. Reach out to those struggling, you may save a life or even save a heartbreak from the family.
(The expenses are to help with any funeral costs, home renovation costs, price of clean up, and any debt that Shawn may have.)
4/21/19 was a terrible day for me and my loved ones. I received a phone call at 6:43 PM. My sister asked me if I spoke to Mom, and at this point, I knew something was wrong. I sensed a tone that was out of the ordinary, and finally the news was given to me. My cousin had shot himself while we were having Easter with the family just a mile from the house. My wife remembers my ghostly face as I stood in shock in Walmart. What do I say? What do I do? Is it real? Immediately, I felt sick to my stomach. I briefly gave my wife the news. My mother called me immediately after and I could barely make out any word. She mentioned that he had shot himself and she could not get a hold of his mother. Worried and in shock, I was able to reach her through Facebook where I had to tell her the bad news. I experienced a shrill scream that I never heard coming from the mother of my cousin. I knew what I had done was the right thing, but it was hard for me, being in that position, to tell her what happened first. We left the store immediately and my wife dropped me off alone. I show up, people gathered, police vehicles, and I noticed my mother... a complete disaster and completely broken like I have never seen. I ran up and hugged her tightly. More family showed up within minutes, detectives, and eventually the coroner.
While my family were gathered having Easter at a local park, Shawn committed suicide in my mother’s room with a gun. My mother, stepfather, and sisters walk into the house, unaware of what happened, until my step dad was the first into the bedroom and found him. The sight was that of a nightmare and will never be erased from his memory. Immediately, 911 was called. Once they showed up, they attempted to resuscitate him, all with failed attempts. It was apparent as to what happened.
Shawn and I had a great relationship growing up; I idolized him and wanted to do everything he was doing. I wrote reports on him, drew pictures of him, and was always ready for the weekend to hang out with him. He accepted me in and we were more like brothers than cousins. He taught me so much. We experienced life together and I still remember many moments we’ve had together that I will never let go of or forget.
Shawn Bruton was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and had mental disorders, but he hid them well. He was the light in every room, and was loved dearly by everyone. We may not understand his motives, but what we know is that he was struggling, and didn’t reach out for help. We know he must have been dealing with things we cannot ever imagine in a lifetime, and he felt the easiest way of dealing with it was leave this world. Mental illnesses are diseases that we may not have any control over. There will be millions of questions and no answers. There will be millions of “what-ifs”. He was very young. He was talented. He was smart. He had a lot to live for. He will be missed, deeply.
You will always be my childhood hero. Rest easy cousin, we love you.
Friends and family, this is to help raise awareness that this is a serious issue, and can happen to any of you. Reach out to those struggling, you may save a life or even save a heartbreak from the family.
(The expenses are to help with any funeral costs, home renovation costs, price of clean up, and any debt that Shawn may have.)
Organizer
Justin Craig Smith
Organizer
Canton, GA
