Finding Light in the Shadows of Tragedy

Join me as I recount a day that will forever haunt my memories—a day when a young girl's scream shattered a peaceful afternoon stroll with my son. In this episode, you'll hear about the moment we discovered Emily's brother trapped in a smoke-filled house, only to find ourselves faced with a tragic reality that would change our lives. This heart-wrenching experience became a catalyst for deep reflection, stirring powerful conversations on loss, mental health, and the silent battles many endure alone. Gather your thoughts, and let’s navigate the emotional and spiritual journey that followed.

Through this poignant narrative, we explore the profound impact of Emily’s brother on our community, even in his quietude. His story serves as a stark reminder of the invisible struggles that so many face, urging us to offer compassion and support to those who may be suffering in silence. Listen in as I share the aftermath of this tragic event, the eerie presence I encountered, and the lessons learned about the unseen connections that bind us all. Together, let's uncover the importance of being there for those in need, and how spirituality can guide us through the complexities of life and loss.

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Transcript

Jay Lane: 0:01

Get ready to be captivated and intrigued as we delve into my life of spirits and all things paranormal. Join me, your host Jay Lane, on The Laneway to Spirit, as I share my stories and personal experiences in the hopes of inspiring others to explore their own spirituality. Grab your favorite mug and settle in, and let's get started.

Speaker 2: 0:37

I wanted to share a story that's had quite an effect on me, even to this day, and it's something that happened many years ago. I was out for a walk with my son when I heard a frantic scream. It was a young girl screaming, and the sound cut through the quiet afternoon. It was raw, it was panicked, and as my son and I approached her, she looked shaken. She was very small, she was trembling and her eyes were filled with tears. And without thinking, I told my son to go get his dad, because I knew something was really wrong and I couldn't leave this girl alone. Her distress just got to me, and as I tried to calm her down, I noticed smoke drifting up from the direction of her house. The little girl's name was Emily, and her voice shook as she said that her brother was still inside, and I felt a knot in my stomach. I knew I had to act fast, so I quickly asked the neighbor who was approaching us if she could take care of Emily. Her name was Mrs Thompson and then I hurried towards the house.

Speaker 2: 1:50

I was scared, but I was determined and I'm not usually one to run into danger but really there was no time to waste, and so when I got into the house, I walked into the kitchen first and the air was thick with a nasty smoke smell and of course my eyes were scanning the room and landed on the stove and there was a pot of Kraft dinner which had boiled over and the noodles were burning at the bottom of the pot, making a huge mess. But this was in contrast to the chaos that I felt in the air and without even thinking, I grabbed the pot and I threw it in the sink. I turned on the cold water full blast to put out the fire that had started on the inside and as the water rushed in, I opened the window. I was desperate to get the smoke out of the house. I was in the middle of the chaos when I saw him, just a quick shadow, a young guy walking past me with a sad look on his face, and he was moving fast, like he was in a hurry, and he just went right through the wall like it wasn't even there, and that was really unsettling for me. I mean, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was really wrong on the other side of that wall and I felt this pull like I needed to go check it out. So I went deeper into the house, following my instincts, to the source of that unease. As I stepped into the next room, I was hit with a sight that I'll never forget. There on the bed was the young man Emily's brother, and I froze for a second. I was struggling to breathe and it was clear that he was gone. And the awful truth hit me hard he had taken his own life, leaving behind the chaos in the house and a terrified Emily outside.

Speaker 2: 3:56

I later learned that Emily had been making him lunch, some Kraft dinner a simple act of care that turned into a nightmare for her. And she went in and she found him and her instincts were to run outside, unable to face what had happened was not a pretty sight. I mean, my heart broke for her and the weight of this loss that she'd have to carry, and in that moment I felt the deep despair hanging in the air which suffocated me. After I left the room, I found Emily outside with Mrs Thompson, and Emily was shaking with sobs and I felt the need to protect her and I knelt down and I wrapped my arms around her and I tried to comfort her, but I knew inside my heart there was nothing that I could say that could heal the pain that she was feeling, that I could say that could heal the pain that she was feeling. The ambulance, the police finally arrived and I left shortly after that.

Speaker 2: 5:01

In the days after, the whole neighborhood was talking about what had happened. I mean, emily's brother had been a quiet kid, but everyone felt for him. It was crazy how our lives could be so connected without us realizing it. Hearing about his struggles really hit home for our community and people started talking more and more about mental health and the battles that so many people face. Silently, I watched as the neighborhood rallied around Emily and her family, bringing them meals, hugs and tears of support. As the days turned into weeks, I couldn't stop thinking about that day. I mean the rush into danger, the spirit I saw, the life that was lost. It was a harsh reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to reach out to each other.

Speaker 2: 5:57

Suicide is not an easy topic and if you've been touched by it in any way, you know how deeply it can affect you. It's like a wound that doesn't always heal cleanly and it leaves a scar not just on the person who died but also for the people they've left behind their family, their friends, anyone who cared about them. So if you've been close to someone who has died by suicide, you're not alone. The experience can leave you feeling a mix of confusion, anger, guilt and sadness. It's a whole storm of emotions all at once, and it can feel incredibly isolating, like you're the only one who understands what you're going through.

Speaker 2: 6:48

The first thing to remember is that there's no set timeline for healing. Everyone processes grief differently and there is no right way to feel. Some days you might feel okay and others the pain can come crashing back, and it's okay to have those ups and downs. What's important is to acknowledge your feelings and not to try to suppress them. Allow yourself to cry, allow yourself to be angry and to feel whatever you need to feel. It's like tending to a physical wound If you ignore it, it won't heal properly. So you need to give yourself the time and space to look at what happened. Healing isn't about getting over it. It's about finding a way to live with the grief, to integrate it into your life and to move forward, and one important step is to connect with others. Talking to those who've gone through similar experiences can make a huge difference. There are support groups specifically for suicide survivors, where you can share your feelings with others who understand. It's a safe place to be vulnerable and to know that you're not alone in your pain. If you have supportive friends and family, great talk to them too, even if they haven't experienced the same loss. Simply feeling heard and validated can help.

Speaker 2: 8:21

Another aspect of healing is to take care of yourself. This might sound simple, but it could be incredibly powerful. But it could be incredibly powerful. Make sure that you eat well, get enough sleep and to engage in some sort of physical activity. These things help to regulate your mood and to give you a sense of control when everything else feels chaotic. Remember to do things that bring you joy, even when it feels hard. Maybe it's listening to music or spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby you enjoy. Small acts of self-care can be like little anchors in a storm.

Speaker 2: 9:01

Some people find the comfort in a sense of peace by seeking out a medium, someone who is able to communicate with spirits of those who have passed on, and it's important to approach this with an open mind and some caution. If you're curious, research mediums and try to find someone reputable. Some people find that a medium can help them feel connected with their loved ones who have passed, which can contribute to the healing process. It might offer a sense of closure, a chance to say unfinished words or perhaps find some understanding. It's important to note that this isn't something everyone will find helpful, and that's perfectly okay. What matters is finding avenues that work for you in your healing journey.

Speaker 2: 9:54

Healing from this experience of suicide is a personal journey and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's about acknowledging your feelings, leaning on support systems, practicing self-care and exploring options that might bring you comfort and peace. Whether it's talking with a therapist, joining a support group or even exploring the services of the medium. Finding what works for you is key. If you've been left with the scar of a suicide experience, please know that you're not alone and and there is a path to healing. Even if it feels blurry right now, you deserve kindness and compassion and with time and effort, you can find peace again. There is hope even in the darkest of times. Thank you so much for listening in. I love you guys all so much. Until next time. We'll talk to you again real soon. Bye-bye.

Jay Lane: 10:56

Thanks for listening in. I hope you enjoyed today's Lineway to Spirit. To learn more about me, visit my website at mediumjaylane. com or my socials on Facebook and Instagram.