Former student-athlete dies by suicide; his family uses tragedy to help others

.....Before losing Braydon, the Pugmires didn’t talk about suicide or mental health as a family, and they had conversations that seemed to only scratch the surface. That has all changed now.

“I try and make sure I’m asking my kids questions more and visiting with them not just, ‘Hey, how was your day?’ I’m always looking for ways to spend more time with them and make them more of a priority than maybe other things,” Marisa said. “I don’t worry so much about do we have the nicest house (and) do we have it decorated the way everyone else does? Everything gets (put) into a bigger perspective.”

Braydon’s dad, Justin, said they do have high expectations for their children, but they try and make sure their kids know no matter what, they are there for them.

“(Braydon) knew we loved him, but he probably didn’t realize that we’d love him, even if we knew the mistakes he’d made,” Justin said.....

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Bethany`s Notes: We need to be having conversations with our children and students about mental health. Now is the time. Do not wait. Do not say, oh they will just grow out of it. Remind them your care and concern for them as a person is not based on their performance academically or athletically.