Thursday, January 2, 2020

When the Memory of One Night Won't Go Away


by Beth Saadati


January 2 started like any other day—a welcomed return to structure and routine after two weeks of winter break, with all the hope and promise that accompany a new year. At 3:45 I naively wove through the high school car line to pick up my freshman daughter, completely unaware the world I’d known was about to change.

In the backseat, Jenna chatted lightheartedly with a carpooled friend and recounted the day’s happenings. One awkward moment peppered the list—circulated talk about a guy with a girlfriend who’d asked Jenna to the I.B. Ball, even though she’d said no. “I always attract drama,” Jenna declared.

She laughed it off then asked how many friends had emailed to say they planned to come to a game night she’d host in three days. “You’re already up to fourteen,” I replied. She smiled, seemingly happy with the news.

On the afternoon of January 2nd, Jenna waved no red flags. Her arrival home was followed by a little time in her room, the customary change of clothes, a request to go to her “thinking spot” by the stream as long as she returned in time to finish AP world history homework before attending youth group. Without hesitation I agreed and returned to editing a friend’s novel—the chapter in which the villain appears. Unsuspecting fingers clicked laptop keys.

Time ticked by. Darkness replaced light. Jenna never arrived.

January 2 ended like no other night. A long search. A police interrogation. Friends thoughtfully picking up my two young kids. Sirens, flashing lights, yellow caution tape. Fear of abduction, fear unlike anything I’ve ever known, concluding with a friend’s gentle delivery of eleven terrible words: “Your daughter is dead. It appears she took her own life.”

Then a wailing of “no” that didn’t sound like my voice. A sleepless night. A suicide letter to read, a funeral to plan, painful decisions to make.

The morning before visitation, I sat in the funeral-home parking lot with a family friend—a friend who wanted to say his goodbye privately before the evening crowd came in. We sat in the Accent for over an hour, neither of us ready to see the beautiful girl who, in this world, would no longer smile, laugh, or open her eyes. He glanced towards my seat, said he’d known someone who’d walked through trauma and was never the same, said he didn’t want me to end up that way. I internalized the challenge, assured him I’d be okay.

I wanted to believe I could and would but don’t know that I am. Jesus’ words in John 10:10 still resonate: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Nevertheless, I live with unanswered questions. I fight to feel joy. A daughter’s decision to end her life completely changed mine.

It seems impossible that, as of tonight, seven years have passed. My middle daughter, now three years older than her big sister and best friend, is the first sibling to tour college campuses and drive. My youngest son, fourteen, has reached Jenna’s age. Similar in personality, I’m afraid when I see moments of teen struggle. I try hard to be brave.

Seven long years. I’ve lived without Jenna for half the time I delighted in having her here. People talk about the “new normal,” but I’m not convinced it exists. I miss her every day. Her absence still doesn’t seem right.

So, what to do with the replaying of memories, the emotions still surrounding one night? I don’t really know. But I believe the motto on the South Carolina license plate: While I Breathe, I Hope. I share the story I’m left to carry, despite fear people have grown weary of hearing. And, to anyone who will listen, I’ll continue to say, “Please stay. Hope remains.”  


Beth is a high school English teacher, wife, and mom to two spectacular teens. She likes to spend time with family and friends, indulge in a Chicago-style mushroom pizza or homemade blackberry pie, and, with shameful inconsistency, lace up her Nikes for a long-distance run. In the aftermath of her beloved firstborn’s suicide, she shares story at bethsaadati.com to offer insight, understanding, and hope—with those who weather the storms of suicidal thoughts and suicide loss…and with those who simply know how bittersweet life can sometimes be. 

8 comments:

  1. I lost my college roommate to suicide in November of 2019. As I read your words tonight, I will say that I appreciated your honesty and your openness. May God continue to use you, to bless you, and to help others through your gift and your daughter's story. This helped me tonight...I appreciate that.

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    1. Thank you, Andy, for sharing this and taking a moment to write. Your words encouraged me; I'm glad the post helped. I'm very sorry, though, for your recent loss, for the pain your roommate must have felt that's been passed on. It's a tough, lonely road for those who are left behind. May there be much grace for the journey you now find yourself on.

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  2. Beth, you continue to give the people who struggle, beautiful, thoughtful, gentle, hopeful vocabulary to the pain they feel.

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    1. Thanks, Marcia, for your encouraging words and for the many times and ways you've been a friend to me.

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  3. Beth,
    Please keep sharing because it gives us hope for Jesus to bring us through the struggles we will each face in the future. And even though Jenna isn’t here anymore, her story has changed lives and will continue to change lives. She would be so proud of you. You are and always will be an inspiration to me and many others. Love you friend, Lisa

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    1. Lisa, your words are encouraging, kind, and good. It touched my heart to read them. Thank you for being a friend.

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  4. Dear Beth,
    Been observing your journey for all these many years. I even attended Jenna's memorial and didn't even know your family. I was compelled to join this journey in prayer for you and yours. I am blessed, moved, and inspired to share in your pain as I read your blogs; penned by a loving momma heart for her precious daughter. Our hope lies in the fact, it's not another year away from Jenna, it's another year closer to the reunion. God's richest blessings, my sister and friend in the Lord. Prayers continue.

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    1. Dear TC,

      Your comment wrecked me. I've been thinking about it all day. Thank you for taking a moment to share this. I'm deeply touched to hear you attended Jenna's funeral even though you didn't know us--and you've continued to read and pray. How can I ever thank you? You have been a true sister-in-Christ to me. And, yes, there is still much hope. The fullness of God's redemption comes nearer each year. Thank you for blessing my life in a huge way today and for the past eight years.

      P.S. I wish I knew your name. Please feel free to email me through the contact page on the first page if you want to. I would love to "meet" you and tell you thank you.

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