My Cousin's Letter About Her 15 Year-Old Son's Suicide

This is the letter than has been picked up and spread throughout the country.  My cousin, his mother Genna, has carried an entire community on her back while she mourns the devastating loss of her sweet boy.  I have been so amazed by her strength while she continues to find her new normal. 

If you are hurting, PLEASE talk to someone! There are so many people who would give anything to help.  Please let them have that chance.  

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

 

Joey's Obituary

Joey ‘Chill Dog’ Thomsen

Joseph Glenn Thomsen arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 12, 2001 as the third child of Trace and Genna Thomsen.

Joey chose to tragically end his life for reasons unknown.  He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

During his short years here Joey lived every day with kindness, consideration, passion and one of the prettiest dimpled smiles that would melt your heart.

Joey loved to be outside, to climb trees, have a camp fire, throw knives, go hammocking, ride his long board, listen to good old music and eat good food!

Joey wore a Vans back pack called the “Adventure Bag” every time he left the house.  Inside it you could always find at least one hammock with extra rope, a deck of cards, a pocket knife, a zippo lighter, fireworks and a bankroll of cash for food and any other adventure that came his way.

His short time here will not be measured in years but by the depths of light he shined on all those he came in contact with.

Joey will live on in OUR kind deeds, OUR laughter, OUR compassion, OUR love and next adventure!

He couldn’t have been loved more.

Joey liked to be comfortable.  In honor of him please attend his services in your most comfortable attire.  If that’s a tank top or ripped jeans we will see you soon.

Funeral Services will be held Friday September 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Stansbury Park South Stake Center on 240 Interlochen Lane Stansbury Park, UT 84074 with a viewing an hour prior to the funeral on Friday, and Thursday September 14, 2017 from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm also at this location.