Updated: August 3, 2016
Originally Published: November 5, 2009
Hello, I’m Sarah Thompson, and I’m the proud mother of three daughters aged 10 to 17. On April 4, 2013, my world changed forever.
The first tragedy struck when my 15-year-old daughter, Mia, attended a get-together where she was assaulted by four young men. Just days later, a photo depicting her trauma circulated throughout her school and community. Following this, Mia faced relentless harassment from her peers, transforming her into a target for further cruelty.
In a matter of days, my vibrant, confident daughter, who had so much to give to the world, began to unravel and never truly recovered. Though we caught glimpses of her efforts to move forward and advocate for herself, those moments were fleeting. Each time she tried to rise, she was met with yet another emotional hurdle. Mia, along with our family, was left grappling with her pain, as we searched for the support she so desperately needed.
For 17 long months, we wandered through life, asking ourselves why this happened to Mia. We pleaded with the very organizations meant to protect her, hoping for some guidance. Tragically, on that fateful night in April 2013, Mia took her own life in a moment of despair while I was downstairs, and her friend stood just outside her door. The memory of discovering my daughter that night will forever haunt me. I knew she was suffering; I knew she was struggling. But I held on to hope, believing she would navigate through this dark chapter of her life.
We often spoke about her feelings, which led me to believe she would never act on her thoughts of self-harm. Anyone who knew Mia would agree—she was the rational one among her friends, always offering wise counsel. Mia was strong! But the harrowing events she endured shaped her reality in ways that were incomprehensible for someone so young. She found it increasingly difficult to cope, ultimately defining her existence by the trauma she faced.
Since Mia’s passing, I’ve been working to establish a “new normal.” Her two younger sisters look to me for support, also mourning the loss of their eldest sibling. I want them to understand that while our lives may feel shattered, we still have each other. We will be okay, and it’s perfectly fine to express our sorrow—we just won’t let it tear us apart. I will always be here for them, and together, we will honor Mia in both small and significant ways. She remains with us in spirit, and we talk about her as if she were still present. My devotion to all three of my daughters remains steadfast.
When Mia was born, it was just the two of us for the first seven years. Although her father played a vital role in her life, I often had to navigate the challenges of single motherhood. The day she came into my arms, I made a promise to create a better life for us. I pursued a degree in Psychology and later earned a Master’s in Counseling. Mia was my inspiration, the driving force behind my ambition. Those seven years were some of the most rewarding of my life.
Through the pain of my loss, I have discovered the importance of reaching out and making a difference for others while living in the moment. Finding gratitude in the smallest things has become my daily practice.
I advocate for young women who have faced similar traumas by sharing Mia’s story, empowering them to speak out and challenge societal attitudes towards females. I address issues like bullying among youth and openly discuss suicide, as the stigma surrounding it must change. By fostering open conversations, we can confront the emotions many young people are grappling with today.
In this era dominated by social media, we must cultivate empathy and compassion in our youth, countering the desensitization caused by constant exposure to distressing content. Mia fought valiantly to assert herself, and I witnessed her profound sadness, anger, and disappointments. I wrestle with anger over what she endured every day, but I strive to transform that pain into positive action. I choose to be a catalyst for change in her memory rather than letting grief consume me. Although carrying the weight of losing my daughter is immense, her spirit propels me to create a meaningful impact in this world. I invite you to join me on this journey.
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In summary, the journey of coping with loss is complex, but through love, advocacy, and open dialogue, we can honor the memories of those we’ve lost while supporting others who face similar challenges.