After the loss of a loved one, sometimes the most joyous occasions can also be the most bittersweet.
Holidays, weddings and birthday celebrations are all met with moments of reflection for the Kennedy siblings from Kindersley, Sask., who lost their beloved older sister Brianne to suicide nearly 15 years ago.
“Just not having her there, it’s really hard — it’s like a piece of your heart is missing,” Jaclyn Kennedy said.
She and her twin Callie describe their sister as smart, kind and bubbly, with a giggle that was absolutely contagious.
“She always taught us to always be kind to our friends from a very young age and to be nice to everyone,” Callie said.
Brianne, the oldest of four girls, had a real zest for life, her sister say. They note that from the outside, others wouldn’t have known Brianne was struggling in silence.
“Her feelings of sadness went beyond a bad day. It was weeks, months of feeling that way,” Callie said.
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After years of suffering from depression and anxiety, Brianne took her own life at 19 on Aug. 31, 2004.
It was the twins’ first day of high school. They sought professional help for their loss and say their parents struggled to cope with the grief of losing a child.
“They obviously had a really hard time with it just because Brianne was their first-born, and I can’t image losing your child,” Jaclyn said.
According to Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, 11 families throughout the country lose a loved one to suicide every day.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, with rates increasing over the past 60 years. Data has also shown that one in every five people will suffer a mental health issue every year.
The Kennedy sisters said while the family knew Brianne was struggling and attempted to get her the help she needed, they never knew the extent of her pain.
Today, the family has taken their heartbreak and transformed it into a powerful message. They have launched an apparel line and bracelets featuring the phrase “Life is Worth Living.”
“It kind of just snowballed into this bigger thing, which is amazing and we’re so grateful for,” Jaclyn said.
The items have been worn all over the world, with proceeds donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The family will also undertake four speaking engagements in May to increase awareness about mental illness and suicide.
Through their voices and creating the apparel with a message, the Kennedys hope to help eradicate the stigma around mental health and help others while honouring their sister’s memory.
Her sisters say Brianne was so much more than her illness — and now they’re ensuring she’s inspiring others by sharing her story.
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