There’s a Hebrew saying, “Save one life, save the entire world.” Who knows if 22-year-old Brooke Lacey had that lofty goal when she began a campaign in 2020 to help lift people’s spirits during the first wave of the pandemic, but her kind efforts may have done just that. Lacey, who struggled with mental health issues herself, knew that people were going through a hard time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, so to help them she printed 600 stickers with an uplifting message and posted them in places where people may attempt to commit suicide — train stations, bridges, large bodies of water, etc. She also made a bumper sticker with the same message for her car. The stickers spoke directly to those contemplating taking their own life: “Please don’t take your life today. The world is so much better with you in it, more than you realize. Stay.” Lacey parked her car in a university parking lot, and when she returned she spotted a note that had been left on her windshield. Thinking it was someone complaining about how she parked, she prepared for the worst. To her surprise, the note read: “I left my house with a plan and asked for a sign, any sign, I was doing the right thing when I saw your car in the parking lot. Thank you.” At first, Lacey wasn’t sure what the person was referring to, but then she remembered the bumper sticker. It’s unclear exactly what the person’s “plan” was, but there’s no doubt that Lacey’s bumper sticker inspired them to choose life. Let’s hope the sticker also inspired them to seek professional help. Lacey’s story is a reminder of the power that one simple gesture can have on another person’s life.
If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is in need of help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (273-8255) or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line: 741741.
