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Marie's Story
My name is Marie Dudek and I am the mother of two currently living in Davenport, Florida, just outside of Orlando. I grew up and lived in Chicago until 2005. I was the youngest of four, with a nine year difference in age from my next oldest sibling. My brother and sisters would say I was the one that had it easy, as parents mellow with the years. My father suffered a heart attack and died when I was 17 and in my senior year in high school. My life continued on as many others, trying out college and several different jobs, a few relationships and then becoming a parent myself.
As a single parent, I raised my son and daughter to be independent and willing to try new things. I completed my college degree some 22 years after graduating high school and was thrilled to hear my children’s voices (then in high school) as I walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony in the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.
Both children found their ways to colleges away from home and I was joyful they both were willing to take steps I was fearful to take at their age.
I tell you all of this, as up until then, my experiences weren’t very different than others.
On Friday, June 13, 2003, I came home to find my beautiful 22-year old daughter, Natalie, in the garage, hanged.
Since that horrendous day, I have learned so much about mental health, depression, community, forgiveness and inner peace. I worked through the grief and pain to now stand in a space of healing and thriving again. I remember my daughter for the human being she was, not for the circumstances of her death. She’ll be in my heart for eternity.
I now facilitate a new certification course entitled Mental Health First Aid, offered through the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. I want everyone to have the knowledge to be at ease talking and offering support to others dealing with mental health conditions. And also how to take exquisite care of their own.
As the Chair of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I am honored to talk about what I have experienced to provide others with information they may think they don’t need to know. Years ago, I would not have thought I needed to know anything about the warning signs of suicide. As one human being to another, I am able to talk about subject matter many perceive to be too difficult to talk about. Talking about it openly and honestly is necessary. Sharing my experience is a way to connect with others on what really matters.