Turning Tragedy into Hope – Honoring Joseph Johnson’s Legacy
Our family tapestry, with vibrant hues, threaded with gold, beautiful though it was, began to fray during our son’s teenage years. Those years for many families are fraught with challenges and rebellion, our experience was no different. Discordant seams began to pull at the windows of Joseph’s mind, despite his and our best efforts.
Joseph, always charted his own path as a child, loving to disassemble and reassemble toys, experiment with science mixtures, collect gems, and ride his brakeless bicycle as fast as he could at the PA Velodrome. He was kind, thoughtful, dog loving, nonjudgmental, and possessed a great sense of humor, even as he battled depression.
Later he turned that curiosity about life into motorcycles, scuba diving, and fast cars. He graduated from Xavier University (OH) with a degree in Criminal Justice, and a minor in Information Systems. His area of specialization was Forensic Science, where he pursued a career in cybersecurity. Soon after beginning his career, he met the love of his life, Rachael, and they married. She was always there to love and support him and provided a safe harbor in tumultuous times.
In 2015, our family lost our beautiful son, Joseph, age 34, to suicide. Our search for a way to honor our son and help prevent suicide for others with mental health issues led us to establish Service Dogs Saving Lives – a Dedication to Joseph Johnson.
Our experience with a plethora of mental health professionals left us deeply disappointed. After a request for hospitalization for our son being denied, and losing him to suicide that night, we have chosen to walk a path that offers hope for others. Choosing to walk in the light as we honor Joseph, SDSL provides a platform that combines the power of companionship, the steadfast loyalty of a service dog, and the ability to alter the lives of individuals suffering from the pain of mental health challenges.
Our son was a gift to our family, and we would like to share his legacy with others through Service Dogs Saving Lives. Help us save lives each year by funding a lifesaving gift. Join us as we seek to turn a tragedy into hope for others.
Grateful thanks to The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Grassroots support group, Survivors of Suicide (SOS) bi-monthly meetings in Howard County, Maryland, and our friends and family, without whose help we would not have been able to walk in the light after our loss.
Just Wait for the Sun
by Lisa Marks
When everything’s darkness
And you feel so alone,
When the rain doesn’t stop
And you can’t make it home,
When it feels all is lost
And you just want to run,
It can’t rain forever.
Just wait for the sun.
When family is pain,
When friends can’t be found,
When you just want to scream
But you can’t find the sound,
When it’s all your fault,
And you feel like you’re done,
Just wait for the sun.
The sunshine will come.
The storm always passes.
It won’t last forever.
The rain always stops and gives way to good weather.
The brightest and warmest of days still to come.
Please wait for the sun.
The sunshine will come.
People who need you,
People who still love you
Can warm up your soul like the sunshine above you.
You’re never alone,
No matter what’s done.
Wait for the sun.
Just wait for the sun.
Dark clouds always pass.
I promise you, hun.
We’re all waiting with you.
Just wait for the sun.
Reach Out if You are Struggling
1-800-442-4673 (HOPE)
