"BUILDING TIM'S HOUSE"

c. 2007 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(5-07)


For a parent, no greater woe exists than the death of a child.
Suffering through the emptiness left behind after such a loss can be overwhelming. Often, breaking hearts are taxed to their limit by grief. Many are moved to ponder relationships, theological traditions, and their own existence. It is a part of life that can cause even the most steadfast of souls to tremble.

Those who have lost a son or daughter to suicide must struggle mightily to find inner peace. Often, questions multiply in the search for understanding. The drastic act of self-negation might seem unthinkable and careless. Yet it represents a wounded cry made for all eternity. Those who choose this final leap toward oblivion know a kind of loneliness that even parental love may not be able to dispel.

In the world of local resident Carole Brazis, this dark reality arrived in September of 2006. Friends and family members were shocked to hear that her only son had ended his life. In an open letter, she speaks of the tragic events with courage and sincerity:

"I live in Geauga County and have for all but two years of my life. I was a single mother of one beautiful boy, Timothy Weed. My only child never gave me trouble in school or otherwise. He saved money his whole childhood to buy his first car and pay for his own insurance, as I believed lessons learned about being self-sufficient were very important. He got his first job at the age of sixteen… and held that job for nearly nine years until his life ended abruptly at the age of twenty-four. Three weeks prior to him committing suicide he struggled as his life quickly fell apart. He faced… loss of his girlfriend, and loss of his independence. His drug and alcohol abuse intensified. He begged and pleaded with me over and over again… I took my son Tim everywhere for help to no avail."

Weed was outgoing, personable, and popular. Certainly not the type of person that appeared likely to slip into the awful grasp of depression. He made friends easily and understood the value of team spirit. At his Chardon workplace, this good-natured outlook pleased customers and fellow employees. Tim connected with nearly everyone that patronized the business. He seemed particularly able to help others who were in need. Because of this, news of his passing surprised the community. To memorialize someone so special, a unique plan was required. Carole decided that a tribute should be developed that would have lasting benefits for our community:

"My dream as Timmy grew up was to help him buy a house so he always had a place to go. As a parent you just believe that you will die first. So now… I cannot allow his memory to fade away. My mission is that my son is not forgotten… The first phase is that ‘Tim’s House’ will be the foundation of hope. It will hold multiple self-support groups for the families and loved ones of those who have committed suicide, and an outreach and educational portion to provide public speaking and materials on suicide to be given to all police and Sheriff’s deputies, fire departments, and all local public establishments. ‘Tim’s House’ will have a library, and a food cupboard to help those suffering from loss of income during the most tragic time imaginable. We strive for funding to help those in need of in-patient mental assistance. Many are being turned away due to financial reasons."

Though faced with a daunting task, Carole focused her energy on generating light in the darkness. From her tears, the dream of ‘Tim’s House’ grew from a kernel of inspiration to genuine fulfillment. In this way, her tragedy yielded deliverance rather than despair. It demonstrated the unstoppable power of maternal love. Finally, she found that hope does indeed endure for all eternity:

"As a parent our job is to teach our children many things, to be kind, patient, respectful, honest and loving, forgiving and helpful, productive people. However, my son also taught me many things. He taught me how to love unconditionally and to be patient and forgiving. He taught me that I had to provide, and to be strong in the world even when I felt weak. And even in his death, my son taught me that I must be forgiving, helpful and productive. He was such a gentle, loving soul and the greatest gift. Lastly, Tim taught me great sorrow only comes from great love. You cannot have one without the other. He was my rock, my touchstone and the love of my life…He was everything to me, my life’s work. His kindness spilled out as hundreds of people came to his funeral service, and the stories told were always of him helping people and trying to make them happy."

TIM’S HOUSE is a local organization, with universal merit. Its purpose is to help individuals, families, friends, and the greater community when a loved one commits suicide. Upcoming fundraising events include a Chinese Auction & Dinner, planned for June 30th at the Hambden Town Hall. A golf outing will be held at Chardon Lakes GC on July 29th. For additional information, those interested may contact any of the volunteers who are making this vision a reality:

TIM’S HOUSE, INC.
P. O. Box 1074
Chardon, Ohio 44024
440-286-HOPE (4673)

Will this sanctuary eventually touch those from other points on the map? It seems likely that the value of such a community resource will prove to be universal. Though born here in Geauga, the need for patience and understanding is unlimited. Any of us might be touched by the loss of someone like Tim. In remembering his life, we can halt the approach of darkness. Other hearts may draw comfort from the legacy of this gentle young man. Through help and service, his spirit can live with us, forever.