Letters to the Dead~Submissions Requested

[~Tszura~]

Hello all,

Many of you know that I lost my best friend to suicide on 5/27/08. I still think about her all the time, and go through the whole roller coaster of emotions that naturally happen in a situation like that for those who are left behind. We all go through painful things due to circumstances that are both within and beyond our control, but when someone dies, that's it. The peace that must be made after that is with yourself, and no other.

Her death, and the emotional whirlwind that has occurred for me since then has inspired me to want to work on a therapeutic project that will hopefully show people they are not alone. It is also meant to be a good release of thought, and emotion, and possibly motivate some to repair broken bridges with others who are still around. If I've learned anything in the last few years, its that life is too short for wasted moments.

I've never started a project like this, so I'll be learning along the way. What I'm asking for right now are maximum 1 to 2 page "letters to the dead." Say anything you want in them. Reminisce, tell the person how much you appreciated them, how much you miss them, or even what a bastard they were. Anything goes! I'll be changing names so your exact identity will not be revealed. ALL submissions are confidential. For any submissions I use, I will need you to sign a release. This is not a money project for me, so if anything is made, there will be donations to charity with the proceeds.

I anticipate this is a project that will take some time, for I would also like to couple the letters with photos, and such. So if you submit something, please be patient. I will be giving updates as to the stages of the project along the way.

All submissions can be sent to: josievillegas@hotmail.com

Okay, I think that's it for now.

Thanks everyone!

XOXO

Tszura

[EAF (1)]

First off I am sorry to hear of your loss...

This may be an odd question...I am interested in doing this. I have both dead loved ones I want to write to but one letter that I would like to write although I am unsure if he is living or dead. I have not spoken to him in about 5 years now and am unsure of how he is at all. Could I still submit this one as well?

[~Tszura~]

First off I am sorry to hear of your loss...

This may be an odd question...I am interested in doing this. I have both dead loved ones I want to write to but one letter that I would like to write although I am unsure if he is living or dead. I have not spoken to him in about 5 years now and am unsure of how he is at all. Could I still submit this one as well?

Thank you for your condolences. Big hugs to you on yours as well!

Your question is not odd at all, and I'm glad you brought it up. To stick true to the project, one must know the other person is deceased. Knowing someone is deceased affects how the letter is written, and therefore affects the "life," so to speak, of the project. I'm sorry for being a stickler, but reaching out to the "unknowns" is one of the positive "side effects" (can't think of a better word right now) of this. Healing, bridging gaps, mending fences. It all about moving on, so I would encourage you to still write a letter to this person for yourself. Whether you try to find out about this person is up to you, along with actually sending the letter, or trying to connect in some way.

Thank you so much for your question!

[EAF (1)]

Your welcome and thank you.

Understandable and I figured that would be your answer but thought I would ask and see anyway. And thanks I may still write it even though I don't know how to get ahold of him.

[~Tszura~]

Your welcome and thank you.

Understandable and I figured that would be your answer but thought I would ask and see anyway. And thanks I may still write it even though I don't know how to get ahold of him.

Part of me feels like a real a*$hole for drawing any sort of line, but if I don't then the project easily become something else. I'm so glad you understand.

And as far as ways to get a hold of him, I'm not sure about that one other than trying to hunt down those who may have known him, or doing an internet search.

I wish you well on that journey.

[bean]

Your welcome and thank you.

Understandable and I figured that would be your answer but thought I would ask and see anyway. And thanks I may still write it even though I don't know how to get ahold of him.

I haven't seen my father since I was 6 years old, but after spending quite a bit of time searching, I found him (I think. I haven't decided if I should try to contact him or not). Spend time searching online. Start with what you do know and go from there. Good luck, and don't give up.

Tszure, I think this is a wonderful idea and I hope that you get tons of contributions!

[~Tszura~]

Thank you Bean!!

The positive feedback is very uplifting!

I've received a few thus far, and I'll keep putting my tentacles out there for more and more. My goal is to get at least 50 so that the letters can span a variety of situations which I know will help many.

**Squeeeeeeze!**

[dragonluv]

Hello Love,

I just came back. I am sorry. I deeply admire your courage for doing this. I think it will beyond uplifting and helpful for you. I think it very kind and noble of how you are doing this. I wish you the best of luck during this journey.

Lots of Hugsie!

[kat (1)]

Hey Tszura,

I want to thank you for doing this, I think it's great and it will be helpful to so many. I am working on something about my dad's suicide to submit to you, he died in 1999.

Edited June 3, 2011 by kat

[~Tszura~]

Thanks you guys! My passion for this project grows every day

I look forward to continued submissions, and plan on taking more pictures this weekend to pair up with the letters. We have a great start to the project!

XOXO

[TitsMcGee]

I might do this..I have to think about it.