A group helping suicide survivors grieve and celebrate their loved ones who died after serving their country held an annual retreat in Pinellas County over the weekend.
A loss is a loss no matter how it happens.
The grief this group of people feels should not be associated with shame but in many cases it is.
Don Lipstein’s son took his own life three years ago following two stints in Iraq.
Like many in the group, Lipstein was afraid to celebrate his son’s life and his service.
“I was very ashamed of the way he died," said Lipstein. "I felt guilty, could I have done more, and it was hard for me to talk about it because of the stigma wrapped around.”
Lipstein then found TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
It’s for families who are grieving the loss of a military death.
This weekend's retreat at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach was about suicide survivors like Lipstein.
“My son lived a wonderful life and he died in a tragic manner," said Lipstein. "I wanted to find a way to turn that tragedy into something positive.”
That’s how Kim Ruocco dealt with her husband’s suicide 10 years ago. She picked herself up and became a TAPS leader.
“It’s given meaning to my husband’s death," said Ruocco. "When he died I was so afraid that the way he died would wipe out the way he lived and the way he served.”
Ruocco and Lipstein now work to help other survivors.
They put their arms around them and tell them to remember the love, celebrate the life, and share the journey.
TAPS was founded in 1994.
They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help survivors.