Through the efforts of folks who attend the Survivor of Suicide group meetings at SOTV, a day has been named by the legislature in Santa Fe to bring awareness to the tragedy of suicide in our midst and the effects on the survivors. Following is the letter to Al and Linda Vigil, leaders of the SOTV group, written by the person who worked towards this goal, Romy Baca:

Dear Linda and Al,

I have confirmed, with Lee Witt of the New Mexico Legislature and on behalf of Senator Michael Sanchez, that Thursday, February 2, 2012 will be Survivor of Suicide Support Day at the Legislature. The memorial has been drafted at my request.

All survivors of suicide are invited to attend. A large participant support would be greatly appreciated.

The memorial will be presented on the Senate Floor at 10:00 or 10:30 am. It would be a good idea for everyone to be present by at least 9:15 because things move very fast there.

Al and Linda Vigil, Marion Waterston, and Rich Schwoebel will be introduced because of their leadership and involvement in the support group and I will be introduced because I have requested this day.

We are the survivors of the suicide of someone that we love. The struggles we face on a daily basis are tremendous and only known to us. This NM Legislature recognition and its ensuing publicity will hopefully enhance the awareness of the SOS support groups statewide.

Thank you!

Romy Baca
TCAA to Honorable Edmund H. Kase III
Division I - 7th Judicial District Court
Socorro, NM

SOTV Note: Thanks to Linda and Al for all your hard work in the field of Survivors of Suicide and for establishing an SOS group at SOTV. That group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month in the portable.