The 11th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention was held in Mason City on Saturday, October 7. Those affected by the scourge of suicide gathered near the food court area to show support for one another and those lost. Many people wore beaded necklaces to signify the loss of a son, daughter, parent, friend, or their own survival. Others pinned photos of lost loved ones to their chests in remembrance. Some folks spoke to the crowd to tell about a person they lost and the pain they still endure to this day. Others spoke about their own battles with depression, bullying, and life’s trials that led them to contemplate suicide. They talked about how they managed to survive.
The large crowd then made their way outside the mall’s north entrance. They carried balloons to the pedestrian mall area and all at once, they were let go. Despite intermittant rain showers, dozens of folks then set off for a walk east to John Adams Middle School and then back.
That’s the most people that has ever been in the mall at one time besides black Friday.
Bookmaker and council there?