Another post I found, from a friend:
Goodbye, Kaitlin
This weekend I lost a dear member of my family. While she was not a blood relative, Kaitlin was family nonetheless. She was my family by choice. She finally succumbed to depression, a disease as insidious as cancer. I met Kaitlin a couple years ago while volunteering at Time Out Youth, a support organization for LGBT youth here in Charlotte. At the time she was a bit shy (oh how THAT would change), she had a mop of chestnut wavy hair, and a beautiful smile when she would let you see it.
In the time I knew her I was blessed to watch her blossom into a confident young woman. TOY was a good influence on her. She was on the Speaker's Bureau, which gave her the opportunity speak in front of groups about being trans. She built a network of many friends and had their love and respect. She even won the "Best Hair" superlative at the TOY prom last year. Sadly, she thought it was a joke at the time. Depression lies and it wouldn't let her believe that she was truly beautiful that night.
At one point when Kaitlin was estranged from her family she came to live with me for the summer. I was happy to help her out with a place to live but more-so to help her with her questions and concerns about transition. There were a lot of discussions about hormones, dating, sex, hair, and space travel. Remember... both geeks. It was an interesting summer having her as a roommate but I learned how amazing she was. I was so proud of her for the strength she had in transitioning. The only downside of that summer was my Netflix recommendations were really odd for a while.
Kaitlin had so much to offer the world. She was smart, geeky, and had a dry and often inappropriate sense of humor. She would have graduated this year from UNC Charlotte as a mechanical engineer. The last time I saw her in person she was so happy. She had been learning Japanese and had been talking about teaching in Japan. She had been the brightest and happiest I had seen her. I can only imagine what transpired in her life between then and now to have brought her to such a dark place. I wish she had known how many people there are who loved and cared for her.
To all the people in my life who are suffering from depression and thinking of taking your life: DON'T! Call me! PLEASE! I don't want to lose another person who is dear to me. Remember depression LIES. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Below are some other resources you can contact for help.
Please stay alive, you are worth it.
