In Memory of SSgt Souders USMC 1 of 22 a day

Melissa Crowley is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Abby Souders.

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Joe Souders was a well loved member of his and his wife’s families who tragically succumbed to his PTSD. Joe and his wife Abby worked tirelessly as a team to beat his demons but in one short moment, the demons won.

Joe leaves behind a loving wife, Abby and three children. Hank is 8, June is 7, and Waylon is 5.

The Souders family was in the middle of a transition back home to St. Louis after Joe served 12 proud years as a Marine. They are currently trying to sell their home in North Carolina while staying with family as they looked for a new home in Missouri.

Without Joe’s VA compensation, Abby and the kids do not have a source of income. While money is not Abby’s focus right now, as her family we know that soon she will need more support than she realizes at the moment. Any help would go a long way for Abby, Hank, June, and Waylon to make it through this terrible time without having to worry about covering their bills for the next few months.

Here, in Abby’s own words...

‘For years Joe and I fought side by side on his invisible battlefield of mental illness and PTSD. We lost our battle. Sunday, May 31, 2020 Joe tragically took his own life. Shattered, Hank, June, Waylon, and I have walked through two darkened days with many more on the horizon. The outpouring of support, prayers, and kindness has lighten our dimmed path. I loved him fiercely, unapologetically, and unconditionally.

Sleep in my arms now
All your pain has passed.
Sleep, for you have travelled far
Now you are home, at last.
Go as you came here
Time to say goodbye.
Light, soft as a melody
Safe in a lullaby.
Rest for awhile now
All your work in done.
Rest here in my waiting arms
Now that your race in run.

Please if you are fighting your own battle do not suffer in silence, scream for help. When those thoughts sink in “they would be better off without me,” KNOW THIS: they won’t! We aren’t, I’m not, and I physically do not have enough hands to hold up my crumbling children. Lastly if your partner “occasionally” has a bad night find them help, fight along side them, fight for them. This was one of Joe’s “occasional bad nights”.

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255’

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support.