Joseph Moore

Joseph M. Moore (Dragon/Sir Bacon), 38, passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2023, in Randolph, Wisconsin, where he lived with Sydney Curtis and his dog, Thump. Joseph was born January 1985, to Richard and Deana Moore. He was predeceased by his father. He leaves behind his mother, sisters Deana, April and Samantha, and nieces Jade, Delaney, Willow, Reagan and Shayna. To Jade, Delaney and Willow he was known as Unkie, and thought of as a third parent. The values and love he showed them has forever shaped the women they are. To Reagan and Shayna he was known as Uncle Cookie, a name he was given because he loved to spoil them with cookies. He loved with his whole heart and was fiercely protective of those he called family. He tried to bring happiness and positivity to all those around him. His odd sense of humor and his smirk will be greatly missed.

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Our hearts ache with the need to have a real conversation about Joseph's choice.

Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in the state of Wisconsin, and there is an uptick in suicidal deaths all over the US.

Let's be real about this. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

To the person feeling hopeless, the pain doesn't feel temporary. That person often feels they can control the pain without help, until they can't. The pain becomes so great that it overshadows everything, including reaching out to someone who cares, who may only be steps, clicks or a call away.

In documented interviews with suicide survivors--those who survived their attempts to die -- they unequivocally say that they are glad they did not succeed. Many of you reading this may have at one time in the past thought about taking your own life. Yet you stopped, reflected, and backed away from that choice. Somehow you understood that suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better. A disease can no longer be treated, a friendship cannot be restored, a broken relationship cannot be mended.

Depression is very widespread among the current US population. Maybe you struggle with it. But depression does not define who you are. Matt Haig, author of the book Reasons to Stay Alive, who backed away from suicide at age 24, “Understand, for instance, that having a sad thought, even having a continual succession of sad thoughts, is not the same as being a sad person.” He wants people to be mindful of depressive thoughts and know that they can, and will, pass like terrible weather comes and goes.

Know that it is possible to recover from feelings of depression, pain, and suicidal thoughts. Healing can come through taking medication, counselling, exercise, eating healthy foods, getting into a routine, or setting goals.

Unpopular as it may be, there are also three other ways to help yourself get past the darkness: First, substances -- both legal and illegal -- can alter the way you think. Stop using. Stop numbing yourself. Make healthy choices for your body and your mental health will improve as well. Second, consider your relationships. Do those need a detox, too? Friends that lead you into darkness are not friends you need. Go where the people are that you truly want to be like. Three: you have value because the God of the universe made you and loves you. You don't even have to earn that value or love. Read the Bible, the story about how he intervened to bring you abundant life. Go to church. Seek that love and that life. He is holding out a hand to rescue you.

We bear the permanence of Joseph's choice in one moment of time. Why didn't we get a chance to help him? Why was he seeking the darkness rather than the light?

Those of you who have been to that decision point, you have friends and family that need you. Reach out and stay connected. You may save a life without knowing it. And prevent horrible devastation for survivors.

Light exists to banish the darkness. Look for the light. Reach out to family, to friends, and to God.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.