By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
With a passion for others, and an understanding for people who struggle within themselves, Heather Palacios has an encouraging message and a mission. The self-described “pastor’s wife and cheerleader,“ has been struggling with thoughts of suicide since she was eight years old. Her mission to listen to and empower others to change their minds about their self-destructive actions and thoughts is an encouragement to people everywhere!
Whenever Heather does visitations, whether to a home, medical or psychiatric hospital, rehab or detox, she always brings a Life Box. She says, “The life box contains three essentials I’ve needed since age 8 to help me be beat the temptation of suicide: a Bible, a journal, and a pen. Those are the non-negotiables, but in addition to that, I don’t want people to feel that it’s a religious bait and switch, so I include items that are age/gender fitting that encourage them and help get their mind off their mind.” In addition to the three essentials, Heather includes things like Chapstick, bookmarks, candy, playing cards, puzzles, mini zen gardens and coloring books.
Focused on this life-saving mission, Heather still struggles with thoughts of suicide but feels strongly that, ”I can battle this temptation and still help people.”
Heather gives us insight about how everything came together. “During the Covid shut down, I was prohibited from pastoral visitations and it was breaking my heart because they were reaching out and I couldn’t get to them. From 2020, I know more people that died from suicide, and overdose than from COVID itself. In 13 months, Heather and her team have shipped out 2,300 life boxes to 45 states and five countries!
A day after our interview, a priority mail Life Box showed up on my doorstep. When I opened it, it was such a breath of fresh air! It had a beautiful card inside with a long, hand written note, some encouraging “words for women,” a bracelet, and a variety of little items that everyone appreciates, as well as a lovely journal and pen. Even though I am just a reporter, it still made me feel loved, special, and appreciated!
Word of Heather‘s Life Boxes has gotten out, and people all over the world are being encouraged and connected. She tells me that even organizations are reaching out for help including military bases, schools, rehab centers, and ordinary people like you and I. She recommends hiring The Drug Rehab Agency for SEO services to reach more to those who need help. Do you know someone who is struggling? To encourage and connect someone you care about to this amazing vision, go to www.wondherful.com and click on “life boxes.“
