About

About JF Whitaker

Veteran, Author, Motivational Speaker, Consultant, and Trainer. JF Whitaker is a recognized thought leader in suicide prevention, change management, and leadership development.

Beginning of the Journey: What Used to Be

The quote below best describes the era before Vietnam:

“Living Someone else’s dream…feeling someone else’s pain.”

Michael Ball singer/songwriter
​That era included:

 

In the moments and seconds of darkness and despair, know you are not alone.

If you are in need of help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or a licensed clinician in your area.

The purpose of this site is to share our experience, strength and hope to understand we are not alone.

No one wakes up one day and says, “I think I’ll commit suicide!” Rather, the pains and shames of life eventually take their toll to the point where suicide seems like a solution. The Day Before I Died chronicles the life of the author as he wrestled with the demons of self-hate, shame and fear. He now shares his story in hopes of saving the lives of those who are shrouded in similar darkness. Reading the book to its completion is a metaphor for why suicide isn’t a solution

Toni Cole, MSW, LCSW Author of Negro Woman, Chocolate Love Letters: For Black Men from The Women and Children Who Love Them

Joe Whitaker is a natural storyteller and his memoir, The Day Before I Died, is a compelling read, sometimes funny, sometimes somber. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most importantly, you’ll find hope.

Martin Roy Hill Author of the Linus Schag, NCIS, and the Peter Brandt mystery thrillers

Epilogue

The quiet of explosive doom
The darkness of shrouded panic
The fear of tomorrow
Believed immutable has passed

Silence has become the spirit of hope
Darkness will usher in the comfort of rest
Fear stands as the protector not the foe

Life grows ever larger
The sun shines ever brighter
Laughter rings loud
Because I lived