Isaac’s Story: Our Story of Love and Tragic loss

Many of you have landed here because you are our family and friends. Some of you are visiting He Who Laughs for the first time as a search for connection regarding loss or grief. You might have experienced an ache in your soul that has left you in the vast sea of unknowns, questioning life purpose or perhaps you are trying to stay afloat the waves of grief. Our family welcomes you to Isaac’s Story: our story of love and tragic loss.

Isaac was a kind and compassionate soul. He appreciated the simple things, working hard, and loved those around him fiercely. His Scottish heritage was undeniable from the presence of uncountable freckles, his red hair, blue eyes, and lily-white skin that

despite his best efforts would never tan. Isaac had the pleasure of growing up with his best friend, his brother, Gabriel. The McMillan brothers were considered “Irish twins” since they were separated by less than 12 months in birth. The two did life together and ran in the same circle of friends for most of their shared life.

Isaac proudly graduated high school on May 25, 2019, and entered the workforce. When you read about Isaac, it is possible you have difficulty relating to or rationalizing the words that flow on the page. Many find it difficult to imagine Isaac was regularly at battle with his thoughts and self-worth, especially since on the outside he smiled and laughed often. Since the tragic loss of Isaac, some have voiced publicly, privately, and in passing conversations that they do not understand Isaac’s actions.

Suicide is not rational and knows no boundaries or limits. Suicide is not an act of selfishness, nor does it devalue the life of the one we grieve. Individuals bravely battling mental health matters are at an increased risk of having these battles ravage their mind, attack their thought process and create lies that overall can impact a person’s self-worth and how they see their presence in the world.

Our intention in sharing Isaac’s Story is to share not only his radiance, but his incredible battle with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and how these diagnoses compounded what is to be believed a silent enemy of undiagnosed neurological encephalitis. Suicide was a means to quiet the influx of noise that flooded Isaac’s mind on September 23, 2019, when he no longer could hold his suffering. His last breath was taken this side of the veil when he ran towards the light that provided ultimate peace. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

We continue to hold space for this journey, embodying mental and physical wellness, because we move forward with Isaac, “Always in Our Hearts.”

We hope you will consider joining us on this journey and be a mental wellness champion.