In 2010 Haillie lost her son CJ.
The former member of the US airforce took his own life after an argument with his parents.
He never got to see the world fully. So Hallie made a decision that would literally change her life – and bring her joy in the process.
She set up a Facebook page called ‘Scattering CJ’ last year that asked strangers to help scatter her sons ashes around the world. A year and 100 countries later, Haillie Twomey’s wishes have been achieved.
Hallie and CJ.
Thanks to hundreds of people she’s never met.
“For the past four years, I have literally stumbled through life trying to wake from this horrible nightmare,” she wrote on Facebook. “I can’t change what happened although I would do anything to bring him back.”
CJ.
She went on to write: “SCATTERING CJ is my attempt to give my son SOMETHING. It’s a mission to show my son – my crazy, life of the party, lover of people, smile so wide it entered a room before he did son – some of the world that he never got to see… It’s simply a chance to put my faith in mankind (a faith that has completely disappeared since witnessing my son end his life) and ask that others help me complete CJ’s final journey.”
And boy has she given him that.
A stranger on Machu Pichu with CJ’s ashes.
Some of CJ’s ashes have been launched into space. Others have been scattered in India, South America and Europe. And everywhere CJ has been scattered, a photo has been taken. Which has resulted in a moving tribute to both CJ and his mum. Take a look:
People really are amazing.
Top Comments
I never cease to be amazed at personalities so fragile that suicide even enters their thoughts. The idea that someone could be so unhappy after an argument with one's parents is foreign to me.
Maybe CJ needed more attention and in depth respect while he was alive.
This sort of story does not fill me with joy that his ashes are landing in interesting places. Instead, I am left wondering why he felt so isolated that he chose suicide.
Thank goodness I grew up in a family where we respected one another and there was enormous pride in one another but always with the regular constructive (positive) criticism to contribute one's opinions to make one's siblings better people.
I never cease to be amazed by the ignorance surrounding suicide. Having only read this article, I have no further knowledge surrounding the circumstances of CJ's death. But to think that it is simply because of an argument is unlikely. Your post essentially blames the family for their lack of attention, respect and pride.
You are left wondering why he chose suicide? Imagine what his family are feeling.
As someone who comes from a loving, respectful, attentive and constructive family who has also lost someone to suicide your post is naive at best but mostly ignorant.
Beyond Blue is a great resource for finding information regarding suicide and depression.
well said Melanie!