‘He was always an activist’
Loved ones remembered during downtown Truro event
TRURO - With a radiant sun shining down and a near-perfect temperature, the shared sentiment was that it was those lost to suicide looking down on the event and providing the ideal conditions – starting with the young man who inspired it, Lucas Rushton.
“It’s a beautiful day and I believe the spirits of our sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, cousins, husbands, and wives created this day as a special day under the sun in Truro,” said Beverly Cadham, whose son Shaymus was 22 years old when he died by suicide in 2017.
The #lukeslegacy hosted Family Mental Health Awareness Fun Day took place at Civic Square in downtown Truro on Sunday (May 28), after beginning with a gathering for those who have lost a loved one to suicide at the Colchester East Hants Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) building on Prince Street.
“This day is a way for me to honour my only child, my son Lucas, and also honour so many others who have been impacted by mental illness and suicide,” Laureen Rushton said to the group gathered just outside the CMHA building, as they prepared to walk to nearby Civic Square.
“Lucas was so many things and yet he was consumed by mental illness that was relentless in its pursuit of him. And, eventually, that illness won. On May 31, 2021, he passed away at the age of 18 after a week in the ICU on life support. Even in his death, he was compassionate, and we were able to fulfill his wishes of organ and tissue donation.”
Laureen talked about Lucas always wanting to hold a rally around mental health awareness and understanding.
“He always dreamed of organizing a rally around the mental health system and the struggles he faced throughout his life,” she said. “He was always an activist. There wasn’t a protest or rally that he didn’t want to be a part of, even if he wasn’t a strong supporter of the cause. He just wanted to be part of the change.
“While I have a feeling his idea of what today should look like could be different than mine - he was a bit more radical - I know he is smiling down on us. A friend of mine told me she had a vivid vision of Lucas smiling so vibrantly that she knew he was happy with what was going on and that he would be here today watching over everything and everyone.”
What went on was family fun for free at the popular Truro location which included a bouncy castle, face-painting, rock-painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, and many other activities which saw families lined up as youngsters eagerly waited for their turn.
“It’s all about health and wellness awareness, while having fun,” Cadham, the co-manager of the CMHA Halifax-dartmouth branch, said. “Creating awareness and education towards suicide and suicide prevention.
“Laureen, myself, and many others have lost someone to suicide so we’re here to support one another and just create a sense of belonging in a safe environment … and know that you can still have fun even though you’re going through your own grieving process.
“It’s really important to continue to live and to follow your path to wellness. That means playing, it means crying, it means getting angry, it means sharing and continuing to love.
“All of us would say we’re just carrying on the legacy of our children or our loved ones who we’ve lost … I think that is the purpose.”
The day also included music and coming on near the end of the event was Cian Mccarron who was a good friend of Lucas.
“We were close,” Mccarron said. “We would sing together, perform together … I’m happy to have a chance to participate here on his behalf.”
Mccarron concluded his set with a song by legendary Canadian folk musician and songwriter Stan Rogers – a favourite of both he and Lucas. He said while the conversations around mental health seem to be happening more often and are reaching more people, there can’t be enough, so events, like the one Laureen, the local CMHA, and others, were putting on for the day, are vital.
“It’s getting a lot better,” he said. “Some of that stigma is going away but it’s one of those things, if it’s not talked about, then people don’t really know how severe an issue it is until it’s too late. So, events like this that spread awareness and create conversations are good,” he said, adding he thinks the fun aspect is important as well because it helps open up the topic.
Laureen said it was a day for both tears and laughter.
“It’s a day to remember our loved ones and to embrace each other in comfort and care,” she said. “It’s a day for families to come together and be happy and not worry about the cost. We need to take better care of each other. We need to intentionally let people know we care and that someone is here to listen.”
She talked about all the help they sought out for Lucas but it, in the end, coming up woefully short.
“Lucas deserved better and so does each person struggling today,” she said. “The world is a better place because Lucas was here. He left a mark on the people he met. He had no idea what a legacy he was leaving.
“In honour of Lucas, I ask that you intentionally do or say something to help another person. Dance. Sing. Listen to music at top volume. Wear crazy socks. Dress with flair. Live like tomorrow may not come and stop worrying about what others think. Pericles said, ‘What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.’ Lucas certainly wove a lasting legacy on so many lives.”