Jason Reid is a very successful and productive person. He’s started numerous businesses all while coaching and consulting others on leadership.
He is also an author of multiple business books as well as lighter titles for kids and families. Reid even got into film making. Oh, and he’s also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Reid calls himself an entrepreneur by trade. And also a very passionate dad.
Jason was with his wife in Puerto Vallarta. It was March 21 of 2018 and she was celebrating her birthday. That’s when he got a call from his son, Ryan, who just said “I love you” and a goodbye before hanging up.
Jason and his wife panicking, called his mother-in-law, telling her to “Go find Ryan”.
Jason’s son, 14-year-old Ryan, hanged himself in the attic of their Murrieta home.
They immediately flew back home but Ryan couldn’t be saved.
His 14-year-old son was declared brain-dead and taken off life support. This, after mom and dad, two brothers and sister said their good-byes.
“We never saw it coming,” Reid said.
The family found Ryan’s note soon after.
Ryan wrote about how he dealt with a darkness that consumed him. But on the outside, he would pretend to be happy for everyone. He also wrote about online research on how he found ways to end his life.
Ryan considered running away to Portland, only it was too far so he never did.
“He was so troubled and still he was just a child,” said his father.
Post-It notes in one of Ryan’s drawers bore the messages, “Here’s my username and passwords”; the other saying, “Tell my story.”
Jason believed he had been doing everything he could to raise his kids. He had to accept the fact that he had missed the signs of Ryan’s secret, silent battle.
Jason believed he failed to ask the right questions, to engage in the difficult but necessary conversations with Ryan that may have helped his son in his battle with the dark.
And so this father started a foundation, ChooseLife.org.
Ryan was always talkative, telling his dad about his day and everything in between. And as a father, Jason thought he was protecting his family by being strong and shielding them from harm.
And yet whenever Ryan wanted to talk to him, he’d be on the phone with someone.
Jason just wants to tell Ryan that he’s sorry. And now he is sending out the message to others. To tell their story, and to listen to the children.
He is on a mission. Jason can only do so if others listen. If others tell their story.
So the next time a teenager, or anyone, comes up to you looking for a chat, listen. You never know if that person needs a listening ear. Listen to their story, and tell them yours.
Jason may not know you. But he could use all the help he can get. Do it for him. Do it for Ryan.
Listen to Jason and Ryan’s story below!
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