JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Rachel Rafferty’s suicide last week won’t be the last in Wyoming. It’s been a problem in the Cowboy State for quite a while. Wyoming ranks at or near the top of the list for suicides per capita.
Rafferty in fact joins a growing list of those choosing to end their lives on Elk Refuge Road—where a kindred company of lost souls content, perhaps, to spend their final moments communing with the perfect awe of nature, parked their car and pulled out a gun.
They leave behind friends and families.
They miss their own memorial services, evenings so loving, so tender and caring, suicide victims would maybe never have picked such a permanent end to begin with if they knew how many cared.
Telling their stories helps ease the grief of those left behind. And, as “Carl” puts it, “If we can help one person by telling Rae Rae’s story, it will be a victory.”
In Carl’s words:
Family and friends shuffled into a somber atmosphere at King’s Grill Monday evening. They gathered to remember and celebrate the life and love of Rachel Rafferty, a 24-year-old woman with the a heart overflowing with joy. Her brilliance was enough to rival Jackson Lake on a sunny August afternoon.
A playlist of songs Rachel’s friends remembered her by was accompanied a slideshow. The photographs highlighted the trail of joy, love, and friendship that Rachel walked during her time in the Tetons, a place that captured her heart with its beauty.
Rachel’s family arrived to a room filled with dozens of friends. They were overwhelmed by the impact Rachel had on so many, in such a short period of time.
Her father Gary opened up boldly by saying, “We are strong Christians and we know that Rachel is with our Lord in heaven, but that doesn’t take away from the devastation that we are experiencing in losing her here on earth.”
Kris, Rachel’s mother, was shocked by the number of friends that showed up to support Rachel.
“I thought we were going to get to meet maybe ten or twelve of her friends when we got here. I had no idea that she touched this many people’s lives”, Kris said.
Pastor Brian Hunter from TRIBE Church opened up the time for sharing with a prayer, asking those with questions turn to the church community. One by one friends stood up to share their story of how they met Rachel. Each story gave its significant stroke to paint an elegant portrait of her life, bringing forth tears, laughs, and applause.
Kris courageously spoke about the impact that she knows Rachel wanted to have on each person she met. Rachel poured out light because she had a source that filled her. Kris says that source is her heavenly Father with whom she is now with for eternity.
Kris closed, “If you want to experience more of what Rachel shared with you, I urge you, go to the source and never stop seeking it.”
Jonathan and Daniel, Rachel’s brothers, also shared stories from childhood of both innocent mischief and goofiness. All present could verify that not much had changed. Rachel’s family expressed their gratitude for all of her friends who love her and went on to thank everyone for the support throughout the evening.
Lissa Hunter, TRIBE worship leader, helped close the time of sharing by playing Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” on her guitar. Friends and family joined the chorus of overwhelming and never-ending love that Rachel shared here on earth.
A scholarship will be created by Rachel’s family to underwrite and inspire young photographers to pursue the beauty that Rachel chased in Jackson Hole. They hope it brings forth more like-minded artists, like her, to capture and share the mountain range that captivated Rachel Rafferty’s heart.
