It’s been half a year since Janelle Brown got the last call any parent wants to hear.
As is now well documented, the reality star’s son Garrison died by suicide at the age of 25.
It’s absolutely terrible.
To make matters worse… Garrison was discovered by his brother Gabe, who went to check on Garrison after their mother received a shocking text message from him the night before.
Garrison’s roommates said in interviews with authorities shortly afterward that their friend had been struggling with depression and was drinking heavily.
According to the autopsy, Garrison’s blood alcohol content at the time of death was 0.307%.
Fast forward to last Thursday, Janelle posted a photo of herself and her son on Instagram with a caption that paid tribute to Garrison.
“Six months ago today, you left,” the “Sister Wives” actor wrote. “You appear in my photo memories almost every day. Sometimes you don’t seem to disappear. Then I remember I won’t get calls or texts from you anymore, and it all comes back to me.
We really can’t imagine what Janelle Brown has been through.
“I know you fought hard, but ultimately you just couldn’t stay,” she continued on September 5.
“I love you very much and I will see you again when my journey is over.”
Jenelle also paid tribute to Garrison on other occasions, most notably in April when he celebrated his 26th birthday just weeks after the tragedy.
“Happy birthday, my love. We miss you so much today. It’s hard to believe you’re not here anymore,” Jenelle wrote at the time, adding:
“Sometimes I still feel you near.
“I’m grateful that we will see each other again when my journey is over.”
Meanwhile, Maddie Brown also paid tribute to her late brother this week, sharing a carousel of photos of Garrison and his nephew, as well as photos of her and Garrison as children.
Out of respect, our heartfelt tribute to her will remain in full. that’s all…
It’s been six months since this beautiful soul left us and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. In some ways I feel like he is more present in my mind now, which is probably a sad truth for many who have lost a loved one in this way.
I am constantly reminded of how many people are touched by this loss. Every day, I receive letters from people like me who are blindsided by the sudden absence of a loved one. Sometimes it’s bullying, sometimes it’s loneliness, sometimes it’s mental health, and I don’t think we fully understand that.
My brother Garrison also struggled, but none of us saw any signs. We were really caught off guard. We talked often and my mom’s kids have always been close even as life changed around us. Garrison is sarcastic and witty, and in the serious moments he seems almost uncomfortable with it – like he has a hard time showing vulnerability.
I miss him terribly, but the truth is, I don’t know how to talk about it. His passing came as a surprise to all of us. It made me wonder─would things change if we talked about mental health more openly? I can never be sure. But what I do know is that the hurt doesn’t go away. It just transfers. Sometimes, it feels amplified.
To anyone who has been touched by this loss, my heart goes out to you. You’re not the only one suffering, and it’s okay not to have all the answers to your questions.
