A Year in Review
A Year in Review
First and foremost we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Holiday season with your families. We hope you stay safe and hope to see as many of you as possible during the year.
A Family’s Anguish: Losing a Child and a Brother
By Lou and Mary Jo Corsetti & Gordon's Sister, Caitlin
There are no words strong enough, no language tender enough to truly convey the pain of losing a child or a brother. It is a loss that leaves you breathless and broken, forever reshaping the path you walk. For us—Lou, Mary Jo, and Caitlin—Gordon was not just a son and brother; he was our light, our laughter, and a source of joy that made life whole. Losing him felt like losing the very heart of our family.
In this journey of grief, putting these words together feels deeply personal, yet deeply necessary. Writing helps us process our thoughts and emotions, and sometimes we do so as a family—my bride Mary Jo, our daughter Caitlin, and myself. It is a small catharsis for us, a way to honor Gordon’s life and the impact he had on everyone around him.
We don’t share this for sympathy or to place any burden on those who care for us. Instead, we want to express how much your presence and kindness mean to us. Whether it’s a simple text, an email, a phone call, or a social media post, every small act of support becomes a point of light that helps guide us through the darkness. These moments—your love and care—mean more than we can ever say. You remain part of our family, and we are so grateful to have you in our lives as we continue to honor Gordon’s legacy.
The anguish of losing Gordon is a weight we carry every day, one that will never truly lift. It’s the silence where his laughter used to be, the empty chair at our table, the memories that bring both joy and tears. Yet through it all, we are learning to carry his love forward. Grief does not diminish love; it amplifies it. It reminds us how deeply someone mattered, how profoundly they were loved, and how their spirit remains with us even now.
Caitlin feels this loss in her own profound way as Gordon’s sister. “Gordon was my big brother—my protector, my friend, my confidant. His absence is so much more than moments missed; it’s part of the world that no longer feels whole. I see him in songs we shared, in childhood memories, and in the quiet moments when I wish I could turn to him for advice or a laugh. I will always carry him with me.”
As a family, we are committed to honoring Gordon’s memory through action, love, and connection. We share his story because his life mattered, because his struggles can shine a light for others who feel alone, and because we want to help those who might be walking a similar road.
To those of you who continue to hold us close, please know how much you mean to us. Your support reminds us that we are not walking this journey alone. Through your kindness, you help us keep Gordon’s memory alive, and for that, we are forever grateful.
For every family who knows this pain, for every parent, sibling, or friend who has experienced this kind of loss, we want you to know that you are not alone. Grief is a path we did not choose, but we walk it with love in our hearts. Gordon is with us always—his light guiding us, his memory lifting us, and his love reminding us to keep moving forward.
In loving memory of Gordon Corsetti—our son, Caitlin’s brother, our forever light. Thank you for being part of our lives and for helping us keep his light shining.
Here are some posts from this year as I do my best to keep Gordon's website meaningful and relevant. I encourage you to take a moment to read some of Gordon's posts—they are truly incredible and filled with wisdom. His words may resonate with you or perhaps help someone you know who needs a little support.
In the immortal words of Gordon: "It's OK, not to be OK."
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In 2024, the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation continued its mission to provide resources and support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The foundation's blog featured several poignant articles that highlighted personal stories, community engagements, and the importance of support networks.
A Little Piece of Joy
In November, Lou Corsetti shared a heartfelt reflection on finding moments of joy amidst grief. He recounted how Nick Luisi ran the New York City Marathon in honor of the foundation, embodying the spirit of "No Let Up" and "Take Care of Your Crew." This act served as a reminder of the enduring impact of community support in the journey toward mental wellness.
Stepping Up with Sigma Chi
October saw Lou Corsetti speaking to over 200 fraternity brothers at the University of Georgia. The engagement emphasized the significance of mutual support concerning mental health. The fraternity's initiative, "The Fight Against Suicide," successfully raised over $200,000, demonstrating the power of collective action in combating mental health challenges.
That's What Friends Are For!
In June, Lou reflected on the unwavering support of his lifelong friends, particularly during challenging times. He emphasized the importance of maintaining connections and the simple yet profound act of reaching out to loved ones, encapsulated in the advice: "Make the call."
Ron and Gordon
May's entry delved into the deep bonds of friendship and mentorship. Lou reminisced about his friend, Ron Mallonee, and the lasting impact of his son, Gordon. The narrative underscored the significance of preserving legacies and the continuous effort to keep loved ones' memories alive through storytelling and shared experiences.
All About the Hug!
In April, the blog highlighted the profound impact of simple gestures, such as a hug, in providing comfort and connection. The article explored how physical expressions of support can play a crucial role in mental health, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Throughout 2024, the foundation's blog served as a platform for sharing personal narratives and community initiatives, reinforcing the importance of connection, support, and proactive engagement in mental health advocacy. These stories not only honored the memories of those lost but also inspired ongoing efforts to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
For more insights and resources, visit the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation's blog.
If you would like to Donate to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation please click here