findingcolorinthedarkness

Interview with Aspen Ridge

Aspen Ridge is a force to be reckoned with. Beginning in early childhood, Aspen suffered through multiple traumas, as well as clinical mental illness. While attending college, she attempted suicide, but someone had an impulse to do a wellness check. We’re glad that person, whoever they are, took action and followed up on that impulse. It saved Aspen’s life. It’s been over ten years, and we’re grateful she’s still here, and able to share her story. Aspen’s father was a gifted drummer and former tour manager for Foghat and Blue Oyster Cult. Like her father, Aspen is a talented musician, song writer, and singer. She refers to her songs as “diary entries,” as they are deeply personal and reveal both her pain and her resilience while portraying a profound introspection.

Interview with Guy D'Ambrosio who lost his 24 year old son, Cameron (photo on left), to suicide in November, 2019

This month’s Finding Color in the Darkness podcast features an interview with Guy D’Ambrosio, who lost his 24 year old son, Cameron, to suicide in November of 2019. In this interview, Guy openly and boldly shares his heartache, insights, reflections, and his eternal and powerful love for his son. Guy also shares how he has managed to find both hope and strength in the aftermath of his son’s suicide. A sales manager in manufacturing by trade, Guy is, as was Cameron, an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He lives with his wife, Michelle, in Merrimack Valley, located in Massachusetts. Guy and Michelle are the proud parents of their daughter, Brianna, and son, Cameron. As Morrie, the subject of Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie, was quoted as saying, “Death ends a life, not a relationship.”

Interview with Peruvian native and American citizen, Ana Guzman

In 1982, 10 year-old Ana Guzman and her family left behind a once comfortable lifestyle in Peru to find safety in the U.S. The obstacles of trying to assimilate into a new culture and the challenges posed by the language barrier had adverse effects on the family. Ana explains that “The silent code of all immigrants is, we don’t talk about it, we just bow down and are taught not to ask, just do as you’re told...it was a humbling experience” which drastically weakened the family bonds. Ana managed to overcome her hardships, married, and became a mom to a beautiful son, Julian. The marriage ended in divorce, but Ana was happy in her career and loved being Julian’s mom. Just over two years ago, however, a tragedy occurred that forever changed Ana’s life. Listen to Ana’s story, and hear Julian’s guitar playing between Ana's recollections, as she describes her life’s journey: both its peaks and deep valleys of despair, ultimately finding resilience and hope to move forward, determined to fight for happiness in the darkest of times.

Interview with retired Boston Police Sergeant, Sheryll Pichon

Retired Boston Police Sergeant, Sheryll Pichon, was the first black woman to be promoted to the rank of sergeant in the history of the Boston Police Department. Her duties included, but were not limited to, district patrol & duty supervisor, critical incident responder and peer stress unit counselor. Along with the typical vast array of police critical incidents, she often responded to and supervised countless suicide scenes. Throughout her career, Pichon was a highly respected officer and supervisor. She was a sought out speaker, often selected by the Department as a worthy representative. After nearly 32 years of service, she retired in 2009, the year after the death, by suicide, of her own daughter and only child.

Interview with Dr. Kim L. Gaddy, retired Boston Police sergeant detective

Dr. Kim L. Gaddy retired as a sergeant detective from the Boston Police force after serving 36 years. Dr. Gaddy was one of only three other females in the history of the department to serve as a district-level Detective Supervisor. She has received many commendations from various organizations and institutions, within and beyond Massachusetts, for her commitment and contributions to progressive law enforcement advancements. Dr. Gaddy continues her research in the areas of the history of women in law enforcement and other establishments. She lectures at colleges, universities, and other service agencies, and serves as an elected commissioner on the President’s Committee of Wheaton College.