That Moment You're the Last Person to Hear Someone Alive

Storyteller Brian Finkelstein shares a memory from his time as a crisis hotline volunteer. "SoulPancake LIVE: An Evening on Mental Health" was an on-stage event in Downtown Los Angeles with host Alison Becker, featuring special guests Karamo Brown, Brian Finkelstein, Italome Ohikhuare, Meadow Mountain and more!
Sponsored by Why We Rise, benefitting Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support in the US.

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[MightyMako]

“But every once in a while there are those perfect life moments. And that’s enough. Because it has to be.”

Wow.

[sarahdiane]

"It's enough because it has to be." I like that.

[yuli_]

I think "Strawberry ice cream" meant a lot to me because of what I think is a deeper meaning. If she was answering the question then I think she was still thinking about the memory... and in a way, I feel relief that she got to relive that memory of a happy day before she passed away.

[ep]

When you want to die, but you can’t understand why when there’s a roof over your head, clean water, food to eat, clothes to wear ...but somehow your brain is trying to kill you with thoughts of dying. Doesn’t seem scary unless you’ve experienced it.

[scrally]

I come back to this video every once in a while to remind myself that life is not about being happy every day. It is about those perfect (little) moments even it is „just“ strawberry ice cream

[Buckleshankington]

I lost it at strawberry ice cream, hit me right in the chest. Stories like this are so important.

[Animbating]

Risky click for me... didn't want to feel sad so early in the morning! This was very funny, interesting and thought provoking. Thank you!

[Angel-ddrr]

I originally heard this story on the radio about 5 years ago. It still amazes me how Brian is able to weave humor into a story like this, yet remain so respectful of young Amy.

[EllieDolby]

I loved this so much. It was so pure and to see the change in his tone of voice and the way he presented the story, he gave dignity to the people he helped and to Amy. His view on life is true and I think that's why I liked this so much. I appreciate things like this being done because even just videos like this could spark a conversation or a realisation with someone experiencing something like he did. Thank you, SoulPancake & Brian for sharing this story :)

[Nicole-fxei]

"You know what? Some days you just have to hear it. At least you're not a worm." - Tyler Joseph

[stinkee]

This video got me to call the Suicide Prevention hotline a second ago. Now I feel like I'm more on track to receive the help I need. If you see this comment and you need help, reach out. You don't even need to be actively suicidal to call, they can help if you're overwhelmed and don't know what to do. If I can do it, so can you ❤

[marilynchau]

“At the heart of all suicide is strong ambivalence. People most often don’t want to do it. People do it, because it gets too much.” 😞😞

[lunalucia]

I've recently been diagnosed with depression for the second time in nine years - I'm only 23. I've thought about ending it several times, but each time I would remember what someone said to me once: "suicide doesn't end the pain, it passes it on to those who are left behind."

[TheRealJakeSwan]

That blindsided me. I figured a level of sorrow but i feel devastated. Extremely moving, but nonetheless devastating.

[HanaBryanne]

it’s not even ten in the morning and i’m crying my eyes out

[katburgert]

This was beautiful. He had a way of making this video so funny, in a dark way that feels like something only people who have felt this could fully understand. And the story telling was great. I'm so glad this video was as hopeful as it was, and that I decided to watch it.

[Tiger]

Damn, that's painful. Here's to you, Amy.

[itzyourmom]

RIP Amy Walters. You were a beautiful soul.

[omgsicle]

Truly shocked this video doesn't have at least a million views. I watched this a year ago and I still think of this story and that girl often. This video deserves so much exposure.

[resiseven]

I think about this story at least once a month after first hearing it on The Moth several years ago. I struggle hsrd with depression and have recently slipped into some unusually strong suicidal urges. Listening to this brings me comfort. I'll probably have to call a hotline some time soon, and when I do, I hope it's someone like Brian on the other end of thr phone.