May 28: Eat Cake for Breakfast Day

May 28: Eat Cake for Breakfast Day

Every day, ordinary people are making an extraordinary impact in mental health advocacy. Some do it through small gestures, others through grand initiative, but all of them share the same goal: breaking the silence surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. For Jennifer Peterson, that mission is deeply personal, inspired by her son James; a young man who lived life fully, exploring, giving, and brightening every space he entered.

A Tradition Turned Holiday

For years, Jennifer celebrated her son James’s birthday with cake for breakfast, a tradition that started when he was just three years old. James loved food, travel, and adventure, and the simple joy of eating cake in the morning was something that suited his vibrant personality.  After his passing in 2015, what had once been a simple, joyful ritual became something far more significant. Instead of letting grief consume her, Jennifer decided to continue the tradition, using it as a way to spark conversations about suicide awareness. 

May 28th is Eat Cake for Breakfast in Bed Day! What started as a private remembrance honoring James on his birthday soon spread beyond her circle. Friends, family, and local groups embraced the idea, fostering conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Jennifer encourages all to join her tradition while sharing information, resources, and encouraging caring conversations. 

Through this tradition, Jennifer found a purpose rooted in love, remembrance, and the hope that open dialogue could save lives. It’s a way to celebrate James. The boy who saw three-fourths of the country before he was 15, who loved rock climbing, video games, scouting, traveling, and animals (especially dogs, cats, and wolves). The boy who played piano and saxophone, gave his expensive new coat and lunch to a homeless man in NYC at age seven, and cried when his mother suggested retrieving it - because the man was cold and he wasn’t and it just was not fair.

James always struck Jennifer as a young man with an old soul. He stood up to bullies, helped others cook and set up camp, and carried his warmth and energy into every space he entered. He wanted to be a canine cop or a chef, dreamed of learning Italian, though Jennifer suspects he mostly just wanted to go to Italy. He would have gone backpacking around the world after graduation, and when he didn't make it, Jennifer honored his adventurous spirit by traveling to Australia in his place.

Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose  

Grief is complex, and for Jennifer, it’s been a journey of learning, sharing, and healing. Depression, loss, and the weight of memories pushed her into moments of deep reflection. She realized that she wasn’t alone. So many others were battling similar feelings, yet the conversations around suicide remained hesitant, hidden, or avoided. Jennifer wanted to change that.  

She began volunteering, facilitating discussions, and working toward establishing support groups to ensure that no one felt isolated in their struggles. With the encouragement of others in the suicide prevention space, she started taking steps to formalize these efforts, looking for ways to create safe spaces where people could share their grief, find hope, and support one another.  

Jennifer had always known James had a giving heart. He was selfless in ways that reflected his deep empathy for others, even as a child. The story of his coat and lunch was just one example of his unshakable kindness, but the way he stood up to bullies and supported his friends only cemented the values he carried throughout his life.

Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health

Jennifer believes in speaking openly; whether about loss, depression, or the realities of suicide prevention. She’s seen firsthand how avoiding difficult conversations can deepen suffering, and how honesty can be the bridge toward healing. Through events, community engagement, and her ongoing work with suicide awareness initiatives, she’s helping create environments where people feel empowered to talk, to ask for help, and to be there for others.  

She’s also passionate about teaching younger generations that vulnerability is strength. That it’s okay to speak up when struggling and even more important to listen when someone else is in need. James embodied this principle, and even in his absence, his legacy continues to encourage openness and support.

Finding Signs of Hope

Even in the midst of grief, Jennifer continues to find signs of hope. Whether through the community she's building or through small, unexpected moments. She finds pieces of James in the places he loved. The water, the mountains, the music, and the quiet moments that remind her of his old-soul wisdom.

She creates art, writes, and builds spaces like her memory garden, all dedicated to channeling emotion into something meaningful. Her goal is to turn pain into purpose, ensuring that James’s legacy continues to inspire and help others.

A Call to Action: Keep the Conversation Going 

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the power of sharing, of allowing grief to transform into action and advocacy. Her journey is just one example of how individuals can make a difference. Her openness and vulnerability can give others the courage to speak up, seek help and connection. 

Mental health awareness isn’t just about professionals or organizations - it’s about all of us. Whether it’s attending a local event, supporting a friend, or simply sharing a story, every effort matters.  

So, in honor of James, those we’ve lost, and those still with us let’s continue talking, listening, and supporting one another, because silence should never be an option.  And don’t forget to eat your dessert for breakfast in bed on May 28! 🎂 #JamesLivesOn