Family carves suicide prevention hotline in corn maze after tragedy: 'Your life matters'

Hope Schreiber
·Writer
A Wisconsin family used their annual corn maze for an important message this year, drawing attention to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (Photo: Facebook)
A Wisconsin family used their annual corn maze for an important message this year, drawing attention to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (Photo: Facebook)

Every year, a corn maze is carved at a Wisconsin's family's farm with a special theme; typically, that means featuring the Packers' logo or even Garth Brooks. However, this year, the Govin family used their field to send an important message following the passing of a family member: "Your life matters."

Govin's Meats & Berries in Menomonie shared the aerial view of their corn maze on their Facebook page this week. Below "your life matters," the family included the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number: 1-800-273-TALK.

“We have always picked a theme that has meaning to our family and this year suicide was something we unfortunately had to face and learn about,” they wrote on Facebook. “We hope to make a difference in someone's life and help them understand that they matter!”

John Govin told WQOW that the idea came to him naturally, but he worried about actualizing his vision. “Fall is a fun time,” Govin said. “You’re really celebrating a harvest, you’re celebrating everything that was good all summer long. And then to choose to do something like this…is it gonna drive people to your farm, or is it gonna drive them away?”

However, both John and his wife, Julie, on their way to their family member’s funeral, realized that this message was more important than just getting people to visit their farm.

“Everybody is somebody’s most important person,” Govin said through tears. “If we can make a difference, if we save a life this fall… that’s worth it.” The maze, which also has a section for children with an anti-bullying theme, is set to open on September 21.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or visit their website.

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