Jason Stillwell, of Independence, counts the days since his life forever changed. In January 2018, his father’s car was found on a bridge over the Missouri River. Stillwell said he believes his father took his own life.Each day since, he also has found someone to play catch with him. He calls is "catching up." He takes a picture, posts it to Instagram, along with a word of the day, a quote of that word and the suicide hotline. "The first time they throw the ball back to me, you see that smile come out because they haven't played catch in a while. (It) just brightens somebody's day, you know?" Stillwell said.He said that while he can’t bring his dad back, he knows he can bring joy and support to others -- whether they are friends, family or complete strangers. "At the end of the day, life is good. It truly is," Stillwell said.

Jason Stillwell, of Independence, counts the days since his life forever changed.


In January 2018, his father’s car was found on a bridge over the Missouri River. Stillwell said he believes his father took his own life.

Each day since, he also has found someone to play catch with him. He calls is "catching up." He takes a picture, posts it to Instagram, along with a word of the day, a quote of that word and the suicide hotline.

"The first time they throw the ball back to me, you see that smile come out because they haven't played catch in a while. (It) just brightens somebody's day, you know?" Stillwell said.

He said that while he can’t bring his dad back, he knows he can bring joy and support to others -- whether they are friends, family or complete strangers.

"At the end of the day, life is good. It truly is," Stillwell said.