<p>Sadly, a young man who was a senior in high school in our community took his own life yesterday. So instead of getting ready for prom and graduation, his classmates are preparing for a funeral. I cannot imagine the grief his family and friends are feeling and my heart goes out to them. But for the rest of us, I hope his untimely death can serve as a reminder to us to remember that it doesn't really matter at all where our kids go to college, or what scholarships they receive or whether or not they are class valedictorian or class clown. What matters is that our kids know we love them.</p>
<p>So today, when your son or daughter comes home stressed out and complaining or sulky and demanding, or happy and elated just stop everything and give them a big hug and let them know how special they are.</p>
<p>nunofyour - This happened in our community last July, and you are so right. We were fortunate to have a wonderful resource in our area, Center for Grieving Children, who at the courageous parents' of the suicide victim's request, came into our community to work with his classmates, underclassmen, parents and all to provide a resource in the grieving and learning process. I hope you have something similar in yours. At the time, my S was a junior. But I became aware of how much support the seniors needed as they were about to leave their home and support systems in a matter of 60 days.</p>
<p>Thank you for bringing us back to reality. </p>
<p>All over this thread are parents saying they are stressed because of so many options. And feeling ever so guilty about all their riches of choices. While some will never have anymore. A girl in my Ds class killed herself over New Years. This girl had seemingly everything going for her. But it seemed she felt she never lived up to everyone expectations. So sad. When kids are surrounded by such "successes" in others, no matter how wonderful they are, many feel inadequate and a disappointment to their families, so they want to disappear. They don't realize that much of what they see is warped and twisted, and they have so much to offer and give.</p>
<p>My heart aches for those kids, and right know, we as parents need to be vigilant with our own actions and words and expectations. Kids read these threads and think they will never be as good as those that post here. When they see kids being accepted seemingly everywhere, they wonder how they failed. The timing of this young man's suicide is telling. Not knowing what was going on, I will make no assumptions. But I know I will be very aware of what I say.</p>
<p>Nun, that definitely serves to put things into perspective for all of us. What heartache and sorrow for the family, forever. We had that in our H.S. a few years ago, and it was a brilliant student, captain of swim team and football team, ED to Brown etc.</p>
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I also got a reality check when I googled "johns hopkins" and "waiting list" and came up with websites about people waiting for donor organs
<p>A close friend of my daughters also committed suicide just over a year ago. The heartbreak for her parents will never go away. My daughter and her friends are still dealing with the repercussions, so look out for the kids left behind. It takes a long time to heal from this when you are a teenager (or adult).</p>
<p>wow...i just posted my thread similar to this: moms, wat should i do w/ my mom. n now i'm reading this. it is that serious.. i wish my mom read this, but itz never gonna happen</p>
<p>thanks for the slap back to reality. things are getting edgy for us at this time and this post reminds me to just keep thinking about what's really important. as soon as i see my daughter i will give her the biggest hug i can</p>
<p>Thanks, nun.... We are fortunate in that nothing like that has occurred in our community (yet, or recently). It surely is terrible when it does occur.</p>