The heavy rain around here matches the mood in our hearts. In all of our hustle and bustle yesterday, we learned a high school freshman had committed suicide. Andrew did not have her in class and I did not know her, but Robert did and he is friends with her brother. I do not know the circumstances surrounding her death, and honestly, it doesn't matter. It is absolutely heartbreaking and there are no words to describe what her parents must be feeling. I am certain it is 1000 times worse than what I could imagine. Andrew was with the principals and counselors last evening when they were alerted, and I had to attend a meeting later with people who knew her well. I did not speak about it until it was brought up, and then it was only to confirm that it was indeed accurate information. Apparently this girl was the model student. Many people said she was always smiling, was very popular, and was a leader in everything she did. It is so very sad that there was apparently so much pain in her heart.
We sat down and had a long chat with Robert about it last evening. Sadly, because so many teenagers passed away while I was in high school, I was able to provide him some insight into how teenagers react. While I expect things to be mostly normal at his middle school, high school, especially in Andrew's freshmen classes, will be far from normal. As I explained to Andrew, there is no "go-to game plan" for dealing with such a thing. You just have to follow the kids' lead and go where it takes you. Of course counselors will be available to all during the day.
Last evening I was even having trouble praying for the family. I have an incredibly deep sense of faith, but praying for peace and comfort seemed futile...unattainable. It's all I can do right now though, and I ask that you please join me in doing so.
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