Okay, so I just found out that another of my former students committed suicide. Twenty years old and killed himself. To all of my friends and former students, STOP. I’m going to give you three reasons not to kill yourself.
First, for those who may not know, here is my background. In the last few years., I’ve watched my wife of 39 years fight a losing battle with cancer. Five weeks after she passed away my mother passed away. If anyone has a reason to “checkout” it’s me. But I won’t. Here is why:
Reason 1, It’s the cowards way out. My life sucks right now but I’m not wiling to put my death on anyone else’s soul. If you kill yourself, everyone you know is going to wonder for the rest of their lives what they could have done to stoop you. Ask for help. There are lots of people who will work with you to get things turned around. Have the courage to ask for help.
Reason 2, Things get better. Right now, I have some really horrible depressing days, but I also have some really good days. The good days are coming more often and the the bad days less. If I were to end it, I will never have the chance to see those better days.
Reason 3. Your life has a purpose. We don’t know why we are here and if we kill ourselves, we will never find out. Maybe the reason I’m still here is to mentor a future world leader. Or maybe it’s just to help a bunch of eleven year olds get through life. Either way, i’m good. You could be the person that cures cancer or saves the world.
To all of my friends, family, and former students, you know where to find me. If you need to talk, i’m there for you . If you need a hug, I’m there for you.
Stay safe and stay alive.