Precious Readers,
It breaks my heart to announce that over the weekend, another one of the students, a mere sophomore at the area I work in, committed suicide. I regret to inform you that I can no longer count the combined number of suicides and deaths by shooting in my area. My heart and prayers go out to this child’s family and loved ones. Out of respect for the family, I will comment no further on this particular incident.
The environment has been sorrowful, confusing, and heartbreaking. These are our community’s children. They are our future who have dashed their chances of changing the world, to love, and to be loved. They’ve barely scraped the surface of life. I know when I was in school, that felt mostly adult. Now, in my 30’s I can easily say, they’re kids. They’re children.
Let me assure you, we care about ALL of the kids. We care about their home life. We care about preserving their future.
WE CARE.
There are so many behind the scenes planning, processes, and protections in place for students, and even more so for students who ask for help.
WE CARE.
We have a team of counselors, a psychologist, and of course, the well-trained Admin team. Believe me, Admins do not take that job if they don’t have a passion for helping kids.
WE CARE.
It’s hard to be the first face these students see when theirs are soaked with tears, pain, and fear. It’s hard to not want to run over, hug all of them, and tell them that we’ll find a way to get through this together. That the world gets better. Life is so much MORE than high school. That life is worth living and experiencing. We have to be professional, but caring.
But, WE CARE.
I usually can’t do much, but I do what I can. It’s the small things. Listening to a person to vent their frustrations, or talk with them through it. It’s letting someone have a quiet moment to collect their thoughts. It’s offering a tissue when you and they have no words. It’s the little check ins of “Hey, how are you? Haven’t talked to you in a while.” Sitting silently with someone while they process their pain. I firmly believe it’s the little things that make such a difference, and it’s within my power to do so.
I CARE ABOUT YOU.
I come across hyper, manic, and over-interested when I ask how you are. I could blame the caffeine, but I can’t. I truly care about people. Whether we’re longtime friends and family, or if we’re only mere acquaintances, or have only met once, I genuinely care about what is going on in your life. Your adventures. during sad/bad times, and to support and celebrate the good things, both little and big.
I care about you. I care about us. I care about our world. I don’t care if you’re black, white, gay, straight, bi, gender-fluid, male, female, somewhere outside or in between. I want to see who you ARE. I don’t care what you look like. I will always support and do everything within my means to help you.
People, fellow human beings, I ask you one thing: Just love each other. SUPPORT each other, even if they’re different from you. Stop the petty bickering, the passive-aggressive “holier than thou” attitudes, the elitism. Let go of your ego. As of late, it feels like all I’ve heard from people’s mouths are words of disgust and ignorant hateful comments about our fellow human beings. Our fellow people. Our brothers and sisters of life.
Let’s not make a stand against each other, don’t criticize each other, don’t put each other down, let’s not judge each other. No matter your personal beliefs. Let’s end the hate. Let’s end the ignorance. Let’s break down the barrier that prevents us from seeing what is happening with others.
For me, it’s simple: If you respect me, I respect you. If you don’t respect me, I may not spend time with you anymore. But, if you were ever in trouble or hurt, I will willingly help you to the best of my ability. Even if we haven’t seen each other in years, I will always care about what is going on with you.
I am here with you, supporting you, cheering for you, ready to help you, whether you want it or not. I’m standing with you, ready to face whatever it is you’re facing. If it’s beyond my means, I will go out and find someone better qualified to stand with you on one side, with me on the other side. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When help is asked it is ALWAYS provided!
Let’s travel through life together. With each other. You’re not alone.
Resources:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/suicide.html
#EverybodyLoveEverybody #LifeLessons #SuicidePrevention #ToWriteLoveOnHerArms
Katherine Bacher 