Maybe It Is Enough

In November one of the freshmen girls in Cal's class committed suicide by stepping in front of a train.  Obviously, that was a horrible event for the students.  I had known the girl since she was in early elementary school and I felt awful for her friends and family.  We talked to the boys about suicide, feelings of despair and let them know there is nothing that we couldn't or wouldn't help them with.  The high school sent home a letter and provided counseling for anyone who needed extra help dealing with this situation.

Then the Sandy Hook tragedy took place.  Another sad topic that was all over the news.  I decided not to watch TV during that time period.  It was too sad to think about.  School safety was a big topic and classroom doors are now locked at all times.  My students and I talked about what they should do in that situation and where they would go.  What my classes felt they learned from that horrible event was  to listen to the teacher and trust him/her if she tells you to hide in closet, crawl out of the window, etc.

In January, the unbelievable happened as a sophomore at our high school committed suicide.  News traveled fast as the story broke during a Friday night basketball game - more sad news in such a small town.  Administrators met and decided to bring a motivational speaker to our town to help our community cope.  Meg and I went to hear him speak and the boys listened to him at an assembly during the school day.  He did a great job, told some fun stories and was very encouraging.  Within a week after this visit another student at the high school tried to take his life as well.

So many feelings were expressed by members of our community - panic, sadness, shock.  I just kept thinking Spring would come, then maybe we could all start feeling happy again.  This week the ministerial society brought in a motivational group that sang, put on skits and encouraged the middle
school and high school students.  I listened to some of my students talk afterward and they expressed
the same thoughts that my own children had - "It was nice to have a convocation, but we are ready to be happy again."  Maybe it is enough - we have talked, cried, and stood together.  Now we can move on, not forget, but live outside of the fear, panic and grief.  Spring is a time of renewal.  I am glad that it is here.