A girl at my kid's school just committed suicide.

[tblue]

We don't know her but she is only one year younger than my kid. She was very smart and accomplished and an athlete and pretty. 11th grade, the toughest year in school. I don't ask anything for my family. I am keeping a close watch on my kid's emotions over the coming weeks We are, I think, okay, just really shocked and shaken up.

But for this young lady's little brother and her other family and her friends, and her teachers who might blame themselves for not doing something, I ask your thoughts and/or prayers. May not have anything to do with it, but this is a very rigorous college prep school. Kids go to the highest rated colleges from there. They win national awards. They all take school very seriously. My kid is much less that way, works hard but is very balanced. Effort matters more in our household than grades and rankings. .

Over the last few weeks I've been obsessing about college admissions but I am reminded now that there are things much more important than that. If whatever happened to this poor girl is the price of success, it's not worth it to me anymore. I have to step back and have faith that things will work out. They will if we define success by our own terms. I'd rather have a kid content and at peace within, feeling loved and often joy, than a trophy child who cannot stand to go on living.

She was so young. I could not survive this if it was my kid. Can you imagine?

[elleng]

1. No, can't imagine.

:(

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Yes, I can, unfortunately.

I am sorry for the loss to your community. It is not something that will ever be gotten over...one can only attempt to survive. My thoughts are with you all.

[demmiblue]

3. You don't ask, but you most definitely need this...

:grouphug:

It is wise of you to monitor your child's emotions. And talk. I hope the other parents do the same... these events, sadly, can spur copycats.

I always tell demmikid that the most important thing in life is to be happy (also an overachiever type). Perhaps I should add that it is also important to just feel at peace (maybe even more important).

And a double :hug: for the girl's family. I can't even imagine this in my worst nightmares. I hope that, someday, they achieve some peace.

[easttexaslefty]

4. Thats what I used to say.

I couldn't survive the death of my child. You do though. Sort of. You stay for the people in your life who love you. that family is going to need tons of love & support. I hope they get it. Suicide sucks. :(

[seabeyond]

5. i am right there with you. my son is in 11th. told him just the other day, hardest of hard year.

i am so sorry for the girl. i hear what you are saying, and about all those that love you. and how you are seeing college and child able to get in and start his future.

just hear ya.

best to all

[AverageJoe90]

6. Poor girl. Sounds like she could have gone pretty far.........

That's just one more reason I HATE these darn prep schools. :(

[Initech]

7. Ugh I hate hearing stuff like this.

But for this kid it makes me wonder if the adults were putting too much pressure on her, bullying isn't just about what kids say to other kids, the parents can be responsible for some of it (or ignoring it altogether).