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I found out yesterday that a young teen had committed suicide. This may be an everyday occurrence in larger towns and cities but here it affects everyone. I did not know the young man. My son did they went to school together. This kind of pain is felt through our entire community and felt through about three cities (although very small). Then students at school are all posting on facebook how they loved and will miss this person now gone forever. There are some not going to school today because of it.

I simply can not fathom how his parents feel. I worry as a mother of a young teen about many things. I never worried about suicide until last night. Although my son says he didn’t really know the other kid and they were not close. My son was very angry and could not understand how some one could do that. Yet this child of 15 years has had a devastating impact on many lives now. His name is Travis. Travis I never personally met but now radiates comments of love and sadness through my internet realm.  Travis I can’t recall seeing but makes me wonder if I will ever know when my son feels the same way. Travis I can’t put a face too but haunts the halls of the school today as many morn for him. This was not a tragic car wreck, or hunting accident. This is so much worse. It affects me so much more.

How can a child (because at 15 I consider you a child) simply take their life? What could cause such loneliness? That is what i was told he was lonely. He wanted friends. Yet, from all appearances (facebook) this kid was so loved. Even teachers are posting that they can not understand.  How will our youth handle this? How do I handle this with my own children?  For some one I never knew you are affecting my life Travis.

Travis, you have opened my eyes. I can see that yes, it happens everywhere, especially here. You have made me more aware of how my children feel not just about things but about themselves. You have made me a more conscientious parent. Travis I thank you for that. However I am deeply saddened at how you did it.  Travis I am sorry I never knew you, but thanks for making more aware of the harsh realities of this life. I will have you family in my prayers. I’m sorry we never met.

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