Canadian Buffoon's Disney With a Teen Vacation - 08/13 - The Wrap

[pkondz]

No... seriously... I didn't abandon the TR.
Just busy with home stuff and whatnot.
I expect to get to all the shout-outs starting...

probably, Saturday?

And I'll have an update on the fundraising
evening for Molly, too!

 

[franandaj]

No... seriously... I didn't abandon the TR.
Just busy with home stuff and whatnot.
I expect to get to all the shout-outs starting...

probably, Saturday?

And I'll have an update on the fundraising
evening for Molly, too!

Just giving you a heads up. I know you've been busy and I want to give my readers time but I'm thinking that the next update may happen this Sunday. Update why will be on the TR, but I started a contest. Don't want you to miss out on the first round of questions so your time may be limited!

 

[pkondz]

Just giving you a heads up. I know you've been busy and I want to give my readers time but I'm thinking that the next update may happen this Sunday. Update why will be on the TR, but I started a contest. Don't want you to miss out on the first round of questions so your time may be limited!

Okay, thanks for the heads up!

 

[Steppesister]

No... seriously... I didn't abandon the TR.
Just busy with home stuff and whatnot.
I expect to get to all the shout-outs starting...

probably, Saturday?

We get it. We really do. Activity both at home and spare time seem to go in waves and cycles. Don't worry about a constant presence; we'll be here to keep you company when you're back. Everyone understands real life happens too.

 

[MHSweb79]

De-lurking. I've been skimming (except for the Molly report- that one I read all the way through. What a heartbreaker.) I've forced myself to poke myself up out of the rabbit hole I've been sucked into ever since I got back from visiting my folks in Florida. See, my mother asked me to look into her mother's genealogy since her mother emigrated from French Canadia back in the 1920's/ 1930's and never looked back - anglicized her name and never talked about her life as a child. She was an American now!

Anyone out there who has done any genealogy research knows that it can get all-consuming. And those French-Canadian families had TONS of kids! (Must be the cold weather). AND I don't speak French-Canadian! Waaaaah! But I've learned a lot and I've stopped calling my mother every 5 minutes to report something new. I'm going to put together a binder of everything I've found, hopefully soon. I did find out what a brutal life my grandmother had in New Brunswick and even though her life in Boston was tough, it wasn't ANYTHING like what she went through as a child.

Back on topic. I'll submit my guesses before the new update goes up:

1. One last excursion before we leave.
What is it? VOLCANO TOUR
2. What treat did we eat? (again) SHAVE ICE
3. Might as well keep the trend going...
How many beaches do we visit? 3
4. Did you see it? Of course you did.
It was obvious. If you didn't, don't wine.
Just go back and look.
Bonus points if you saw it. DON'T FLY PKONDZ AIRWAYS WITHOUT A BREATHYLIZER!
5. So you saw it. But did you see the other one?
More bonus points if you did. GO DONALD!
6. What place do we re-visit for a sugary snack? KRISPY KREME
7. Who gets picked for TSA pre-check? RUBY
8. Who gets patted down at security? PKONDZ
9. Our flight was not on time.
Early or late? How early or how late? LATE BY ONE HOUR
10. What do I unfortunately have to do
when we get home? SHOVEL SNOW

 

[orangecats2]

Gotta get these in even though I don't expect to win.

1. One last excursion before we leave.
What is it? VOLCANO
2. What treat did we eat? (again) SHAVE ICE
3. Might as well keep the trend going...
How many beaches do we visit? 1
4. Did you see it? Of course you did.
It was obvious. If you didn't, don't wine.
Just go back and look.
Bonus points if you saw it. Fly Ponzi
5. So you saw it. But did you see the other one?
More bonus points if you did. yes, Donald
6. What place do we re-visit for a sugary snack? KRISPY KREME
7. Who gets picked for TSA pre-check? RUBY
8. Who gets patted down at security? Ponzi
9. Our flight was not on time.
Early or late? How early or how late? Late by 15 minutes
10. What do I unfortunately have to do
when we get home? SHOVEL SNOW

 

[franandaj]

OK, I don't think I ever changed my answers after I said I was going to.....

Changes are in Red.


Volcano (what the heck? You don't have to only enjoy it at sunrise!)

The shrimp

3

How drunk do they get when they drink the wine?

mentioned it above, But it was Donald.

Krispy Kreme, I hope I don't regret this one.

Kay

Elle

Late. 20 minutes.

Shovel snow.

 

[Heluvsme]

Tears are healing. And cleansing. It's perfectly OK to show your humanness.

Our nephew committed suicide 6 years ago, by hanging himself. He was 20. Community coming together helps. Tributes and shows of support helps. Mental and emotional illness shouldn't be stigmatized, and maybe with a lot more compassion, like the beautiful show of it your daughters and their school mates have shown, just maybe it won't be a shameful issue anymore. When someone feels like death is the only way out, my heart breaks, and my tears fall.

I'm so glad Molly has survived, and seems to be doing better....she has a mission to share, a mighty and important lesson to pass along.....

Blessings,
Dawn

 

[pkondz]

Okay! Got some time to get to these shout-outs!

Before I reply individually,
I just wanted to thank everyone who
offered up such kind words on Molly's behalf.
Some of your comments were thought provoking,
others were heartbreaking.
I thank you for those comments.

That was beautiful.

Thanks Alison.

I can't even begin to tell you how confused I was in high school. I wanted to kill myself on multiple occasions, but I was just too afraid.

And I'm so very glad you were afraid.
We would be lesser with your absence.

I didn't understand all the things going on in my head and it took at least another 15 or more years for them to work themselves out.

Wow. That's a long time to have to wait.
So glad they've worked themselves out.

I'm glad I was a coward because I like to think I now have a pretty sweet life, even it has it's glitches sometimes.

And that's just it, isn't it?
I could be over simplifying (probably am)
but I really don't think kids get
how small a part of their lives
high school really is.

I'm really sorry about Molly.

Thanks again.

What a special night that must have been.

It was the most emotional evening I think I've been to.

You wrote that beautifully.

Aw, thanks. But it's really not about me.
Her story and the kids who put on the evening
just wrote itself.

We'll keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks, appreciated that.

High school can be very hard. I definitely was not in on the popular crowd and they do let you know it. My class had a young boy who committed suicide behind the fields. I remember he had a meeting with a guidance counselor and his dad about dropping out. He was so unhappy (kids were mean). His dad refused. A day later they found him.

Oh, man. That's terrible... and I can totally relate.
When Elle was bullied in grade 11,
she wanted to never go to school again.
Ruby discussed switching schools.
I was against it.
"Gotta man up! Don't let the bullies win!"

Yeah. I never said I was smart.
Usually I'm an idiot.
At that time, more so than others.

Upshot was, I finally saw the light
and she switched schools.

Best decision we ever made.

You are absolutely right that they need more than one day devoted to mental health in high school. I think kids are so confused at that age and just trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be.

Ugh. Yeah, no kidding.
And the one day was apparently just a joke, too.
Maybe this will encourage the school to do more.


But (unfortunately) I doubt it.

It sounds like you being there and supporting the cause truly meant a lot to Kay. Elle also wanted to be a part of it. What a beautiful young ladies you have raised!

There was no way I wasn't going to be there for her!
And yes... they are pretty special if I do say so myself.

They get that from their mother, of course.

I think I may be allergic to real life updates *sniff sniff*

Sorry about that. <smile>

It hits close to home for anyone with daughters.

No kidding.
I think that's exactly why it hit me so hard.
I totally feel like "I could be that Dad."

So difficult that one moment in time can turn into such a lonely decision - I hope that Molly and her family have continued strength for the road ahead, with support from their friends and community. How wonderful that she has made such progress so far.

It's really amazing how far she's come...
considering they (doctors) didn't expect any recovery at all.

But yes... there's definitely a long way to go.

I just read your real life post about Molly and I'm struggling with what to say.

<sigh> I know, Lu.
I had a heck of a time writing about it.

It's so sad that she felt that that was her only option. High school can be such a hard time (I remember some very hard times during my high school experience) and it's even harder for kids to remember it's only a small, small part, that they have their whole lives to find out who they are and what they want.

Yes, exactly.
The average life expectancy for women in Canada is 82.

High school is such a small part of that!

But of course, if you're living it now...

As a society we are so afraid of talking about mental health making it so much harder for people to express how they are feeling and get the help they need and then sadly, more times than it ever should, leading them to feel suicide is their only option.

It's still hardly talked about,
but it's the second most common
cause of death for Canadian teens.

Second!!
(behind all forms of accidents)

In earlier times, it was considered taboo
to talk about it.
People would go to great lengths
to cover up a family member's suicide.

Some of that taboo still lingers, I think.

I really, truly hope that Molly continues to recover and improve.

Thanks, Lu. Me too. Long road ahead.

What a wonderful thing for her friend, the students and community did to support Molly and her family.

It was an absolutely amazing evening.
I'll have more to say on that in a bit.

You really have raised two lovely, caring girls.

Thanks! It's all Ruby's doing.
I'm just along to provide Dad jokes.

(p.s. I think this post gives you some MAJOR points towards getting that man card back.)

Awww....
I just told the story.
It's all about Molly and the kids.

 

[pkondz]

Wow what a story. I would have cried too.

Thanks, it was both tough... and wonderful.

Especially about the part where she seemed like such a happy girl and involved in so many things...so scary that it could happen to anyone and you don't expect it.

I know! When I first saw her picture,
it was like someone punched me in the gut.

But what a wonderful community you have.

We're often busy with our own lives
and our own problems...
But once in a while, something happens
and people rally to a cause.

Thank you for sharing. What a powerful story.

You're welcome.
I'm just the messenger.
It's all about those kids and Molly.

We have so far to go when it comes to mental health, but it sounds like the young people at your daughter's school are headed in the right direction.

It does, doesn't it?
And I will go further and say this
They're doing it in spite of the schools.

I'm so sorry that they could have lost a friend that day, and that Molly is making progress.

They're lucky that she survived
(as is Molly herself of course)
I hope she can continue on the road to recovery
wherever that may lead.

Thank you for sharing that story.

You're welcome.

The teenage years can be so confusing and difficult. As time passes we forget what it can be like.

I was just reminded of that yesterday, actually.
Kay told me of a problem she was having.
I immediately saw all the issues
and saw it as no big deal.

Well it was a big deal to her.

She's still a kid, not an adult.

Stories like Molly's help to remind us of how some kids struggle. Something I always try to keep in mind while raising my girls, one of them in the midst of the teenage years.

And that's just why this hit me so hard.
Wayyyyy too close to home.

How wonderful of Kay to participate in that cause.

I'm very proud of her.

You're lucky to have such a generous and responsible young lady.

All Ruby's doing.
If it were just me, she'd be horrible.

As for the man card, you wear yours proudly, sir. You've earned it.

Nah... It's all the kids.
I just put it down in writing.

Man I should not have read your post at work - had to blame all those ninjas cutting onions nearby.

Those ninjas'll getcha everytime.

You and Ruby should be so proud of the wonderful young women you've raised.

We are. And they are wonderful.

Mental health unfortunately suffers when it comes to awareness and funding as it is not an illness with visible symptoms.

Unfortunately... yes.

Thankfully it appears that governments and other organisations are starting to spread the message that mental health is as important to take care of as your physical health.

There's a really good commercial
that was on recently here.
It showed various people's reactions
to others with mental health issues.
First would be the "Oh, come on." reactions
then it would be a more understanding one.

We've experienced a lot of suicide in our family recently.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Well my brother has. He is 24 years old and in the past 18 months he has had not one, not two, but five school friends commit suicide. Out of a class of 140.

Holy crap! Five?? Five????
Unfathomable.

It's so hard to think what would make five young men in the prime of their lives think they have nothing left worth living for.

No kidding. I really can't imagine it.

And that is the problem - people struggle to understand mental illness if they've never experienced it personally.

So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story @pkondz.

You're welcome.
I just felt I had to.

Such a trajedy.

Unfortunately, yes.

So sad to hear when a young person can't understand that life is full of seasons and can't see they can get help.

I tell my girls that.
Life is full of highs and lows.

Wow, the kids really put togetherawonderful event.

They really did. I was blown away.
Update on that in a bit, too.

You are very proud, I'm sure. I know lots of others were crying, too.

I can't speak for others, but I guess I wouldn't be surprised.
And yes. I'm very proud.

Wow! Thanks for sharing. That is all.

Thanks Dee.

What an amazingly heartwarming outcome of friends and fellow students rallying together for a fellow classmate! (*tears*)

It was something I feel privileged
to have witnessed.

it's great to hear that Molly is continuing to progress the way she is!

I'm not qualified to bandy about the term "miracle".
But it's about the closest I've been to one.

it's scary for anyone with children or siblings : really anyone..

Yup. Very.

I've had to deal with more suicides (friends/classmates) than I have thought I would already in my lifetime.

I'm sorry to hear that.

One still on my mind all the time as no one had any idea how sad/unhappy he was feeling or that he would commit suide. No alarms/warning signs.

I didn't know Molly prior to her suicide attempt,
but I know it caught both my girls by surprise.

Being someone with my own demons of anxiety and ppd, it's not an easy subject, let alone something someone thinks they can talk about.

I had to look up ppd.
It doesn't sound like fun.
I hope you're... what's the right word?
I hope you're doing well? Does that work?

But thank you so much for trusting us
enough to even tell us that.

You (and Ruby) are raising some wonderful young ladies!!

Well, Ruby is.
I'm just the big galoot who gets in the way.

 

[pkondz]

I will get on that!

I'm still waaaaiiiiiting!

He said "we will see" haha! I'll get him to agree, eventually.. I have a few years .

You'll wear him down eventually.
Keep working it.

 

[pkondz]

Well, see ya later.

Just kidding, of course. Things can't always be fun and games.

No... Not this time.

And me missing out on the Darth Vader scene.

Or seeing an awake lion on the Safari.
If such a thing existed, I mean.

Oh man. I can't even imagine getting a message like that. Or perhaps I don't want to.

You don't want to.
I almost jumped out of my chair.

So sad and horrible.

Agreed. To both.

Like you said...there are no words. None.

Thank God! That must be so painful and difficult.

I know Molly's parents are glad not to have lost her,
but seeing her like that cannot be easy either.

It sounds just amazing. Heartfelt, selfless, and profound.

It really was.

Not at stake here.

I just told the story.
It wasn't mine.

Pkondz, this was beautifully written. Well said. Thanks for telling the story. Sometimes the brightest lights come from the darkest times.

Thanks, Mark.

Wow, so sad that anyone, especially a young person, feels they have no other options

I know. I wish there was more that I could do.
I really want to speak to the kids at school
and tell them they have an entire life ahead of them.
And if they despair now, things will get better.

Glad that she was unsuccessful in her attempt and she is responding to treatment.

There's that. I don't know what her final situation will be like,
but... hope for the best.

Beautiful girl

What a great night, so awesome that the kids come together to make it happen

It was absolutely amazing.
More on that in a bit.

So sad, and uplifting, at the same time.

I know.
You go from this horrible, tragic event
to this emotionally uplifting one.

I hope she can make a full recovery, and come out the other side.

As I mentioned above,
I don't know how far she can progress,
but I certainly wish her all the best.

Proud of your kids, too.

Thanks. I am too.

You sir are one of the best virtual people I have ever met.

Aw, shucks.

Actually you are one of the best virtual or in person I have ever met.

Oh, no. In real life I'm just a regular schmo.
Come to think of it, in virtual life too.

That story needs to be seen by everyone that has kids.

Thanks! That's really nice of you to say.

Thanks for taking the time to share, I know that I will reflect a little longer on these types of issues in the future, and hug all three of my daughters tonight a little longer.

Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome.

That was a very well written and touching story. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks, Andy.

It really is a sad situation, but it is great to see all the other kids rallying behind her and trying to make something positive from all of it.

It was an incredible evening.
It really was.

And I'm with Mark... no worry about a man card here.

Nah.
It wasn't my story.
I just wrote it down.

If a young girl struggling for her life and watching her peers pay tribute to her doesn't get to you, I don't know what will.

I'll give you that one.

 

[pkondz]

I'm imagining how much fun Chromosome would've had if he was there since the hotel, enjoying the ride

I know Kay wanted him to stick around.
Now that would've been a fun ride for him!

Haha! I totally stole this answer from other comments.

Also, please don't deduct my stolen points.

Not to worry. You're good.

Cool!

It was such a blast to drive.

You can't!

I know, right!?!?

WOWEEEEEEEEE in Maui

You are correct.

Omg @BibbitybobityLu are you seeing what I'm seeing

Okay, you're gonna have to explain this!

I've driven through the Alps before... TERRIFYING.

Nah. It was fun!
(I drove them too.)

Some seriously amazing views, alongside seriously dangerous road... I'm surprised more people don't get distracted umming and ahhing and plummet off the road and down the mountains.

Well, if you're gonna go...
Might as well go with a view.

Oh my LIFE how big is that???? I need something for scale.

Not that big. Say... about as big as your hand.

You DID NOT get banana bread without inviting me...

Nope! You were specifically invited.

Dammit!

What? We bought two.
One for us, one for you.
As far as I know, it's still sitting there.

Not my fault if you don't get it.

So cool!!! I actually think I've been to a black sand beach, maybe in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). I need now that I'm old enough to appreciate it more

I looked it up. Looks bigger than this one.

This picture is literally what I imagine when I think of Hawaii, even down to the surfboards

I loved the fact there were surf boards there.

It SO was.

I thought so too!

the ultimate scam. I'm going to start a business by placing a sign at the top of my road saying "SACRED ROAD", and collect my millions.

I want a percentage!
(Unless you get arrested.
Then you're on your own.)

I was just thinking, Hawaii is so green

They're so cute!

Every girl I know who's name starts
with a K says the same thing.

Also, I only just saw this one!

About that green....

er... yeah.
Just forget you saw that.

BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING... erm.. RUNNING... ... ... ... Ah screw it that's all I got. Because it was running.

Hahahahah oh god no!

Hysterical!

You sound like a fun family

Usually we're horrible.
That moment we weren't.

But usually...

Or she's your soulmate.

WHY?

Protestant missionaries arrived in 1820
and thought the hula promoted
heathen beliefs.
Within 10 years they convinced the queen
to ban it.

Wow! I love this.

And it was so unexpected.
Hadn't heard anything about it before.

This one was much easier

Kinda right out there, huh?

That looks so good!

Actually... it was!

1. Volcano!
2. Shrimp!
3. Two!
4. YES!
5. YES!
6. Krispy Kreme!
7. You!
8. Ruby!
9. Late by 30 mins!
10. Go to work!

Noted!

 

[pkondz]

Just read your real life update, how heartbreaking.

It definitely was.

Cherish your family every day pkondzi, I know you do anyway

I do, Katie. I do.

And as for the man card - crying definitely ADDS to the man card.

It does? Hang on.


Just pinched myself. In the nose.
Does that count?

Truly caring about something enough to cry deserves everyone's respect. No one likes a robot

Awww.... Thanks, Katie.

Beautifully written Ponzi.

Thanks Kelly.

If that doesn't get you your man card back I don't know what will.

Nah. I just wrote a story.
It was all the kids.

Thanks for taking the time to share that with us, as sometimes it's easy to forget what struggles others are going through as we live our day to day lives.

Yup. And you're welcome.

You're a pretty awesome dude

You think I'm pretty!

You're the only person on the Dis who can make me cry

I have that affect on a lot of women.
Well, the ones who don't run away screaming.

That is so beautiful that the students and community all came together to show their support for Molly.

It really was.
I was quite overwhelmed actually.

I hope she was able to feel love!

Unfortunately, I don't know.
But I sure hope she did.
I hope her family did as well.

A beautiful tribute from a beautiful soul.

It was beautiful. I'm very impressed with that young lady.

I will need to time to re-read and mull over what is there... for now, thank you from sharing from a deep place in your heart.

You're welcome Liesa.

 

[pkondz]

Whew! I've got some catching up to do!

I'm the same way! I also won't do laundry unless absolutely nessicary.

Yeah, this has always been on DHs bucket list but after reading your report about it I looked at him and told him that would NEVER happen with me.

Could be both.

Good point.
One does not exclude the other.

All that hype and traffic and there isn't anything there?

Well, there may be.
We didn't take the time to stop and check.

Only so many hours in the day,
and we'd burned a lot of them already.

I can't quite remember what I was supposed to be weighing in on but I'll go with Sure I'm sure it was worth it for the experience.

Thanks! I knew I could count on you!!!

to get to the other side.

Seems obvious, now that you say it!

As you should!

It was a bit of a stand out event....
Or is that butt out?

A very Hawaiian named place to stop.

That's what I thought.
And the portions!

go beach exploring

spam musubi and or shave ice

4





the shave ice place

kay

you

late 1hour

laundry

Noted.

not as behind as I've gotten! I mean I've been trying to give you time to catch up on the other trs

Thanks! Very kind of you!

That about sums it up.

 

[pkondz]

We get it. We really do. Activity both at home and spare time seem to go in waves and cycles.

Yep. I believe you have some experience
in this department as well?

Don't worry about a constant presence; we'll be here to keep you company when you're back. Everyone understands real life happens too.

Thanks Liesa!

De-lurking.

De-lightful!

I've been skimming

What?!?!?!? How could you!
Think of all the crucial information you'll miss!

(except for the Molly report- that one I read all the way through. What a heartbreaker.)

Yes. It really was heartbreaking.

I've forced myself to poke myself up out of the rabbit hole I've been sucked into ever since I got back from visiting my folks in Florida. See, my mother asked me to look into her mother's genealogy since her mother emigrated from French Canadia back in the 1920's/ 1930's and never looked back - anglicized her name and never talked about her life as a child. She was an American now!

Cool! Find out some interesting things?
Wait, you already mentioned your grandmother.

Anyone out there who has done any genealogy research knows that it can get all-consuming.

I haven't, but my Mom sure has.

And those French-Canadian families had TONS of kids!

We tend to do that.

Did. Not so much now.

(Must be the cold weather).

Well, what else do you want us to do???

AND I don't speak French-Canadian! Waaaaah!

But I've learned a lot and I've stopped calling my mother every 5 minutes to report something new.

She must've so enjoyed that.

<ring> "Oh Gawd! What now???"

I'm going to put together a binder of everything I've found, hopefully soon.

Cool! My Mom made a book.
She's had distant relatives ask for copies.

I did find out what a brutal life my grandmother had in New Brunswick and even though her life in Boston was tough, it wasn't ANYTHING like what she went through as a child.

I believe that.
My Grandfather was the same.
Except he moved to Manitoba
and watched as most of his family
got wiped out by the plague.

Back on topic. I'll submit my guesses before the new update goes up:

Okay, shoot.

1. One last excursion before we leave.
What is it? VOLCANO TOUR
2. What treat did we eat? (again) SHAVE ICE
3. Might as well keep the trend going...
How many beaches do we visit? 3
4. Did you see it? Of course you did.
It was obvious. If you didn't, don't wine.
Just go back and look.
Bonus points if you saw it. DON'T FLY PKONDZ AIRWAYS WITHOUT A BREATHYLIZER!
5. So you saw it. But did you see the other one?
More bonus points if you did. GO DONALD!
6. What place do we re-visit for a sugary snack? KRISPY KREME
7. Who gets picked for TSA pre-check? RUBY
8. Who gets patted down at security? PKONDZ
9. Our flight was not on time.
Early or late? How early or how late? LATE BY ONE HOUR
10. What do I unfortunately have to do
when we get home? SHOVEL SNOW

Noted.

Gotta get these in even though I don't expect to win.

Ya never know...

1. One last excursion before we leave.
What is it? VOLCANO
2. What treat did we eat? (again) SHAVE ICE
3. Might as well keep the trend going...
How many beaches do we visit? 1
4. Did you see it? Of course you did.
It was obvious. If you didn't, don't wine.
Just go back and look.
Bonus points if you saw it. Fly Ponzi
5. So you saw it. But did you see the other one?
More bonus points if you did. yes, Donald
6. What place do we re-visit for a sugary snack? KRISPY KREME
7. Who gets picked for TSA pre-check? RUBY
8. Who gets patted down at security? Ponzi
9. Our flight was not on time.
Early or late? How early or how late? Late by 15 minutes
10. What do I unfortunately have to do
when we get home? SHOVEL SNOW

Noted.

OK, I don't think I ever changed my answers after I said I was going to.....

Well, then... go!

Changes are in Red.


Volcano (what the heck? You don't have to only enjoy it at sunrise!)

The shrimp

3

How drunk do they get when they drink the wine?

mentioned it above, But it was Donald.

Krispy Kreme, I hope I don't regret this one.

Kay

Elle

Late. 20 minutes.

Shovel snow.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Tears are healing. And cleansing. It's perfectly OK to show your humanness.

Thanks Dawn.

Our nephew committed suicide 6 years ago, by hanging himself. He was 20.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

Community coming together helps. Tributes and shows of support helps.

Agreed. Completely.

Mental and emotional illness shouldn't be stigmatized, and maybe with a lot more compassion, like the beautiful show of it your daughters and their school mates have shown, just maybe it won't be a shameful issue anymore.

I hope so.
It's an epidemic.
And it needs to be more out in the open.

When someone feels like death is the only way out, my heart breaks, and my tears fall.

Such a tragedy.

I'm so glad Molly has survived, and seems to be doing better....she has a mission to share, a mighty and important lesson to pass along.....

She's doing it right now.

But I wish she wasn't, if you know what I mean?

Blessings,
Dawn

 

[pkondz]

The nitty gritty


Wow. That was.... tough and... incredible... and humbling.

Thanks again for all your comments.
I especially want to thank those who've been touched by
suicide and/or mental illness and chose to share.


I appreciated all the kind words, but...
I'm not that great a guy.
Really I'm not.
I can be just as big a jerk as the next guy.

Bigger.

I just wrote down a story
that others created.
And those others were kids.
They're the real great ones.

I was (and still am) truly humbled.



I said I'd have a little update about that fundraising evening.


When I was there that night, I looked at all the people
who'd shown up and figured it would raise some serious coin.

Usually these things are always the same.
I wrote that before.
But this time I mean it in a monetary sense.

We get notes, or emails now, from the school,
telling us how much money they made.
Or my kids would excitedly tell us how much they raised.
"Dad! Dad!" They'd shout. "Guess how much we got?"

And I'd deliberately low-ball it,
so they'd be even more excited.

"I dunno." I'd say. "Fifty bucks?"
"No!" They'd blurt. "A hundred and eleven dollars and forty cents!!"

As they get a little older, and the class size gets bigger,
the fundraising tally goes up.

A hundred and eleven becomes a hundred and seventy five.
Then two hundred...

And not much more.

If they had a really good fundraiser,
they might get up to three or four hundred.


But probably not.


When we all left the school that night,
I mentioned to the girls that I wouldn't
be surprised if they'd raised a thousand dollars.

I just figured with that many people,
and so many activities
and for so worthy a cause...
Well... A thousand seemed pretty do-able.

Okay, okay... they might not get there.
But it would be far more than a hundred and eleven.
And they're older now.
I don't have to low-ball.

"I bet they came close to a thousand dollars." I said.
Kay piped up. "I heard a teacher say it was five thousand."


I just nodded and said. "Could be."
But... well...
People get excited.
They blow things out of proportion, you know?
Why burst her bubble.
Besides, it had been a great night,
why ruin it with pessimism.


We finally got the final tally yesterday.
I'm sorry, I don't recall the exact figure.

Kay did know it.
Right down to the penny.
(Well, nickel actually. We don't have pennies any more.)


And I was wrong.
It wasn't close to a thousand.

And that teacher was completely off
with his/her guess (I assume it was a guess)
of five thousand.







They raised just over TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Oh. My. God.

Real life update​

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Thanks! I knew I could count on you!!!

Thanks! Very kind of you!

They raised just over TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.

.......

 

[pkondz]

.......

Exactly!