Rock'n Robin
Disney Queen
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2000
- Messages
- 7,810
23 years ago today, a school friend of mine committed suicide. He was ranked 1st in our class, had over 200 on his PSAT, was first chair violin, and had the lead in our play Dracula.
High school deaths are such a nightmare. A funeral home full of crying girls and boys who are trying NOT to cry. A first exposure to death for some. A first exposure to open caskets for some (ME!--I had been to funerals but no open caskets). Family and friends wondering what they could have done differently for someone with so much to live for. Then going back to school with the empty desk staring you in the face.
I have had the experience in the last 15 years of teaching of talking to one or two kids who had friends do this (never in my own school, thank God). My experience, shared with them, is that the pain never really goes away. There is still a song I hear that makes me remember Dave and tear up. I always have a rough patch around this time of year as well. And I've had a couple of students make remarks about suicide--turned out to be blowing off steam, but I run right down to guidance and report it right away.
Rest in Peace Dave. I still remember you.
Robin M.
High school deaths are such a nightmare. A funeral home full of crying girls and boys who are trying NOT to cry. A first exposure to death for some. A first exposure to open caskets for some (ME!--I had been to funerals but no open caskets). Family and friends wondering what they could have done differently for someone with so much to live for. Then going back to school with the empty desk staring you in the face.
I have had the experience in the last 15 years of teaching of talking to one or two kids who had friends do this (never in my own school, thank God). My experience, shared with them, is that the pain never really goes away. There is still a song I hear that makes me remember Dave and tear up. I always have a rough patch around this time of year as well. And I've had a couple of students make remarks about suicide--turned out to be blowing off steam, but I run right down to guidance and report it right away.
Rest in Peace Dave. I still remember you.
Robin M.
