This photo was taken by Pep Bonet in April 2003.
Today one of my students tried to commit suicide. Luckily she did not succeed in her attempt, but I can't even begin to tell you the emotions that have gone through me since the event happened. This particular individual is a freshman and has struggled with an eating disorder and self-esteem problems. On the outside most people would never realize just how much pain she was in due to her happy go lucky exterior that she shows the rest of the world, while on the inside she was fighting a raging battle.
I have been that girl. I reached a point during my sophmore year of high school where living seemed like more pain than was bearable. That point of my life found me in an empty dressing room of the little theater with a knife. Luckily I found a glimpse of hope and only ended up cutting my finger. A small reminder of those painful moments is left in the form of a scar but luckily for me that is the only physical damage.
Today I was reminded of that girl and I cried for her as I cried for my student. I cried for the pain that both went through and wished that I could take the pain from the girl who today felt that she had no other way out.
Do we truly know what is going on with our loved ones? Do we see the pain that is raging inside of them? Life is so short. I am learning more and more that each day needs to be lived to the fullest and we need to use every opportunity to let those we love know just how much we care and how grateful we are for the part they play in our lives. Because we may never know when tomorrow might be too late.
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