YOU are important and YOU are loved and YOU are needed

Growing up in a great community brought with it many blessings and many challenges.  Unfortunately, one of those challenges was growing up in a community and attending a high school that has one of the highest suicide rates in the country.

I feel impressed to write this post not to draw attention to the subject, because I know that it is already heavily talked about and weighing on everyone's mind every time this happens.  Growing up in such a community where this was so extremely prevalent really affected me at times and I am writing this to share with you what I have learned from the past.  I am writing this post to let YOU know that you are loved and needed.  YOU matter to me and YOU matter to others and YOU do not go unnoticed and YOUR choices both good and bad influence others whether you know it or not.

I am writing this post to let others know that life is beautiful and life is grand.  I know that there are many challenges in life and that sometimes life can feel so difficult that quitting may seem like the only option--but it never ever is.  Continue in faith, and things will get better.  Look for trusted adults, friends, teachers, whoever, to help you overcome this--because it can be done.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this particular family, and families and friends who are affected everywhere.  Remember that YOU are loved by God, by me, by friends, by family, and by individuals who you are not even aware of.  YOU are loved YOU are needed and YOU are important.  And don't you ever forget that.