Bonjour à tous les parents d’élèves …

Cahier de texte des sixième D en bas !

Riley feels like a loser, especially when it comes to sports.  Dad was an all-star — good at every sport, and feels Riley should be the same. Sports are so problematic for him, that one misstep causes an accident in which a dog is hurt so badly his leg must be amputated.  When Mrs. Lerner, the dog’s owner, decides to put him down since he can no longer be a show dog, Riley steps in and takes on the responsibility of caring for him.

Riley learns that Champ, a border collie, requires a lot of attention and energy, despite only having three legs. His neighbor, Mr. Douglas finds a way to help, not only the boy and the dog, but also himself.  Champ needs challenge despite his disability, and Riley learns through perseverance that you can succeed.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Lerner swoops in to take Champ away once she learns others still think he’s worthwhile.  In the end, Riley proves his worth, both to himself and his father.  Winning isn’t everything.

I started this book with low expectations based on my previous experience with Thornton Jones’ Bailey School kids series.  However, in this book, she proves she is a very good writer, tapping into the feelings of the main character and his family.  So many points in this book will resonate with both boys and girls, and being a quick read, it will be one of the more popular Surrey Schools Book of the Year Nominees.

Highly recommended:  Gr. 3 – 6

For more information:  www.marciatjones.com

As so many of my fellow unemployed friends know, it’s hard to be thankful sometimes, and it’s oh-so-easy to sink into modes of anger, self pity, and depression as we are hit with bills, rejection and isolation during these seemingly endless months of unemployment. I find myself feeling these emotions on a daily basis, but today I want to give thanks, because, as miserable as I sometimes feel in these times if hardship I do have much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my parents. Yes, I sometimes feel the edges of my sanity fading into oblivion as I spend countless hours sulking in my childhood bedroom, or watching movies at 10:00 am with my retired father. However, without my parents I would be stuck in a lease right now, draining my savings account, talking to myself as I slowly loose my mind from lack of human contact. They were kind enough to see that though none of us would choose this living arrangement, I needed a place to stay while I looked for a job. I needed a place to store my things, a place that I could up and leave at the drop of a hat if I somehow found work out of state. This temporary living situation is making things more manageable for me. And so, though it is not always ideal, it’s the most financially responsible thing to do right now and I am so thankful that they (now empty nesters) were willing to allow me back into their home… for an indefinite period of time. And they sometimes feed me.

I am thankful for my friends. These last twenty-five weeks would have been agony without the great friends I have in my life. Thank you for the random phone calls, the emails saying hello, for getting together and sharing a meal, for spontaneous nights out on the town, and for trips to Miami… these events are my reminders of what’s important in life. Thank you for understanding what I am going through, and if you really don’t understand at all… thank you for at least trying, and for not judging me. Without you (my friends) I would be lost.

I am thankful to be a part of my Goddaughter’s life. I’m not the “mothering” type, but being actively engaged in her life is more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. I love seeing her grow, change and learn new things. When she calls me up and says, “I love you Auntie Chap,” I just melt. And she motivates me, in her own way, to find work so that I can open an education savings account!!

I am thankful that I’m single. GASP… did she just say that? Yes. I did. Don’t get me wrong; I have my moments, in which I miss having a partner, or long to meet someone new. Especially after I go to see New Moon and watch half-clothed young hotties romp around the wilderness. But, for more than just the obvious reasons (that my close friends know and understand), I am thankful to be on my own right now. Being unemployed is stressful, and as many of you know, puts stress on ALL of your relationships. I am thankful I don’t have to put this stress on my partner. I can sulk and hate my life in peace, and I can be rejected time and time again without having to worry about my partner asking me why, or failing to understand how hard it is right now to find work.

I am thankful for television. Okay, seriously, does this deserve to be on the list? Absolutely! What got me through my breakup this year? Watching Weeds. What got me through feeling completely isolated as I was living on a farm in the middle of nowhere? Watching Dexter (for 12 hours straight). Right now I have been watching old Gilmore Girls episodes… and they make me laugh. And that is a GOOD thing. It may sound cheesy, but these moments of preoccupation really help me. I’m not an athlete, who would maybe turn to jogging or something. Yoga can only do so much. I don’t really feel justified in taking up a new hobby (because it costs money), so I am thankful for television. And anyone who has known me for a long time will not be surprised by these sentiments at all!

I am thankful I have legs (Chap, that one’s for you).

So my dear friends, even if you feel like you have nothing, you probably have SOMETHING to be thankful for. So, go forth, give thanks, and eat Turkey (unless you are a vegetarian like myself).

Happy Thanksgiving!

There’s a million things for me to be thankful for today and everyday. I know I’m especially thankful for my parents, sister, boyfriend Scott and my numerous friends stateside and abroad, as well as the many people I’ve been able to re-connect with and get to know via Facebook and Twitter. The encouragement and support has been incredible, and I’m extremely grateful to have such awesome clients and a great circle of friends I consider my family! 

So to celebrate this wonderful day of thanks, I’ve been launching a very cool project that will go from now through March 31, 2010! Each time you book a family, child or couples session, $35 of each creative fee will go to the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities. The $35 is equivalent to one child receiving 15 minutes of therapy. This is part of a unique partnership I’ve had with this organization, which serves more than 100 children every year in providing speech, occupational, physical and feeding therapies for kids in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. 

Best of all, everyone who participates in this project – Celebrate Your Child 2010 Photo Charity – gets a complimentary 5×7 print and 10% off any large print (16×20 and larger). 

So start thinking ahead – Christmas, your birthday, family reunions, a new baby, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day… Get a quality experience with images you’ll love for years and – at the same time – contribute to a worthy, top-notch organization that has been around in the community for more than 50 years! If you’ve always wanted custom lifestyle photography, this is THE perfect opportunity to do so. 

All you have to do is email me to schedule your session at shuva@accentphotographics.com, and I will provide you with more detailed information. Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

This year has been a bit chaotic for me and well on days like today november 26th (thanksgiving) I honestly would like to spend some time to reflect on all the things I am thankful for.

1) I am thankful for regaining my sense of belief in people and in God. I lost it for a while and with it I am a better person.

2) I am thankful for my family although it is not always roses and butterflies much like the rest of the world I don’t know where I would be without all of them. I miss my family in Italy sometimes but I realize we cant always get everything and I happy to have what I have.

3) I am thankful to have a dad like mine I never really say it all to often and granted we have our moments but this year I really learned to understand him and I am so thankful for that. Putting the light on when I am not home, making coffee in the morning  before I leave and having random conversations about history granted he most likely will never know it but his words stay with me all the time.

4) To my sisters sometimes we may not see eye to eye on things and I may piss you off with my viewpoints but I hope you both know in your heart that you are both two extensions of myself. Although sometimes I may not want to hear what you have to say I know why you say it and I understand you mean well. I am thankful so much this year more then others I suppose

5) I am thankful for my nephews and niece because it seems that whenever my problems seem to feel like they are exploding I can look in their eyes and somehow I feel better. With their little smiles, big hugs and sweet words they make my life. They are to little to know it yet but its almost so surreal how happy these kids make me almost to the point of tears.

6) I am thankful for my friends the ones that really stand by me and don’t just let me fall down. I know I can be as stubborn as bricks sometimes but I am just so happy to have all of you in my life. Granted some of you know certain sides while others know other sides but all and all for all your advice, your words, your love, your piece of mind, your out right honesty I love you all very much.

7) I am thankful for the people I meet along my travels who greet me with a positive smile. Even for those that don’t everyone has their days. It is important to see how we are all connected. We all make the world and so in that I am thankful for everything especially for being above ground on this beautiful day. I will not forget the ones I have lost as they live on in my heart but I realize I am here and with good purpose.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

(CFD.net.au – Contract for Difference, Share, Forex, ETFs, Commodities Traders) – Victoria Police have warned the parents of a primary school child that they can no longer discipline their child with a wooden spoon.

Teachers at Yea Primary School notified authorities after the student told a teacher she was smacked with a wooden spoon.

The Acting Inspector of the Child Abuse unit, Lauren Callaway, says there is a fine line between discipline and assault and it is the job of police to find out when that line has been crossed.

“In a 12-month period police will investigate nearly 4000 cases of child physical assault,” she said.

“Each case has to be dealt with on its individual merits.”

“When we look at an assault, we look at what the defences might be and one of them includes where a parents is lawfully chastising a child,” she said.

Acting Inspector Callaway says there is no definitive rule on what can be used to discipline a child, but the amount of force that is used is of concern and needs to be assessed by police.

“We do not have a checklist as such… we look at the level of injury inflicted… we also look at if there is any history of a family violence,” she said.

She says many parents are not charged.

“Parents should be confident that the police are able to make a sound judgement on each and every individual case.”

Police say parents need to make a judgement on what is reasonable force and what is not.

Source: Parents warned over wooden spoon smacking

I was watching Oprah one day and a male guest said something so profound that it changed the way I look at my son.

I can’t remember exactly how his story went but this is what I got from it.  The man vowed to always look at his kids with smiling eyes.  What does that mean you ask?

Have you ever seen someone with a smile on their face but you could sense something else was going on?  You could almost see it in their eyes.  Many times, we are so burdened with the problems in our life that it becomes difficult to match the smile on our faces with a smile in our heart.  Many people wear their emotions on their faces and don’t even realize it.

What really amazes me is how intuitive children are.  My son can look at me and instantly tell when something is wrong.  I don’t know if he sees it on my face or if our connection is so strong that he can feel it in my heart.  However, when I tell people that he is the source of my joy, I mean it because I try to maintain a joyful spirit because it makes him happy and creates a feeling of security not having to wonder why mommy is stressed out.

I see so many toddlers that have no joy.  I often wonder what has happened in their little lives that the natural joy that these little people are born with has already been dissipated.  Yet you don’t have to look far.  When you see their parents and the stress in their lives and on their faces, you understand the uncertainty these kids must feel.

Sometimes I get busy working and my son comes running over to me.  My first instinct is to shoo him away so I can complete my task but I realize that his interest in me will only last a few years and I should take advantage of every moment.  I make the decision to put my work aside and devote attention to him because he didn’t ask to be here.  I made that decision and with that comes responsibility – a responsibility to give him the best life possible and not burden him with my problems.

I challenge every parent to make a concentrated effort to look at your kids with smiling eyes.  A smile on your face is easy but to smile with your eyes takes a huge leap of faith.  It requires that while you are with your child, you must let go of all of the worldly pressures and stresses and focus on creating a happy place for your little person.  It’s not easy and it takes lots of practice and concentration but your child deserves no less.

Do you know cooking?  What is the best thing you have cooked so far ? What have you prepared for the thanksgiving dinner ?

At one point or another, every child wonders where they came from, and that desire goes far deeper than wondering how they came into being biologically. Most children have an innate desire to connect to those who came before them and to understand how their family became who they are today. During the holiday season, families are presented with several practical opportunities to teach their children about their family’s heritage

Children are curious about what life was like before them. Children may wonder what roles family members played in their communities or what contributions they made to their world. They’re likely to ask what their parents did for fun before television, video games and the Internet.

Our heritage influences who we are and who we become. Teaching children about their family history provides an opportunity for them to understand and appreciate their heritage. Why do family members share a strong facial feature? Why do siblings have fantastic voices? Discovering commonalities across generations fosters a sense of gratitude for their heritage as they learn about the trials and struggles family members endured so that they could live life as they know it today.

Here are 5 things parents can pass down to their kids that will cultivate a connection to their family’s past.

1. A recipe. Most families share a “secret recipe” that has become a special family favorite. Most often, this recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and has a special story that goes along with it. One American family I know has a special banana bread recipe they make each Thanksgiving. They do so because it reminds them of their great, great grandmother Gladys who prepared it as a hearty meal with bananas she didn’t want to go to waste when times were tough. Another family who has two adopted children from Ethiopia prepares Injera, an Ethiopian bread, each holiday. They do so to help their children remember the traditions, culture and food they experienced in their homeland.

2. A craft, hobby or talent. It’s not uncommon for a family to have a line of individuals who share the same talent or interest. Some families are filled with musicians, artists or chefs. Others enjoy a hobby like hunting, knitting or woodworking that has passed from one generation to another. One family I know teaches all the girls in the family to knit and each year they knit baby caps to donate to local hospitals and shelters at Christmastime. Another family of talented bakers has an annual Cookie Swap. Family members bake and elaborately decorate cookies and on Christmas Eve, they exchange trays of goodies, after other family members judge whose cookies are best.

3. Photographs. Each Thanksgiving, one family I know spends the after dinner hours looking through volumes of family photo albums that have hand written notes describing who is who and where each photo was taken.  The children love looking through this visual history that details how their family came to be. Another family takes a family portrait each major holiday and sets them in special “family books.” One book is reserved for each child in the family so that they have their own book to pass onto their children.

4. A tradition. Whether formal or not, all families have traditions like serving a special holiday meal or reading a special story on Christmas Eve. One family spends each Thanksgiving serving dinner to the homeless. In this particular family, that tradition dates back for more than 50 years! Take time to talk to your children about why you do the things you do during the holiday season and give them an opportunity to be involved.

5. A song. The holidays are filled with songs. In my family, my three sisters and I sang “O Holy Night” as we helped mother cook and serve the forty family members. Another family I know enjoys teaching their children a few holiday songs in their family’s native language each year. Another sings songs with their children that they remember hearing their grandparents sing at holiday celebrations when they were young. Music is a wonderful teaching tool and most children love learning new songs and dances that they can share with their family.

During the holiday season, take a moment to reflect on your family’s heritage. When you do, you’ll be surprised at the simple ways you can help your children connect to their past.

Dr. Caron Goode is a well-respected leader in the parent coaching industry as the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.academyforcoachingparents.com) that trains students in the empowerment model of parent coaching, Dr. Goode has shared her holistic approach to achieving parenting success and managing family relationships in magazines, newspapers and radio. Her most recent books include The Art and Science of Coaching Parents and award-winning Raising Intuitive Children. (www.raisingintuitivechildren.com)

‘Everything I’ve always done ..I’ve done by myself (be that good or bad)’.
However the reality of that statement is untrue – it’s just that for forever it has ‘felt’ like that.

Shorter Amy Alkon: I didn’t get to scream in public when I was a child, so neither should anyone else.

SRSLY.

Of course, Ms Alkon is basing this on her recollection. I’m sure that, like most people, she doesn’t remember very much before the ages of 4 or 5, probably not daily events even after those ages, and I’d be fairly surprised if she didn’t do her share of screaming in public at age approximately 2. But even if she’s right and she never did, she clearly doesn’t understand the concepts of “community” and “family” and “parents having a life even when they have small children”.

I’m sure I’m one of many blog posts today that will start this way, and probably not even the only one you’ll read.  But actually, this post has little to do with Thanksgiving, and more to do with life.

I was in bed with the girls the other night, with both of them cuddled up right next to me.  Of course, it made it rather hard for me, at 34 weeks pregnant, to get a good night’s sleep, so I was “blessed” with lots of time to think.  Like most people, I suspect that I do my best thinking in the middle of the night.

Mostly, my thoughts centered on the girls, and the impending arrival of baby Jessica.  Some days I feel like 34 weeks has dragged on indefinitely, and others I cannot believe how quickly they’ve flown, especially when I realize that my once babies are now 5 and 3.  How did that time pass so quickly?  Will it go faster, even, the third time?  I wonder…

I remember when the girls were little.  Some of Marcus’ and my favorite memories were the early days, when we’d be up later into the evening with them, before routines arrived.  We’d be watching tv, and Sam or Erica would be curled up (because they were always curled up) and resting on our chests, or sitting on the couch next to us.  We couldn’t resist staring, touching, holding, and picking up, even if it meant waking up the baby (which is pretty hard to do with a newborn).  With Samantha, we imagined it was the novelty, and that it would wear off.  We’d surely be different with Erica.  But we weren’t.  Those early times were the same.  Hectic during the day, of course, but calm in the evenings…our evenings.

There was something about those early days and nights–where you could survive on little sleep, where you seemed powered by some sort of adrenaline machine, and where nothing seemed more precious than that little baby.

I suppose most of that never goes away.  I’m thankful for that.  For the girls.  For the baby on the way.  For my family and friends. For all of it.

I like many young Americans like myself find ourselves in this sad prediciment: recent college graduates, unable to find jobs. This totally sucks… Especially since the holidays are approaching (who am I kidding…the holidays are here). I’m living back at home, and at times this is stressful for me and my parents (and I guess my little brother too.)

This week’s book summary is…

Liking the Child You Love by Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein.

“Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein shows how you can build a better relationship with your kids even when they’re driving you crazy.”  [Excerpted from Family Intel]

http://www.familyintel.com/articleResources.php

The Lee PAS Foundation in Conjunction with Three-Sides-To-Every-Story Inc., Lighting Candles Worldwide.com, and The New Jersey Parental Alienation Support Group!!

We are getting ready for the LIVE Broadcast as we have always done each year around the world!!! On December 18^th at exactly 7pm…EVERYONE will be Lighting a Candle for our alienated children!!

We will start the broadcast at 6:30pm Eastern time and open up with some school choirs, Local Community Professional Dancers performing, Community Musical performers as well!! This year is BIG in NJ (we have 2 locations) and a few other states and countries that have joined us in the past and present…..how about your state or country??

Be sure to email us your child/rens names and a small message that you would like us to announce over the air to theleepasfoundation@yahoo.com. Please put in the subject line “LIGHTING CANDLES”

 We have a very special ceremony lined up this year and we need all parents that are missing your children, no matter where you are, in a car, in your home, or at a community ceremony you helped set up, to call in and let us know your locations, and your wishes!!!

For further information to be a state coordinator, contact Bessie at three3sides@aol.com .

For Ceremony information, contact theleepasfoundation@yahoo.com .

On December 3^rd 9pm Eastern, we will have a very special guest from NJ, another great attorney who is well versed in Parental Alienation and the courts. How does he handle his cases? Good time for an interview if you’re in need of an attorney in this area or in need of the ability to pick the brain of a true professional in the field!

SO AGAIN….HAPPY TURKEY DAY ALL!! FROM OUR HEARTS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES….AND MOST OF ALL…..TO ALL OUR ALIENATED CHILDREN……..WE LOVE YOU, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP…..AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE….WE ARE RIGHT HERE WITH OPEN ARMS!

Katrina Daniels Lee, Founder

Lisa Marzullo, Co-Founder

Jim Dionne, Secretary

Carrie Briggs, Research Dept.

NJ Support Group Members, Volunteers

"I wish mum hadn't complained about me not getting the main role"

It’s that time of year when parents run around like loons, finding last-minute costumes for the school nativity, Christmas production or festive service.

(I dread the letters that emerge out of the school bag a week after they were sent from a stressed teacher, asking for nigh-on impossible costumes. Especially when you realise you have two days’ notice to find a Major General uniform from 1844 or a Tudor-style dress, complete with ruff. And what have they got to do with Christmas, anyway?)

But, for some parents, it isn’t the costume that fills them with dread: it’s looking at the cast list.

Over the past few weeks, you might well have heard the complaints: “I see Tabitha is Mary AGAIN. She was Mary in Reception and took the lead singing role in Oliver last year.” Or: “I see it is the Smith/Jones/Peters [insert appropriate family name here] show again. Why do teachers always pick the same children?”

I certainly have.

I have had conversations with parents whose children are at different primary schools complaining that it was usually the same girls and boys who took the starring roles.

They were not bemoaning the fact their own son or daughter hadn’t been given the main part, but cast doubt on whether the schools offered the same opportunities to all.

It was an interesting point: so, armed with neither evidence to support assertions nor an agenda, I asked the question on Twitter: do you think your school always chooses the same children for the lead roles in plays/team captains etc?

I posted the same query on Mummy Bloggers. It was also picked up by Jim Hawkins on Radio Shropshire and he had parents contact him in droves.

The responses were interesting, to say the least.

One caller to Jim claimed that when she was an active member of the PTA, her children were given main roles; when she left, they were no longer considered for major parts. Coincidence? Who knows.

Others were insistent it didn’t happen. A few callers suspected it did.

Here are some responses I received:

Yep, the same girl at my sisters grammar got picked every year. It’s always the kids with the starry names too! At my school it was Antoinette. She got to play Eliza Dolittle-she’d actually left our secondary school, but they brought her back to play it! (Claire)

At our school it’s always the same kids who get the lead roles and while we all moan and groan about it, they are the kids who have charisma on stage and are capable of remembering all those lines! (muummmeee)

I don’t think this goes on at Amy’s school, but I do believe it goes on at another school I know of. It also seemed to be the same kids with the better roles – the ones that have all the best lines and all the best scenes etc. I remember mentioning it once and was hit with excuse after excuse about the fact that some kids are just shy and others really want to be in the limelight. But you could guarantee whatever the play, the “shy” kids were never given a chance. Shame. (Crystal Jigsaw)

I think at my daughter’s school they definitely choose the same children over and over for the big speaking parts. I think that’s because they are the loudest, but that does mean other kids don’t get a crack. Until you know that you can stand up in front of the lower school and say a handful of lines…you don’t know it. (Jennifer Howze)

There are some children who shine on stage. Should we turn it around and say they shouldn’t have the opportunity to do that so a child who doesn’t gets to have the main part? I’ve sat through countless school productions and I’ve noticed the ones who are good in shows are the ones who are most comfortable on stage. Not all children want to be in the spotlight.Our school is excellent at ensuring there are five or six decent parts for the oldest children. They also give solos to the ones who are good at singing. It’s lovely to see someone you perhaps thought of as quite shy singing like an angel. (Deb)

Other comments via Twitter included:

So far, they’ve been really fair at my kids’ school, with kids who don’t have parts in one play getting them in next one … Last year someone was really put out their daughter wasn’t Mary & told us all. Pathetic. (@VWallop)

If they think that is a big ‘problem’ then they need a reality check (@LindaSJones)

It’s a snapshot; it’s not scientific; for me, it is an interesting topic for discussion.

I hate unfairness and hate to think that a school teacher would favour one child over another, although I know/strongly suspect it goes on in SOME schools.

I know that there are a goodly number of children who aren’t interested in the starring role; some prefer to be the giraffe (I know, in a nativity, too. How does that work?) or the third tree on the left, but there are many who want to be given a chance, if only their teachers would offer them encouragement.

Let’s give those shy children – who deep down would love to be given  a chance to shine on stage as Mary, Joseph or the inn keeper – a chance. It might just give them the boost they need.

What do you think?

What British holiday is named after a man who tried to blow up a government building?

To locate the answer, click on Answers to Daily Questions under the Categories listed on the right side of the page and then use the password: answers

A THANKSGIVING BLOG

Memories of Thanksgiving Past

Everyone has their own idea about tradition. For some it is waking up early on Thanksgiving morning to go stand out on a cold sidewalk,  being jostled by hundreds of people, wondering if Mom is going to pass out the hot cocoa soon and if your toes can actually fall off from the cold. Then suddenly a marching band is heard and the first spectacular balloon passes by and suddenly the cold and the crowds are gone. Cheering takes the place of complaining and everyone is happy and excited.

For others it is sitting in-front of the t.v. watching the parade while still in pajamas. Smelling the turkey cooking, Mom and Dad stopping in the middle of rushing about to take a look at the balloons on the screen. Tables piled high with numerous treats and mouth-watering items that mysteriously only appear once a year.

Door bell rings over and over, family and friends hugging and kissing and exclaiming that it has “been too long”. More food piles up on the ever-growing table and you try to think if there is a way to sneak a bit of the turkey without anyone noticing. Every year brings new faces to the table. The house seeming to burst at the seams.

Sitting down at the table ( finally) to hold hands, say grace, go around and each get a chance to say what we are thankful for. Dad and his brother fighting over the turkey legs, the competition for who made the best stuffing, sweet potatoes with little white marshmallows on top. The inevitable exclamation ” Where’s the Stove Top” just to get a laugh from the crowd (although for some it just wouldn’t be T-Day without the  boxed stuffing).

Eating until a button needs to be undone and the yearly discussion of tryptophan. Trying to name all the capitals in the United States and coming up short. Catching up on a years worth of memories and digging out the old ones. A can-you-top- this of recollections to get everybody shaking their heads and chuckling. Watching the Wizard of  Oz as you doze off in-front of a fire that is now more embers than flames.

Taking one last look around the room before coats are called for and good-byes are said. Realizing that there is so very much to be thankful for. Another wonderful memory having just been made.

A very happy holiday to all of our students and tutors  who have given us much thankful for.

The Staff at Tutoring Match

]]> http://hopefortrauma.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/alis-volat-propriis/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:35 +0000 hopefortrauma http://hopefortrauma.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/alis-volat-propriis/

“Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now, But it can’t rain forever”

Recently one of my few friends from my childhood took his own life. We used to be friends but we had not talked in about 7 years. As we, both attended different high schools.  I was not particularly close with him or anyone until I went to high school. 

I do not remember him being depressed in middle school. Nevertheless, he could have been, as I do not remember much of anything.

I think many people are never seen as depressed because it may manifest itself differently in some. I know that childhood depression looks different that adult depression. I think when you’re in a high school your at that awkward stage and depression can be manifested with childlike symptoms.

During high school, a few of my classmates committed suicide. I always never really thought I felt any feelings about it. However, when everyone was talking about how much their suicide must have hurt their families, I had different feeling about that.

I always was jealous of the person that took their own life, as they finally were free. They did not have to living a life of hurt, sadness and pain. They did not have to hide their depression from everyone.

I went to a catholic school from when I started school formal school in 4^th grade. I never thought about suicide as a bad thing, but I never saw it as good. Suicide was always just indifferent to me.

I feel like I hide many feelings and I try to minimize my abuse. When I was twelve, I attempted suicide and I did not plan it. I was just something that I somehow already knew how to do…I really never understood it.

 My parents knew that I had tried to commit suicide but they did nothing to help me. The same thing happened in 6^th grade when they were told I was self-harming. They “talked the talk” to the school counselor and pretended to care.

I think that some parents might really care about what other people think of them. In addition, they may view getting help as something ugly. I think what is ugly is that sometimes people that are really hurting never get the help that they truly disserve and need.

Anyone who feels suicidal please seek professional help. Your life is worth it.

Rest In Peace..