The nearby town of Burlington Township was shaken to its core last week when news was released of two high school students who hung themselves days apart.
Two friends, a 15-year-old freshman and an 18-year-old senior who both attended Burlington Township High School, were found hanged inside their homes only four days apart. Two days before the senior was found, he spoke at his friend’s celebration of life.
News such as this is bone chilling. We feel deeply for the families, friends, fellow students, teachers, administrators and members of the community who have more questions than answers right now. Even though this did not happen in our town, it is news that hits hard at our homes.
Life is fragile, that we all know, but that’s never more clear than at times like these, when the lives of kids are lost, taken way too early for reasons we won’t understand.
At times like these, we are reminded of the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” A child’s life is molded not just by his or her parents, siblings and extended families, but also their friends, school community, police officers, mayors, crossing guards and other members of the community. And it is the job of these other members of the community — of us — to remind our kids just how great life is.
Life cannot be taken for granted. Life is precious. Life is worth living.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 19. But it is preventable. If you or someone you know is in need of help, there are resources available. Check out NASP on the web at www.nasponline.com. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273–8255.
Give your kids, your siblings, your nieces and nephews and your other loved youths a hug tonight. We know we will.
