Save a Life
Re: "Climbing Out of Hell" by Eric Snider (June 4-10)
Thank you for doing your piece on Tim McClelland. His mother's anguish is too real. We have banded together to start making a difference in our communities, and unfortunately we have to get people's attention to the tragedy of suicide by writing about someone's death.
It is not an easy subject to discuss, but we must get into people's minds so they can make a difference. I have posted the article on the FSPC website for others to read.
—Terry R. Smith, Chairman
Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition
Palm Coast, Florida
Your article was brought to my attention through a support group called Parents of Suicide (POS). I joined this group in April after my 21-year-old son Eric committed suicide by hanging on Jan. 24, 2003. It's been 19 weeks today and every day is an effort just to get out of bed. He was my only son. This support group has been a lifeline for me and many others who need to talk and be with people who are living in the same hell. Honestly, no one could possibly understand unless they've lost a child. As parents, we're there to protect, encourage and love our children. We've loved our children with all our hearts, and now our hearts are shattered. So many questions left unanswered, so many regrets.
I want to thank you for printing that article. I know it's considered a "taboo" subject by most people, but I can tell you, there are so many kids like mine and others from the group that suffered so much emotional pain. And hence we are now left to experience the worst emotional and physical pain that could ever be experienced.
I believe it is vitally important to get the message out to kids that suicide is not the answer to their problems.
And as far as mental health issues are concerned, I believe all kids should be screened. I don't care who bears the cost, but it's so necessary. My son, along with many others, had been misdiagnosed for years, only to have a very devastating ending. After my son died, I spoke with some people from the Mental Health Unit where Eric spent some time and they explained to me that mental health dollars are very hard to come by. Many deem these lost souls as "expendable." I don't think so. These kids are intelligent, talented, funny and lovable, maybe a future president who never got the chance, who knows.
I just want you to know how thankful I am, as are others in my shoes, that you brought this subject to the attention of your readers.
—Donna L. Whitcomb
via e-mail
My son Billy was 16 when he ended his life. I never knew that he was so troubled. He overdosed on my ex-husband's antidepressants. He was a wonderful young man and I miss him dearly.
More should be done to enable children and young adults to speak out and ask for help. Suicide should be addressed in the schools. Usually, with the right treatment and/or counseling it can be prevented. They just need to get past whatever is so troublesome to them. If they can get through one more minute or one more hour, whatever seemed to be so overwhelming may have passed by then.
I truly wish there were more options for people when they get to that point in their lives. I was so suicidal after my son died, I don't know how I made it. It will be 10 years in October.
Thank you for the article. You may save someone's life.
—Bonnie Gibson
Brandon
One well-written article at the right time, in the right place, can start a chain of events that may save one life, and then another and another. The possibilities are infinite.
Suicide prevention is not just about saving lives, though. It's about improving the quality of life for many.
The mental-health screening that could be done in high schools would not just prevent suicides. It could also open doors for young people to get help before they find escape via drugs or alcohol. If we wait until they are hooked, the long-range cost to society is immeasurable financially, economically and emotionally.
Bonnie McClelland's zeal will push her on for awhile, I believe, but she is still dependent upon people like you [the press] who believe in the benefits of suicide education and awareness to help lift her up. Thank you again for giving her that boost.
— Karyl Chastain Beal
Pavo, Ga.
Of course, there is much more to be said about this frightening problem kids face today. How best to deal with depression, hopelessness and the meaninglessness youth feel in our plastic and sound-bite universe is a problem we all share. Many so-called "social leaders" and "elders" teeter on the edge of sanity and moral bankruptcy themselves. Just look at the bizarre and confusing world they have created for young people to live in. Most lack spiritual authority and hide behind hollow conventions and legalisms that are void of wisdom and heart. The best they can do is confess their faults and weaknesses and hope that young people will forgive them — or at least recognize their foolish and pitiful all-too-human-ness!
I hope the Weekly Planet can follow up with a series of articles on the alienation of youth from all ethnic groups and classes in our country, and including, too, young suicide bombers and political activists in other so-called "less fortunate" lands.
—Frank Tedesco
Largo
Hometown memories
Re: "The Neighborhood Babe Built" by Susan F. Edwards (June 4-10)
I commend you on your piece about Babe's ghost. I am no golf fan, but being a journalist I was very caught up in the excitement of the Annika Sorenstam story. I was especially drawn to your story because I have always admired Babe Zaharias, even though she died a couple of years before I was born.
I grew up with her nephews and nieces in a small town near Beaumont, Texas, from where she hailed. My parents and others who knew Babe said she was a great lady who just happened to have remarkable athletic abilities.
Thanks again for the memories of home.
—Richard Smith
Waco, Texas
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2003.