A hard lesson to learn from

"He has decided not to be with us any longer" were the words the high school student body, crammed together in one classroom, were told. What did it mean? He had dropped out of school? Transferred to another school? The meaning was unclear - until it sunk in...he has decided not to be with them any longer.

The silence, the shock and then the gasps, the tears. Their friend had taken his life.

In a small school, everyone knows each other. Even if they do not talk to one another on a regular basis, they are well aware of each other, passing through the halls and now the halls somehow seem empty with him no longer there.

While no longer here, he is providing those students with a lesson that they will remember all the days of the rest of their lives - life is precious and life can end quickly. Sadly, so very sadly, it is a lesson his family wishes he never would have had to share because they are without him now and will not have the chance to see him grow into a man.

He had dreams, just like every other high school student and there are so very many people asking "why?" did those dreams end.

What we do know is there is not a single "should have done" or "could have done" that would have changed that why. It was in THE plan. That mystery is difficult to deal with.

There is another lesson the students should take from this - always tell your friends that you care for them and are there to listen; celebrate the good times and help each other through the bad times - even if, as difficult as it may be at this age, talk to an adult. And show that you care for all students.

I was one of the fortunate to know the young man. He was in my Sunday school class for three years. He was extremely quiet but was the first to answer the questions I asked relating to the Bible story I had just read. He listened and took in all the information. He believed in our God - it was always obvious.

I too, feel a loss, though he hasn't been in my classroom for eight years, and wish I could go back in time and listen to him once again.

He will not be forgotten.

My heart goes out to his family and fellow students.