They never train you when you're in college how to deal with some of the things you deal with as a public education teacher. What to do when you have a student who farts incessantly because he doesn't have the social skills NOT to. What to do when a parent refuses to take responsibility for their child's lack of effort. What to do when the lightbulb on your overhead goes out in the middle of class and the librarian isn't around to change it and get a new one. What to do when kids ask you for more advice than they do their parents. What do to when kids take their own life. What do to when the parent of a kid decides to take their own life. Its been that kind of year- death has been present most of the year. We had a 9th grader decide to take his own life a couple months ago. Never saw that coming. Then last week we had a mom decide to do the same thing. And then THIS week, a father make the same choice. The kids are, well, quite frankly they seem to be doing alright. But it still doesn't make any sense. I've had lots of kids ask about it and why, why, why? I don't know and they don't tell you the answer to that in college.
So I turned to Mormon Doctrine, the book by Elder Bruce McConkie. Here's what he said: Suicide: Suicide consists in the voluntary and intentional taking of one's own life, particularly where the person involved is accountable and has a sound mind. Mortal life is a gift from God; it comes according to the divine will, is appointed to endure for such time as Diety decrees, and is designed to serve as the chief testing period of man's eternal existence. It is the probationary state or time during which man is tried and tested physically, spiritually, and mentally. No man has the right to run away from these tests, no matter how severe they may be, by taking his own life. Obviously persons subject to great stresses may lose control of themselves and become mentally clouded to the point that they are no longer accountable for their acts. Such are not to be condemned for taking their own lives. It should also be remembered that judgment is the Lord's. He knows the thoughts, intents and abilities of men; and he in his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course.
I can't judge why a parent would do that. I can't explain why a parent would do that. I don't know that it provided many answers to WHY so much as just to say that you don't have the right to run away from your tests, regardless of how hard they are. You don't have the right to leave your kids and provide them with the memory of you like that. Its selfish. Its senseless. And you will be accountable for it. But the last line... his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course. That's the comfort to find there.
4 comments:
You sound exhausted. You are in my prayers. :)
It sounds like it has been a difficult year. I pray you will have the words that are needed for those kids.....you usually know how to connect with them in any form.
Sweet is the peace the gospel brings. I'm sure there are few words for these young people that bring them peace, but I'm grateful you are there for them to pass along whatever words the Lord gives you. You are in my prayers...luvmom
Just a big thank you for being a teacher. I think the world of you and you are doing your part in the world. You are making a difference in thier lives, looks like more then you ever dreamed of. What a big job you have to not only teach the basics of food, but the real things that happen in life. Thank you for doing that. I am so grateful for the teachers in my childrens lives especially the ones that take a little more time with them with more than just school.
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