I told the story about Leo. Now it’s Lisa’s turn.
This one has a whole different outcome, one that still has me in deep reflection months later. It wasn’t without twists and turns. It would be my stomach and my heart that took that journey.
Lisa: “Hey, im a 16 year old girl, im done living it’s too hard, and I don’t just want the pain to end i wanna die im so tired of being here. im planning on doing it this week. before you tell something ive already heard like ” it will get better ” “your strong just keep fighting” “you have a family who loves you” or ” you have so much to look forward too”.
Of course, I answered all her comments and we talked back and forth for about a week. Lisa wrote a detailed message about her plans to die and they were horrifying and included more than one person. I felt…panicked.
Was there a thread in her conversation that indicated a willingness to talk to someone?
There was so I just planted that seed.
Lisa: “today, is the day, and I’m really scared, there is still so much I have to do today to make it possible, but I feel like I have to now.
I’ve been grounded since February so for 5 months and I’ve been stuck at home in my emotionally abusive household, and physically abusive the whole time, the only thing making me happy right now is my friends and I never get to see them, only at school but I can’t hang out with them at school cuz I’m failing all my classes….”
You thought I felt panicked before? I do deep breathing exercises.
Her home situation wasn’t good. For a 16-year-old, there were so many things that aspects of her life that were falling apart.
I did not freak out. She had spoken of a teacher at school. Had she spoken to him yet?
I can’t save her. I can only help her save her own life. Would she talk to this guy?
Lisa: “I’m still alive…my socials teacher saved my life, and as happy and grateful as I am to him, all he did was showed me he cared for probably less than an hour, and that is what saved my life. how can my life be so disposable that if it went the other way I probably would have been dead, all I needed was one person to make me feel like they actually care and there is hope for me, but it wasn’t my friends, my family, it was my high school socials teacher, that I’ve talked to one before, how did he have so much power over my life.”
Relief floods over me.
I saved that passage and use it in presentations to show that sometimes all it takes is one person who is willing to listen. I cry every time I read it.
She just wanted to feel heard and seen.
I wish I could meet this teacher and give him a hug.
Like many people who read your posts and receive your emails, I struggle each and every day. I have written many replies, I always delete them. I guess all I would like to say is thank you. People like you are special in more ways than you know, and the lives that you touch are endless.
I hope you always post a comment. They are welcome here even if you are in a dark place. If it weren’t for people who struggle who have generously shared their stories, I would have struggled for much longer with the “why?” Thank you for posting Justin. It made my week. 🙂
Anne Moss, have you ever thought, if only something like this could have happen for our precious loved one? Please know I am only thinking out loud. I continue to share your soul searching stories throughout the Kansas, Missouri area with the many friends, acquaintances, and communities possible with your permission and support. Please know they are making a difference in this part of the world, and the Tilton family with Adam’s Story Ministry & Lifestyle.
Definitely, I think that. In fact, I think it’s what drives me. Like I’m saving Charles over and over. Although I’m only helping someone save their own life. Thank you for sharing Andy. So much.
Chilling and true. Thanks for helping so many AM… ❤️
Thank you for helping me, Gray. I use many of your quotes and examples and it does help others.
You saved my life year’s ago. Thank you!
Oh my gosh. Technically, I helped you save your own life but I’m so thrilled to hear from you. Let me know how you are now.