Never an option to end life's pains

I discern quite an idiosyncratic disposition of my son. Quite at times when asked, the usual response would just be either a nod or shake of head. This is probably because I have told him that I am against of early relationship as this would affect his studies especially when confronted with problems that he finds difficult to handle. I can only convince him as to the importance of waiting for the right time. I have to accept that I am not with him at all times as a substantial number of hours are spent in school. There are just occasions that I am unaware of and he would not divulge everything.

My personal experience with my son is for sure encountered by some parents with their young. And what makes it complicated and perplexed is when our children take our disagreement on a repulsive level, much more when some parents would approach this matter in a hostile and confrontational manner.

I am deeply saddened by what happened to a senior high school student who jumped off from the 7th floor of a college. So young that she could no longer handle life's pains. And for her the only doable option is ending her life.

Both a lesson and a challenge more than ever is to approach this the way our youth perceive and behave in their unique world. This boils down to training them with worthwhile lessons focused on life's coping skills. They should be immersed on how to decide things proactively that they and their loved ones could benefit. They need to realize and feel that their immediate family members are with them not only in times of happiness but much more during quandaries. Responsible adults need to guide these young individuals in finding their reason or purpose in this world. Knowing their purpose means knowing what they can do. Over and above every problem there is a bigger picture that they need to seek and only they shall find.

A parent who is far from her children and whose valuable piece of advice to fellow parents has touched me, she said that the "child's scar is the parents' wound; the child success is the parents' achievement. Unconditionally, we must show our love, understanding and respect. I am far from my children but I always find time to ask what is happening with them every day. I want to be conscious of what they need and want as human beings. I want them to be honest with me even they are far from my sight. To my children, I know I am far but you are always in my heart."

We need to develop among our youth the willingness to accept things they cannot change yet commit to what they can amend. So many things are out of their control; therefore it behooves them to focus on what they can control.

Suicide is often connected to a feeling of hopelessness. With the world in the state it is in, this could jump anyone at any time. However, to every problem, there is indeed a solution. It may not come to us immediately, but with patience and time, it will show itself. Sometimes the solution is to accept life and what it offers. Attachment is what keeps us hanging in too long, with too much emphasis on the wrong thing. Desires always bring disappointment. However, hope springs eternal when we get in touch with our given gifts and our very purpose of existence.