Back to School and Finding a Friend

The 2012-2013 school year has begun in Naperville. 

I wish a very happy school year to all the students, teachers and
administrators.

I’d like to share this story that has inspired me for many years.  It comes
from the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.  It is the story about Bill who was walking home carrying two sweaters, a
baseball bat, all of his books, as well as a glove and a tape recorder.  Bill tripped, dropped everything, and a boy named Mark helped Bill pick up his stuff and carry it.  They talked on the way home and had a lot in common.

After arriving at Bill’s house, Mark was invited in and they shared cokes and watched t.v.  They saw each other from time to time and graduated from junior high.  They went to the same high school, and had brief contacts over the years.  Just before high school graduation, Bill asked Mark if he remembered that day years ago when he helped him carry his stuff.  When Mark replied that he did,
Bill stated that he had cleaned out his locker that day – and was going home to
take his mother’s sleeping pills and commit suicide.

Bill further stated that after spending that afternoon laughing and having fun, he dismissed the suicidal thoughts because he didn’t want to miss any other good times.  The story ends with Bill stating, “So you see, Mark, when you picked up my books that day, you did a lot more.  You saved my life.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here is some advice on helping others: “Since people who are contemplating suicide feel so alone and helpless, the most important thing to do if you think a friend or loved one is suicidal is to communicate with him or her openly and frequently.  Make it clear
that you care; stress your willingness to listen.  Also, be sure to take all talk of suicide seriously.  Don’t assume that people who talk about killing themselves won’t really do it.  An estimated 80 percent of all those who commit suicide give some warning of their intentions or mention their feelings to a friend or family member.”  In other words, be a Mark!

But what if you have no friends?  Something I have found helpful for many years when depressed or sad is that there is a higher power whose love for us is
unconditional.  This Love comforts, consoles, and can bring happiness into our lives.

Poet John Newton wrote, “As a little child relies on a care beyond its own, Being neither strong nor wise, Will not take a step alone, let me thus with Thee abide, As my Father, Friend, and Guide.”  That divine Friend, God, is here, willing to listen and to guide the lives of each one of us into life, not death.

You are important.  You are needed.  You are loved.  Let God send a Mark into your life.  There are fun times ahead for everyone!