Suicide

Recently, my son installed an aquarium in our living room for my grandchildren to enjoy. Originally, there were eight fish in the tank. Slowly over the week, one at a time, their numbers are dwindling. It occurred to me today that we are not the only living beings on earth to be suicidal. There are now four of the original eight fish in the tank. I have been wondering why the fish feel the need to leave the tank. They have all the food, water, entertainment, and company of the other fish. People contemplating suicide need to have a "hope" to hang on to for their survival. As a member of the human family, hope can come from any direction. Family, friends, accomplishments-they are all a vital part of our existence. When my children were small, and even now that they are older, I would touch them. Hugs, a pat on the back or arm, ruffling their hair, I knew that they would know the touch of their mother and feel safe and loved. I have tried to strive over the years to keep that contact with them. Telephone conversations end with an "I love you." There are hugs when they walk through my door and hugs when they leave. My youngest said that we are a very "huggy-kissy" family. Looking back on my childhood, there were always hugs and kisses from my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Make sure that your loved ones have the touching and hugging and "I love yous." Quantity and Quality matter! Maybe, the fish in the tank need more touching.