Suicide

Usually when people read your blog they are hoping to read about how wonderful your life is. Unfortunately, this blog will not be about that. I have been thinking about suicide a lot-- not for myself but just how it affects families. Recently, a freshmen girl who went to the same high school as my husband committed suicide during school. Marie Osmond's son has also committed suicide during this past week. Being a parent, I can't fathom the pain, guilt, agony, sorrow a parent feels after losing a child, especially by their own hand.

Being LDS, we have the knowledge that families can be together by the sealing power of the temple. I cannot wait until our family becomes an eternal family. I found this quote and find it very comforting and although it is a sensitive topic, very calming:

The late Elder Bruce R. McConkie, formerly of the Quorum of the Twelve, expressed what many Church leaders have taught: “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. … 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.” (Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, p. 771; some italics added.)