PLEASE read this...Extremely important!!!

[Lil-Brandi]

Shylady recently posted a thread about teen suicide. I replied to that thread, but my reply ended up on the bottom of a long list. As a teenager still (18), I wanted my words to be read by as many people as possible, especially parents of children. I wanted my words to reach as many hearts as they could, in the hopes that it can prevent news such as Shylady's, from ever having to be said!

PLEASE read all of this...

Everytime I hear news such as Shylady's, my heart aches tremendously. It literally made me cry. It makes me step back and really appreciate what I have in life. Things that are easily taken for granted are suddenly more respected. I am an only child, a daughter, 18, still at home with BOTH my Mom and Dad. You could say I am a spoiled brat, and YES sometimes it has gone to my head, not too often, but sometimes. My family is very wealthy and I have been given more than any child in life deserves. But beyond all the material things I have, the one thing I cherish every day I wake up, is the love I receive, every minute of my life, from my parents. It is absolutely priceless. I start each day KNOWING, from the "hugs" the "kisses" and the "I love you" comments, that I am truly loved. I lay down my head at night with the same comforting knowledge!
With saddened news such as Shylady wrote, it makes me feel selfish that I have so much and some other children, just as special, have so little. So as a "child" I say to every "parent' that reads this, "know that a simple hug to start a day only takes a minute, but a child can feel it all day long. Three simple words of "I love you" that only take three seconds to say, last for hours or days in a childs mind. Said repeatedly, they last for a lifetime! Remember, material things have a price, but can ALWAYS be bought or replaced. A parents love for their children is free and can NEVER be replaced! And take the time, OR make the time to spend with your children, believe ME, just an hour of a parents time can make all the difference in a childs world!

 

[Guest]

 

[Ambrosious]

And y'all say I need decaf. Again, good points, LilBrandi

 

[TonyG]

Lil-Brandi, you are right on the money with your comment. I would like to add though that the reverse is also true. We cannot forget as we get older (I passed 18 a while ago) that our parents deserve the same in return. If you can't physically hug them then be sure to call often.

In our hectic day-to-day world sometimes it is easy to forget that our parents need love reminders also.

 

[Lil-Brandi]

...so true!!!

Your reply is so true. I absolutely love and cherish my parents. When I am away from them I miss them tremendously. I cannot imagine myself ever getting to an age where these feelings for them would ever change!

 

[teresafannin]

One of the things that I am most grateful for is that Justin had started to say I love you again. He went through a phase, like most teenage boys, of being embarrassed about public displays of affection. The last year was a year of discovery for him. He grew up so much & had spent the summer reaching out to friends he hadn't seen or wasn't so close to anymore. The last thing he said to me when he left to go back to the church that night, was "don't forget to wash my blue shirts for work tomorrow, I love you, Mom." I will hold that forever. Far too many kids don't hear the words I love you, I told Justin that every day & still do. I am still very close to my parents, one of the hardest things for my dad is that he can't fix this for me. Life can be so short, I make a point of telling my family that I love them every time I talk to them.

 

[Nobody Special's wife]

The bond with my mother is very good I call every chance I get...I don't have a father and I don't know what its like to have a lot of money ...So I rather be loved in this life than have money ..Cause I don't know what I missing in that aspect of life....I love my husband...So I rather be poor in love than with a lot of money and being lonely for the rest of my life....

 

[Ksss]

My children are 20 and 22, and to this day I still tell each of them that I love them and that they are important in my life. As they were growing up, I was angry that not all parents took as much interest in their children as I did my own. Hence, I became "mom" to many children thru the years. I was one of those parents who took children back and forth to school concerts, I would never have dreamed of missing any of their concerts! I was the parent who went on camping trips when they were in scouts. I was the parent who offered many children a hug when they were having a bad day. I opened my heart to these kids and was rewarded with a very large extended family. To this day, I still have some of these kids calling me to say, "Thanks mom for being there for me when I needed a shoulder to lean on." These young adults fill my heart with so much happiness, it's too bad that their own parents are not the ones receiving this treasured gift....

 

[teresafannin]

Kssss, I was also the mom who went to all the school/church/scouts/band/drill team, etc, events. I always wanted a houseful of kids & by being there for Justin & his friends, I got my wish, along with a lot of hugs & thanks, Mom. Most of these kids are now in their first year of college & they still call, write, email & come see me when they are home on their breaks. After Justin died last year, I worried so much about how they were dealing with things. They are so young to have to go through such a trauma, I made sure to be available whenever they were going through one of the bad days that we all still have. I will always consider them "my kids". I go to their graduations & tease them that I expect engagement, wedding, & all those other announcements. I wish so much that their parents would realize how great some of these kids are. They have made my life so much richer, I can't imagine not having them in my life. I look at it from the perspective that this is one thing I can still do for Justin, I can be there for his friends since he can't be here for them.

 

[kathy stl]

You are wise beyond your years Lil-Brandi. I am pretty much a stupo about most things, but this is something I know about. I am not a daughter or a mother (how can that be Kathy? jeez) but I know it must be the most important thing in the world.

 

[Curious Guy]

Lil-Brandi, you are one smart young lady, far to wise for your age. I only wish that I had been as wise when I was 18. Kudos to your parents, also. They did something right in your rearing.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

love...Is enough if you get it from everyone.

At nineteen I can attest to that. My parents loved me beyond all belief, an only child, I had it all. Except friends, and the self-esteem to put myself through life. I attempted suicide. Fortunately I failed, and realized Life is beyond precious. It is a gift. I thank GOd everyday for my life. But, With all the love a parent can give, It may not be enough, make sure kids are active in school, basketball, even if they are horrible at it, forensics, even if stages frighten them, Love is exactly what is needed, but make sure that things around them, other than home are keeping them happy.
God's blessings and to tell you the truth, you all are the first to know after doctors and my parents that i did this. Your threads and words of love have inspired me to get this off my chest. Thank you. I truelly feel better.

 

[Lil-Brandi]

...incredible replies!

I just want to say thank you to the ones that read this and replied! I know most of the threads we start are for laughs and pure fun. I included have started and participated in some fun things on here. Every now and then however, a very serious issue passes through the threads that needs attention too. It sounds like this thread reached into more hearts other than just mine!!!

 

[Juspar Emvan]

Thanks

Lil Brandy, Thank you

25/m, with daughter 2, step son 7.
The most important things in life are given away - free.

Justin

 

[Lil-Brandi]

...You are very welcome!!!