Friday, January 30, 2015

Let's talk

I had intended to write this post yesterday. When I told Ian, he suggested I should stop writing about being broke. As usual, he is right. Finance has dominated my recent updates. I had planned to tell you though about how we were turning things around. How we are doing what is needed to bring in extra income, about how I'd cleaned houses, baked cakes for people, transported animals and numerous other things to bring in extra dollars during our time of need. I was going to tell you about how enthused we were feeling about the forthcoming season. How we've planned, prepared, built and invested in the farm. But today, an unspeakable tragedy has dominated our small community here in Aldergrove.

Twenty four hours ago, a child, a high school student, son of a farming family and dear friend of my eldest daughter, felt such despair that he chose to take his own life.

The news of this incident rocked the high school which he attended. I can't articulate the way in which this incredibly sad and tragic event has touched us and I certainly can't begin to imagine the sadness that his parents are feeling. My fourteen year baby has never experienced shock like it and as a parent, it's heartbreaking to observe. Today, we have shed tears for the boy and his family as well as our own family.

There is a conversation to be had about mental health and the high suicide rates among boys of this age. But not now, and not here on this blog. Today, the discourse is about shock and grief. Today is for perspective and remembering. Today is for thoughts for the family.

Soon, I can write an update on our farming activity, but now is time to bow our heads, stand shoulder to shoulder with our farming community, and give our condolences to all at Aldor Acres Farm.