TheFoothillsForum

In the past month, we have lost 3 young adults that were once classmates with my kids. All around 19-20 years old. This sucks big time and breaks my heart when I think of any parent having to bury a child.

Please parents, don't ever stop talking to your kids about the choices they make, no matter how old they get. It may not make a difference, but it just might.

My heart is just broken

Yes, please. Making better choices!

Not sure who you are referring to. My son and I have been mourning the loss of one of his best friends since kindergarten. Happened at the end of September. Age 24. My son and his other buddies were pallbearers. Talking about ripping our hearts out... The boys were a close knit group of 6 and we lost one. He too, made a bad choice and our surviving sons are devastated and feel guilty-which they are not. Also, we moms are good friends as well. We are standing by our sons, lending shoulders to cry on, and staying more in touch with one another. Trying times. Just really sad. And, yes, talk to the young people. Keep the communication open!! In our case, everyone was totally shocked. No one saw it coming..

CharlieDog, I feel your pain. Our hearts are broken as well. My son says he's feeling a little better.

Having a 21 year old, this hits close to home for me, too. I worry every time he drives away. So sorry for your los Charlie Dog and Blondie. So sad.

Thanks for reminding me that humanity still exists.

In my particular situation (retired Army officer, son on active duty) I have come to accept the fact that young people die every single day. It's not that it's hardened my heart, it just that it is clearly a part of military life.

My son has served on honor guard duty literally dozens of times, and though he rarely talks about it, I know it has affected him deeply.

So, for those of you who do not see this as a regular occurrence, do not feel embarrassed to shed tears, feel a sense of deep loss, be absolutely outraged that this happened, etc.

It will get better each day.

I have personally known 5 young men who have passed away in this last year. Most related to drug use. I know there are several more. My son has known the 5 plus several others both young men and women. It is devastating.

Not sure what the answer is but I know our community, the families and friends of these young people feel the loss.

Any thoughts?

The boys' thoughts are to keep tabs on each other. They are all busy now with school, jobs, girlfriends etc. Not like when they were little and in school with their sports and school activities. They are getting together now on a regular basis. They each know one another so well. They have a pact-call one of us anytime for any reason. When their friend died (of suicide), all he had to do was call and he knew that. Any death of a young person is hard. We get that. But I think the guilt these boys are feeling is compounded because they didn't know this would happen. All of us were blindsided. Young people need to know their lives are special. If it's the economy, they need to know it's not their fault it's bad. That economy is especailly tough on them right now. All my son's closest friends still live at home even if they went away for college. None of them have found a job in their respective majors yet. A few found jobs but only at minimum wage. Our boys have supportive parents. I hope all young people have that support if that's what the problem is. I don't know if the economy plays into this or not. It can't go anywhere but up I'd think. My son's friend didn't have economic problems.

All I know is that we parents are close. I don't know how his folks put one foot in front of the other. I see them and feel so bad. I wonder if they look at me and think that I still have my guy.

These are my thoughts. Sorry it's such a bleak subject. I'm simply sharing a very new experience. If we can save any young person, then this topic is worth it imo.