It's been a month since Megan died. Megan is the daughter of very good friends of my mom and dad. She was such a happy girl, she was also a mischevious little shit. That's why her nickname is Punky. She was so cheerful and friendly, she had many friends and was involved in all kinds of school activities. Megan took her own life a month ago today. She was 13 years old. There were so many questions. The biggest was why. What could have been hurting her so much that she had to leave us? How could anyone have missed it. I guess the only thing we can do now is remember the little red-cheeked girl with the ever present "bad hair day" bandana. Her funeral was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face. It was the first time I ever saw my dad cry. I hope she could see how many people loved her. The funeral home couldn't hold everyone,not by a long shot. I guess I just want to give everyone a little piece of advice that was passed on to me by her dad Roger when we were saying goodbye to him..."Hug your mom and dad everyday and tell them that you love them, even if you don't mean it at the time." I also have a bit of advice for the parents out there, "Talk to your kids when you think they are old enough, tell them that it is ok to have feelings of wanting to hurt themselves. It's just not ok to hide it deep inside. My mom probably saved my life by telling me that. Treat your loved ones like it is the last time you will see them.
Megan "Punky" Cook 12/11/1990-5/24/2004
God grant me the
Serenity to the accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can, and
Wisdom to know the difference.
