Warning: I do not wish to insult this worthy cause or anybody on this website. But this must be said.

The reason that suicide rates are high in Maine, and I'm not going to say it like I usually say some things - is because this state has nothing, will have nothing, and is going nowhere fast for people in my age group to do. Growing up AND LIVING in the same general area as this young man I can tell you there is absolutely nothing at all for us to do. I have a job which is just about all I do, besides sitting at home playing games or talking on the internet. That is because there is really nobody my age in this area, and if there are, they are doing the same thing I am doing or something close. It's been a long time since I've seen anybody I've graduated with - years even for some.

I honestly don't know if this will help anyone or not, but the reason people are depressed, suicidal, etc. isn't because we're lonely or bored or have something bad going in our lives more over than just the fact there isn't anything to do. I was hoping that the Obama Administration would bring money to this area, but again - no. The town I live in (which you should all by now know) has halved in population since the 2000 census from 650 people to around 300. There are no jobs, and the jobs that are here are going away. As a college graduate, and currently going back to college because of this problem I have here - I find that the easiest way out of this depressive mode is to find employment and a life outside of this state. Possibly Boston. (GO SOX!!)

Reality is that if we want people to stop committing these suicides is that we should bring stuff here. WELCOME DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYERS, AND DIFFERENT IDEAS, instead of sitting on the nature and beauty of the area. I wouldn't mind if there was a Wal-Mart in Dover or a Cabela's in Greenville. Hell I wouldn't mind if there was a 24 Hour Store north of Dover! Also please push alcohol purchases to end at 2am, instead of 1am.

Yes people get depressed but look where we live. I was never really put down in school - i had my fights and tribulations as any geek would, but i don't go around saying ITS BECAUSE OF THAT i want to leave. I want to leave because I don't want to end up dead on my ass from alcohol poisoning. I only drink because there isn't anything to do.

Hey,Do you need a ride.We all want you to go!

Ms. Morin, I was so sorry to learn about your loss and very thankful to learn about what you are doing with your grief. I was thinking a great deal about what "underthechamberlain" wrote and I must say that his/her thoughts were very powerful and insightful. I have often wondered if the barrier of isolation from "things to do" and more importantly - simply ACCESS to things to do ... was not a serious influence to depression, drinking and suicide. A decade or so ago - there was a task force that the governor put together that fell under Maine Coalition for Adolescent Health Care and a sub group called the governors task force on suicide prevention. I think the work they did there would be infromational - worthy to resurrect. Underthechamberlain makes the point - there is nothing and Boston is looking better to them - and I agree - if the only option seems like drinking or boredom and lost faith ... feeling isolated, etc.. These are not acceptable options for any of our Maine youth or young adults ... I ask Underthechamberlain ... what can be done - from their perspective - what do you think - is there anything that a mobiled young adult group could do - to make things happen? There must be others who feel as you do ... together your voice is powerful - can you get to Augusta? Can you find your local statesman or official ? Please do not give up - you are the future - you are the hope that is the promise of tomorrow - help us to help you - teach us (and the lawmakers) about what you need and that you are there and that you have a voice. Please do not cop out and say "nothing ever gets done" or what you have to say doesn't matter .... change starts with each of us - me - you - and anyone interested in making a difference. Maybe together, with one voice, change can happen - I refuse to give up on that - and in my own way - I support you in your expression of voice and making change - one person at a time. This foundation that Mrs. Morin has created might be a place to start .... perhaps she needs speakers from the young adult group to get the message out there - there is safety and credibility in numbers - network, yes - even in little tiny town Maine - NETWORK and get out there - we need you. And we need you sober. Sorry - not judging just saying - you cannot get out of hole if you insist on digging yourself in further! You are part of this community and you are important. No matter what your depression tries to make you believe. Mrs. Morin .... is there a place for Underthechamberlain's voice in your efforts?

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, it is the worst type of loss a parent can experience. I would love to have you come to the Ellsworth school department to give a talk. I have to agree with "underthechamberlain" about the state of Maine. I have lived here many years, too many years. I am from CT originally and have been stuck here since I arrived. I drank alcoholically when I arrived because there was absolutely nothing to do, no work, no friend, nothing but booze and drugs. God saw fit to give me a beautiful daughter and that was the only thing that saved me. I have struggled all the years I have been here and have two other children now. Today I did my son's taxes and he has to pay almost $800 in taxes for having no taxable income! It is all self employment taxes because that is another thing in Maine people like to do, is to call people independent contractors when they really are not. (This is against the law) My son is 19, I hate to say this but he works very hard for his money every day and should not be left with this burden! What kind of message are we giving our children, in many areas. I can see why some kids see no way out and why some turn to selling drugs to make money! Come on Baldacci and Maine legislature buck up and do something good for the State of Maine and it's children and families!!!!!!!

Ms. Morin~ you are a brave soul and your cause is certainly a worthy one. I commend you for stepping up and taking action to help change the lives of those who find themselves in this situation. What you are doing for the youth of our state is truly wonderful.

Unfortunately, due to the economic situation our country is currently in, the suicide rates are again climbing in both the older population as well as the younger group. Suicide is the only choice one sees when they can no longer cope with their current situation. Those that commit this act are not in their right frame of mind and they are making a choice that they would not otherwise make if they were not mentally ill.

Often times, medication and talk therapy are very helpful for the patient. Surrounding the individual who is in crisis with those who understand and are aware of the signs, symptoms and needs of the patient, is a very important factor in preventing suicide.

You've mentioned some very important points such as good nutrition, exercise and a program that takes care of the mind, body and soul of those who suffer from depression. I wish there were centers where depressed people could go to rejuvinate themselves when they feel they are on the downward spiral. I truly believe that the severe depression that so many people suffer from could be prevented if such facilities existed. Education is key.

if you have nothing to do with your time why not try helping out an elderly person or a sick person, an unwanted child or a single mom who has her hands full..give freely of the gifts and talents god had given you to share and be amazed at how god will use this to enrich your life.. animal shelters also need help!!

TSicard...

I applaud you to reaching out.

I think what needs to be done is a complete overhaul on the outlook of our situation. we need jobs. we need places to go where older people or police won't go crazy and say that its A BAD THING. someplace where the church isn't involved or where we can join a sport. Even a video game. I though about maybe asking the rec committee here in town about having a video game night - like rock band or guitar hero competitions get everyone involved. Alcohol isn't a necessity, but tolerance from older people is. I'm 22, so I am legal to drink, but I don't see anything wrong with an 18 year old drinking one or two beers. whats so bad with that? If we could have a movie night or a theater, or even if the Bangor Arena got demolished and replaced by an arena where people would come and perform.

These are ideas.

And just a followup... I've lived here almost 20 years, I've seen our communities go from thriving to barely surviving today. We need to DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP and welcome it. its the only thing that will save maine

TSicard...a third followup?

I know I post some rude comments from time to time. A lot of people see my humor as bad, I know...but I have some great ideas for this state. I want to run for government. I feel like I can be a powerful force in politics - I give a voice for the elderly, the youth, and the development.

I believe in TOTAL WELFARE/FOOD STAMP overhaul, offering free healthcare to seniors and others who qualify...and other things. I welcome development, and am for gun rights

I don't understand the "nothing to do" part of what you guys are talking. We are a bit shy of good jobs but otherwise there are all kinds of things to do. With all our woods, fields and waters if you can't find something to do then Maine is not for you!

Underthechamberlain why not save your drinking money,buy a car and move out of town.It beats ending up dead on your ass.In the mean time why not get involved.I'm sure there might be an elderly person who could use your help.Make a difference! Take your mind off of me, me, me ! Think boy think, before the alcohol burns you out.

Uderthechamberlain I'm sure town doesn't need a drunk politician running for office.

I know Cheryl and Vic Moring and they are wonderful people who have had to deal with a terrible tragedy. They have dealt with this in a most amazing way. Any support that the communities can give to their causes will certainly go to good use. Be strong Vic and Cheryl. We love you guys Dave and Stef

Underthechamberlain

Have you considered a therapist? Therepy has made such a difference in my life. I had such low self esteem it was pathetic. Feeling good about yourself is so important. Now I look forward to each new day. There are therepists that accept payments according to income , and of course insurance covers therapy. There must also be some State aid available. You sound like you could use some help. REACH OUT!

Whoa! I don't think Ms. Morin's efforts are being done in the context of improving all the numerous problems with this rural over-taxed state. People need to learn how to cope in their environment, whatever it is. Also, if there is nothing to do, how about getting together with others who feel the same and pulling up a plan to make things to do instead of whining about it.

underthechamberlain:

You don't have anything to do.....but you are not bored.

There is nobody your age in your area and you haven't seen a person you graduated with for years.....but you are not lonely.

"There are no jobs and the jobs that are here"..... There can't be no jobs if there are jobs.

"Please push alcohol purchases to end at 2PM instead of 1PM". Good idea. That will solve a lot of problems.

"I only drink because there is nothing to do". I guess drinking is something to do, eh?

"There is nothing wrong with an 18 year old drinking one or two beers". Nothing except it is against the law.

Then you top it all off by saying you want to run for public office!!!!

Vote for me! I'll let you buy booze until 2AM and let 18 year olds drink a beer or two!

Thats just what your town needs. "places to go where older people or police won't go crazy, some place the church isn't involved". " Rock band or guitar hero competitions, sports or video games". I'm 22, so I am legal to drink, but I don't see anything wrong with an 18 year old drinking one or two beers"?

Can you picture unsupervised 18 to 21 year olds and/or younger, congregating in one area, drinking ONLY one or two beers?

That is a recipe for disaster.

i have to admitt under the bridge has some valid points kids dont play outside like we used to and there is very little for them to look foreward to but there are groups who are trying to fix these problems sure drugs and booze help ya forget but they only change things for the worse so what is the answer how do we stop the young people from feeling so lost and us older people from just hideing in our homes well find faith in god again he didnt make it this bad MAN did ok im no angel but im working at it peace

Suicide leaves a trail of desperation and sadness for everyone left behind, wondering if they could of done something differently and possibly stopped it. I feel for anyone who has to live with this and applaud this woman for trying to help other families. Don't go through life with your eyes closed, pay attention to everything your kids do , say and ask. LOVE them unconditionally and don't always put so much pressure on them, it is a hard enough time in their lives just to fit in.

underthechamberlain, suicide is usually caused by a mental disorder or some circumstances that have happened in your life NOT because "there is nothing to do." I grew up in a small town in Maine, that was before the kids had cars, computers, game systems, cell phones and cable tv. We never ran out of things to do, we made our own fun and were very creative in finding stuff to do. The problem today is that kids have been given everything and don't have to learn how to entertain themselves--they are expecting someone else to figure out how to do that for them. Even as an adult I sometimes get bored and in a slump, but that is when I pick myself up and tell myself I need to do something about it because it is up to me and no one else.

kal you obviously haven't lived in Maine for very long have you?

Yeah but I drink by myself and its depressing and wrong ronfromdowneast. I have high self esteem, and I'm a lot better than you trixiesunbeam:) plus not paying $50/hr to hear the same thing

Headed south it kind of gets old...i like being outside but when your by yourself with nobody to share your experiences then it gets lame and you get dead

A wonderful article. Thank you BDN for showcasing this new Foundation. This great personal loss motivated the Morin family and others to try to help individuals, families and communities to become more aware. For years, suicide was never discussed. It was hidden in the darkness. If the work of this foundation may save just one life or help just one family, it is time well spent!

Thanks Cheryl and Vic!

stop the shalom house and catholic charitie from bringing in 'lost' children from other states or countries. until 'we' figure out how to get parents back to parenting! we want help for the child before it happens....not after the fact! Books take you on all kinds of adventures! no more cindy sheehan's please!

and thank you!

underthechamberlain: In case you don't know, alcohol is a depressant so maybe you should stop drinking and you won't feel so bad. Also, People do not commit suicide because they are bored. I'm not a psychologist but I've had family members who killed themselves and the situation went much deeper than that. Boredom can be relieved by changing your environment - if you are so unhappy where you are, get off your ----- and move!

Did I miss something? What does boredom have to do with suicide prevention?

My understnading is that it a physiological issue...

God bless Ms. Morin for bringing the truth forward and attempting to lower the embarassingly high statistics and save lives.. No small task certainly.

I don't agree with you underthechamberlain when you posted "somewhere the church isn't involved." Spiritual healing is paramount in the healing of both mind and body, suicidal depression may at times be tempered by both prayer and spiritual peer support. Ultimatly ones healing comes from the Lord.

That is process. Sometimes quickly sometimes slowly.

Also as far as your post that "I don't see anything wrong with an 18 year old drinking one or two beers." I do. First it is illegal second it is a drug. Why would you support using an illegal drug as a placeboo for healing the suicdal condition? You certainly are a canidate for a political life in Maine I imagine you would be a strong force in perpertrating the Methadone industry as well! LOL!

I agree with Amazed who wrote "education is a key." We need to eductate the state polulation about suicide and it's causes AND cures. That is what Ms. Morin is doing she is educating the public about her experience and sharing her strength and hope.

Mariastorm :As far as "stop the Shalom House and Catholic Charities from bringing in lost children." The fact is Maine needs more charities ministring to the needs of children. I find your opinion distressing.

We live in a world where children become depressed and distressed enough to take their own lives...How tragic!

Thank you for being part of the solution and not part of the problem. Some of these whiny posts make me sick. No one is forcing you to live where you do if you are graduated from high school then get on a bus and go to a little bigger town. Don't blame everything on everyone and everything else. Make your own fun, learn a new skill, get up off the couch and quit watching reruns and playing video games. Join the service, take a course, take a walk and stop wallowing in self pity. No one wants to be around a whiner.

well not everyone can be "healed" by Him.

i wasn't. in fact I felt a lot worse when I believed in one true god.

Healing is more than believing...it is an action.

it's our culture that has nothing to offer. we are a familial communal animal. we need to rethink the whole system because we all know it stinks.

Thank you Ms. Morin for what you are doing to help others.

As for underthechamberlain:

Sometimes one has to make an effort to find opportunities and things to do; in Maine and elsewhere. It is not going to be handed to you. There are groups and things to do if one is resilient and persistent. It may be a bit more challenging in some of the more rural areas of Maine; there seems to be activities and groups for people to participate in in the less rural areas anyway. If someone is very unhappy living in this State and believes the "grass may be greener" elsewhere , maybe they should condider moving somewhere else. However, people are struggling all over the country. For Instance, unemployment is North Carolina is double digit now.

When some of us were younger, we found plenty to do outside, but of course we used our imaginations too. Times certainly have changed, but with some effort, one can find things to do rather than spend their time drinking.

Correction:

"Maybe they should consider....."etc. It is not an easy road for many these days; it takes will-power and finding some goals and meaning in life. It will not be handed to one, whether it is getting more education, some job training, hobbies,or whatever endeavor. If one gives up, life will continue to be "boring" , hopeless,etc.

Vic, Cheryl & Boys ~ We think you are doing a wonderful job ~ Even if it makes a difference in just one life, that is one saved!!! Suicide in this world in younger people is on the rise, whether it be drinking or drugs, it happens, and it will continue. There are people making excuses, but that's what they are, excuses!! GET A LIFE!! Keep at it ~ You're family and friends are proud of you and the pain you continue to bear every day...

To underthechamberlain,

My name is Cheryl Morin and this article was done to bring awareness to The JD Foundation to help promote suicide prevention through education and awareness.

My son did not die by suicide because he was bored. Drugs and alcohol certainly played a part in giving him false courage. I believe without it that he would still be here. That with the knowledge that I now have.

Unfortunately this subject is always controversial and hard to talk about. I hope to bring it out in the open and be able to talk about bringing solutions to the problem. It is my hope to not print stuff that is a negative, but only educational to the cause. Being bored is not part of that and it certainly took up a lot of space on a subject that is very important to some of us.

If you would like to discuss your depression and what you might be able to do to help yourself, I would be happy to steer you in the right direction. I am not a counselor, but I do help with resources for people that need help.

Please feel free to e-mail me @thejdfoundation@yahoo.com

God Bless you Cheryl...

I wish that all the people that viewed this story today, (which was the most viewed story for the Penquis region!!!) would have made a comment. I commend you Cheryl for not taking the comments of underthechamberlain to heart but yet reached out to him/her to offer help. That only tells us of the kind of woman you are. To have suffered a loss so severe and be able to create such a wonderful organization that offers to educate all those willing to learn makes you the strongest person in the world to me. So many people have a story to tell but so few ever tell it. My hats off to you for your courage and strength and you go girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will never forget or get over the loss of your son but your efforts to this cause will at least ease your pain. You have an angel out there. God Bless You and best wishes for success.

I wish that all the people that viewed this story today, (which was the most viewed story for the Penquis region!!!) would have made a comment. I commend you Cheryl for not taking the comments of underthechamberlain to heart but yet reached out to him/her to offer help. That only tells us of the kind of woman you are. To have suffered a loss so severe and be able to create such a wonderful organization that offers to educate all those willing to learn makes you the strongest person in the world to me. So many people have a story to tell but so few ever tell it. My hats off to you for your courage and strength and you go girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will never forget or get over the loss of your son but your efforts to this cause will at least ease your pain. You have an angel out there. God Bless You and best wishes for success.

I wish that all the people that viewed this story today, (which was the most viewed story for the Penquis region!!!) would have made a comment. I commend you Cheryl for not taking the comments of underthechamberlain to heart but yet reached out to him/her to offer help. That only tells us of the kind of woman you are. To have suffered a loss so severe and be able to create such a wonderful organization that offers to educate all those willing to learn makes you the strongest person in the world to me. So many people have a story to tell but so few ever tell it. My hats off to you for your courage and strength and you go girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will never forget or get over the loss of your son but your efforts to this cause will at least ease your pain. You have an angel out there. God Bless You and best wishes for success.

When I was 14 I attempted to o.d. My parents did not know I was depressed. I was always a quiet/shy person. I know someone mentioned to watch how your child acts and what they do and say. A suggestion to parents might be, instead of watching, ask your child how things are in his/her life, without being judgemental, and maybe make suggestions to help in areas they are having trouble with. If you know any of their friends, friends parents, teachers, ask these people how your child is adjusting to situations. Spend more time with your child. If you think someone is depressed, listen to them. Sometimes that's all they need, along with encouragement of course.

Calling people whiners and telling them to get a life...DOES NOT give encouragement. How do you know this person is not just trying to reach out? Being bored=doing the wrong things=depression=suicide.

Just my opinion, so please don't bash me. Everyone deals with depression in different ways. It's getting through it that is the hardest.

flking:

I do not see how anyone could bash you for what you wrote. You are very wise and made some very important comments and suggestions. Hopefully, they will help someone.

i hope that doesn't mean the election is already seal t

flking & underthechamberlain .... and Mrs. Morin too (so gald to see you jump in):

Yes of course you are all correct! What causes one to be depressed is unique to "them" ... it might be "boredom" it might be the "pressures", or being so shy you cannot find another way ... or "using" substances which we already know can cause a chemical depression .... the point I hear though all of these posts is that what contributes to feeling badly roots from many different places - which is why many people struggle with understanding WHY some people take their lives .... my reach out to this post group today is simply this: there is no one right or wrong way to be depressed or lost or feeling suicidal - for some - it is a long drawn out process and for others it seems as though it simply happened over night. What IS important is that everyone recognize that there is not a one-size -fits all and that in the expression of what the one person feels inside that contributes to feeling down (like being bored and isolated) is but an expression - a warning - "I AM NOT RIGHT" on the inside .... for younger adults and even more so for teenage people - since they are still on the development curve ... there is also often trouble expressing themselves well about these things - as flking so gracefully pointed out.

Discussing this topic will never be all positive or "clean" ... it is emotionally charged - as it should be ,right? It helps to remove judgement and try very hard to think for a moment that each person is very much entitled to their own process and expression of feelings, fears and loss. We can only hope for more of that .... as someone who works with people in the categories of depression and suicide daily for the last 15 years - I can say with confidence - results happen and lives are saved when PEOPLE TALK FREELY both positive and negatively, without judgment results happen and lives are saved when someone is LISTENING .... so - carry on dear group carry on - and let us thank Mrs. Morin for providing the start place for people to begin to talk about the tough stuff, and for people to dare to look inside and start a new day ... because - today is a new day. Preventiopn starts with truth .... yours and mine. :)

My heart goes out to the Morin family..there can be no greater loss than that of a child, especially in such a senseless tragedy. All of us that have been touched by suicide (fortunately, for me, none have succeeded) can see that the warning signs take various forms. Education is essential in identifying and treating these problems, ranging from alcoholism to just sheer desperation. We need to teach our young people that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, that there is always another day, and that they need to talk to someone about their feelings, a friend, parent, loved one, or school counselor. For "underthechamberlin", I have lived in Maine all my life (over 40 years) and was from a very small town that had no organized activities for the town's children. The very thought that boredom is one of the causes of suicide is unjustified. Children contemplating suicide have feelings of such desperation that they feel their life will never get better. We as parents need education to identify these problems. We need to listen to our children instead of being wrapped up in trivial things. in our lives. Keep up the good work Cheryl and if your foundation prevents just one child from taking the same road your son did, it will be well worth it. God bless you and your family.

I just spent the last 1/2 hour typing in my thoughts but I've decided that the last comment said everything that I wanted to say. Speak out!!! If someone won't listen keep speaking until someone does because we are all worth it, no matter what our issues are. We all need to be honest with ourselves and not ever feel that we can't express our opinions. Being humble is such a great thing!!

Suicide is a huge issue that no one wants to talk about. Try saying the word in a group of people, even sometimes to a friend. They get a funny look and walk the other way. To me the word brings waves of pain. To underthe chamberlain---My husband 36 a doctor killed himself, it was not that he was bored. He left me, a single mom, without health insurance and income to raise our two girls, 4 and 7.

Animals don't kill themselves, only people do. THE IS SOMETHING WRONG when this happens. IT IS PREVENTABLE!!!!!! I will say that again IT IS PREVENTABLE!!!!! We don't have to do this to ourselves, we can help those of us around us suffering.

In my case my husband was not willing to ask for help. That is a hard thing for me, since I am now forced to carry and huge burden and do ahve to ask for help. I did not know/understand what was going on with him, but there was a lot going on. I now (20/20) can better see warning signs and behaviors that suggest someone may be contemplating taking their own life.

I don't have family here, I wasn't raised here. YES YES i hear your concern about nothing to do here. This area does not make it easy. There aren't the night clubs, comedy clubs and weekly community art fairs, theater events found in other places. In fact a doctors wfe in an interviews asked me "Can you self entertain?" But in the years I have been here I have found things to do. I know how to rock climb, sea kayak, and I'm learning to whitewater kayak. I also mountain bike and hike and ski every chance I get. Try ANY of those for a bigger high than a glass of wine will give you (although I'm not condoning that), but the wine is great after a hard couple of hours playing outside. YES Maine is not developing these resources like "I" think they should, but hey, that just makes it easier for me to partake not so many people, but it also makes it harder becuase I have to pay very good attention to what is going on or I might miss it.

SUICIDE affects nearly every moment of my life and that of my kids. My kids process their fathers death at every growth stage. I am a forced to teach those at the schools about grief since so many people don't get it. I just went to concert for the kids alone. Try celebrating their birthdays-once a shared happiness, now it is ALL to me. I do it, but it is not not not easy.

Try watching my kids' faces when someone tells a story of the cool thing they did with their dad over the weekend. It is a pain I CAN NEVER MAKE THAT FEELING GO AWAY for them.

Coupled with the knowledge that "survivors" we are the ones that have been left are more likely to complete suicide as well because we have watch ed someone else take that route which can imply it is ok, makes suicide a breeding ground for more. It isn't pretty, It isn't fun to talk about.

If underthechamberlain you are so bored come spend a weekend at our house. Reach me mytegirl@yahoo.com I have home projects coming out of my ears, and I am sensing you are a guy. My kids don't fit the model for big brother big sisters, my girls don't need more women in their life (mom at home, female teachers at school...)and I'm sensing you are a guy. I could use a brake form my kids. My divorced friends get every other weekend off, my married friends can get help from their spouses. I have a plot and can't afford the tomb stone, and not a lot of help.

SUICIDE IS A HUGE ISSUE! Thanks for starting your foundation. Also see the efforts of AFSP on the national level.

Thanks for the article. I found the website http://www.thejdfoundation.org/ went to the contact page and made a donation in honor of my friend who we lost this year to suicide. Cheryl, I will never meet you as I live many states away, but thanks for giving me the chance to hopefully be part of the solution. You are in my heart and prayers, because I understand your loss and hate that you have had to deal with this in your life. Now is our chance to make a difference in the life of someone else.

I want to thank the BDN for recognizing that this subject needs to be talked about, out in the open, without shame. I thank everyone for their encouragement to keep going with this project.

Please contact us for more information on what you can do to help. We give suicide awareness trainings for anyone wanting to learn them. We want everyone to know what to look for and where to get help.

Please contact us at thejdfoundation@yahoo.com or 207-876-2295

Ms. Morin: I just read your story and of your cause for suicide prevention on the Bangor Daily News website. I was searching the internet for "mothers of suicide teenagers" and that site with your story popped up. My oldest son, Matthew David Boone, took his own life last July 6, 2008. He too was 19 years old. I can honestly feel your pain piercing through my heart aside my own. I would like to talk with you about things, feelings--I just feel like I have no one to talk to, not even my husband...no one I know has gone through this. I met a friend of a friend through all this tragedy who lost her 18 year- old daughter in a car accident last May 2008. We have talks sometimes, and feel each other's pain and loss, however, it is just so difficult to explain how although we both experience and live with the loss of our child everyday, the loss is "different" for each of us. When I read the story of your tragedy, I just thought maybe you would be someone I could connect with on my level of feelings. I live in Springfield, Missouri and not financially able to travel to Maine, but, if you would at the least let me know you received this email, it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can email? breadbasket67@yahoo.com