May 15, 2016 2 min read

I think that Monica’s wish would be that each of her students would remember her and know that she loved them all. That to be kind to each other would be the biggest honor to her. We went them to know that if the thought of suicide ever crosses their mind or the mind of someone they know and/or love, that they must take action. Reach out to a friend, parent, stranger or professional immediately. Please don’t be afraid to cause them worry. If you are the person in need of help, do not be afraid to offend someone in need by offering your help.

(Monica) felt unloved, unimportant to the world, when in reality, she mattered to so many.

When someone chooses this path – and we know when they do their minds are not theirs – they believe that no one will care when they are gone, that no one will ever notice that they are no longer there. This is never the case. Each and every person has a place here – it is one that cannot be filled by any other.

When Monica left, part of her remained with us and part of us went with her. The people you leave behind are no longer the same. Your unique space in this world remains, but is now empty. That space is present in every crowded room, in every family gathering, in every bright morning or starlit night. It can’t be filled with tears or prayer or kindnesses done in your memory. It is eternally your space and no one else’s.

Please believe that it will get better and I promise the best is yet to come.

We think of her always and of how much better the world was with her in it. Please make the world better for her, not by leaving it, but by deciding that you will do whatever is necessary to stay in it and to see things through. Help us to make this a world without suicide.

Please know that this is a disease, not a method of escaping life. It needs to be viewed as such and treated as such. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be embarrassed. Reach out.

- Peggy and Jim Held, parents of Monica Held, who took her own life Aug. 23, 2010