The days are long, but the years are short

Two days ago, a fifteen year old girl from one of our local high schools shot herself... she died later that night in the hospital. I didn't actually know the girl or her family, but, I- along with so many others in my community- am mourning her loss.

How does something like this happen? No, really. How does it happen? I hear she did it over an on-again, off-again boyfriend... but what else could have happened in this near-child's life to make her think that her only option was putting a pistol to her head? I cannot imagine pain greater than losing a child and my heart aches for her family and friends.

Hug your babies a little tighter tonight. Read them an extra story. When you lean over and kiss their foreheads, take an extra second to inhale their precious scent. Cherish every single second and make the most of the time you're given because we just never know, do we?