I just wanted to add my voice to Steve’s post regarding suicide. As a former Paramedic in Atlanta, I was called to suicide cases far too many times. Sometimes we got there in time to save a life, sometimes, no matter how fast we made the trip, it was too late.

Suicide is, indeed, a misunderstood thing. I can’t tell you the times I heard the words “I never knew he or she was so upset, I never knew this was going to happen”. And it’s true.

There are a number of suicide hotlines out there one can call for help. I happened upon one I had not seen before, recently, that I will call you attention to. The Trevor Project Geared mainly to gay and lesbian teens and young adults, the organization works to prevent suicide in this group of people. I’ve seen first hand, working as a Medic, just how prevalent this issue is but, it really came as no surprise to me. It’s a very important issue and one that is hard to talk about inside families, especially in the South.

This Fall, Georgians will be voting on same-sex unions. This post is not about that issue but, it is about understanding how young gay and lesbian people may perceive themselves in light of a passage. However, I urge you to think about the inner thoughts that may be going through the minds of your sons and daughters regardless of whether sexuality is an issue. Teens and young adults have far more on their mind than most suspect.

The one call that really got to me as a Paramedic was a suicide call for a young person. My friends, it’s not pleasant. I hope you’ll think about this no matter the issue at hand.