Here we are as Spring 2016 awakens with warmer zestful weather, beautiful colorful flowers, animals peeping out of their burrows (not donkeys), and most importantly, time to clean up the golf clubs and the Harley Davidson!

I’d like to share a little life lesson that I hope not many have had to face, a lesson that over the past 10 years, I’ve done an inventory of those who were close to me that I’ve lost. My parents, both under 70 years old, my 2 best men at my wedding, 30 years ago, (one late 40’s the other early 50’s), my wife 5 years ago, age 50, my grandmother age 80+, my uncle age 71…. So, the bottom line is I’ve experienced a lot of loss in a decade!




3 days ago I received a heart breaking phone call from my cousin who had a 20 year old son… a sweet kid with a quiet presence that stood 6 ft. 6 inches and weighted 280 lbs. I just saw him at my uncle’s funeral in November and we caught up about what he’s doing and his future.

This past Sunday they found him dead in his car on the side of the road parked from an overdose. She went on to tell me the battle and demons this young man fought with depression and handling his anger issues, something I never experienced when I had seen him over the years.

My Point:

Losing a loved one in the middle or later part of life is one thing, but when you start to see a pattern of teens and very young adults taking their lives over what we see as ridiculous situations, I call it an epidemic! Late last year I spoke with my computer tech who had a grandson age 14… the kid waited for all the family to get together during a Thanksgiving holiday and he took a 9mm pistol and blew his brains out in the empty bedroom while everyone was in the house.




In 2012 The New York Times wrote that 1 in 12 teens have attempted suicide and a major contributor is bullying in person and on social media… being embarrassed through social media channels and in front of students in a social setting.




Remember, “One’s Perception is Their Reality.” No matter if we speak about weakness of character and how kids today are feeling entitled, our reality is this will continue to happen until resources are allotted, this issue is nationally addressed, communication amongst parents and their children are enhanced, and hands on monitoring and control of medications that our children are refusing to take and not letting the parents know is enforced.

MORAL:

A parent’s work is never done! As hard as it is to make sure your children are accounted for… you have to be hands on in their development until they are on their own as educated young adults making a life for themselves, and even then there are no guarantees something so tragic won’t happen in your family.

SOLUTION:

Get involved with your child, grandchild’s life and stay in touch (even when it’s long distance). Let them know they always have an outlet and you will always have their best interest, and keep any secrets they may be too embarrassed to tell others. TRUST opens communication!

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Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1: How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa, 2: Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore and 3. ¿Cómo Comprar Bienes Raíces en Costa Rica, Sin Perder Su Camisa?

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.