I have been volunteering at a teen suicide hotline.

I have had the honor of speaking to some teens who think that their lives are over.

I spoke with a boy the other day. He was very depressed. He had a difficult family life. He was being bullied. He had no friends.

I told him about my life, my childhood, my depression. Told him my son had been cruelly bullied because of our disease.

I just kept talking as he seemed to need that. I told him about what I realized about life and how I have decided to handle it.

I also told him how different his life could be 6 months from now. And that he could change his life if he chose to.

He asked me a lot of questions. I answered honestly. I explained that I understand the depth of despair he feels. But that I hoped so much that he realizes how special he is.

I said that I know that it seems like he would never be happy. That I used to feel that way, too.

I told him about how difficult my childhood was and about my disease.

We talked and talked. I told him I would not hang up until he told me it was ok.

He got quiet after awhile. I panicked a bit. I thought, maybe I shouldnt do this. Maybe I am not good at it. But there was a therapist sitting with me. She touched me on my arm and motioned for me to keep talking.

So, I lowered my voice to almost a whisper. I pictured my son and what I would say to him. What I have said to him.

I said, sweetie, I want you to listen to me please. I can tell how smart you are and that you have a big heart. I can tell that you are funny and kind. I can see who you are and what you are made of. I can see you.

The world is a better place for having you in it. It is. You are special. You matter. You're important. You're worthy.

And though it seems as if things are very hard right now and they may be, but they will not always be.

You can have an amazing life if you choose to. I hope you do.
I think you can do great things and I believe in you.

I didnt hear anything for what seemed like a long time. I looked at the therapist with tears streaming down my face. I started to get up. I thought, I have failed. I have failed this amazing boy. What am I going to do?

She held my arm and motioned for me to wait. It seemed like an hour had passed.

And then I heard his voice. I sighed and sat back down.

He said, quietly, no one has ever said those words to me. That they believe in me. No one has ever said I was a gift, that I was special. I dont know what to do with that.

I said, take it with you. Believe it. There is a whole world waiting for someone just like you. Study hard. Work hard. Get strong.

You can do this, you know. You can. You have the power to be anyone you want, do anything you want.

You have the power over what you want your life to look like.It might not look that way now, but, believe that it can.

You can get through this. I know it without a single doubt.

He thanked me through tears. I said, you have touched me, thank you.

We hung up and I felt faint. I said to the therapist, I will never know if he is ok. I will never know.

She said, Ur, you know.

Life, my friends, is so tenuous, so fragile. It must be lived to the fullest. Love with all your heart, try new things, go new places. And remember, that though this seems so very difficult, you have the power to get through it.