After reading this book by Brent Runyon, I have learned many things about life, society, how people tend to deal with their problems and how those decisions can have consequences, and I have also learned a lot about myself. I have realized after reading this story that kids go through problems, they can be stressed out and want those problems to go away. Brent Runyon was a kid when he felt that life was having many challenges and that he did not want to live any longer, he was sad and felt the need to end his life. He made the decision to set himself on fire in his own bathroom, and when doing it he realized what a bad idea it was and that he needed to stop. That one bad decision ruined his life, but not necessarily in a bad way. The suicidal attempt, did have a bad affect on his lifer and family, he had to be hospitalized for seven o eight months, had to be away from friends and family, and had to go through a terrible time with recovery. He realized that his one bad choice, affected his immediate family, who did not realize till the suicide attempt, that Brent was in such a terrible place and did not want to live anymore. His mother and father were very affected and did not know how to handle the situation, and were shocked to find out that this had not happened only once. However, good came of Brent's suicidal attempt, he became closer to his family, he made new friends that changed his outlook on life, and made him realize that he did not know why he wanted to kill himself in the first place. He also was a much happier and stronger kid, because of the entire experience he went through. While being in the different hospitals he was in, and being away from home and family, made him appreciate all that he did have. I have learned from reading this book, that life can be hard but that type of decision is never the answer, working on your problems and making them better is the path that one should always take. Having a good surrounding with people that love and care for you, will give one a type of environment that they will love and appreciate and be happy in. I have come to realize that there are kids in this world that are unhappy, stressed, bullied, and just feel the need to end their lives for many reasons that are important to them, and that they believe that suicide is the right answer and will make all the pain and problems vanish, but the only thing that will vanish from suicide is you. This book has shown me that society can have its problems, moments in life that just make one want to leave this world for a while until that pain is long gone, but the truth is that that type of release from this world does not exist without losing one's self in the process. I have learned that suicide is a big issue in society, many find it not only the answer to all their problems but they also find it okay. I personally think suicide is never the answer, working at your problems until you are truly happy with your life and satisfies with life is the answer. I have learned to appreciate all that life has to offer, and take life one day at a time, enjoying every moment and every memory. I would rather live every day, trying to make my life better each day, making memories and being happy, then ending my life before it has even begun. Life is good and personally I would like to live in it as long as I possibly can.
Lesson Learned