Tauni's blog

Recently a well-loved teen in our area took his own life. Someone who knew him referred to him as the heart of his school. Although I do not know the details of the situation, I do think it is utterly important to take this time and point out the warning signs of suicide. I've seen how one suicide can spark a trend towards other peers making the same choice; that's the last thing I'd wish to see in the midst of this tragic loss.

Obviously, posting this cannot bring back the friend that has been lost. I was hesitant to bring this up, because I would hate for any of his friends to live in regret. I know I, myself, have spent many hours mulling over "would have," "could have," and "should have." We cannot change the past, that is why it is crucial that we all learn from the past.

So here is the list of warning signs:

1. Be attentive to anyone who mentions suicide. Some people will talk about suicide in a joking manner. Some people will bring it up in a laid back manner: "Sometimes I wonder what it would be life if I just wasn't here." Both of these ways of talking may not seem like a big deal, and it's hard to see them as a concern. But please pay careful attention. These are both serious warning signs. Be direct with your friend. "Have you really been thinking about that?" or "Please don't joke about that. If you need someone to talk to, let's talk right here and now."

2. Beware of anyone who starts giving away their things. It may seem like a friend is being generous, but many times people will give away their things when they don't plan on being around much longer. If your friend gives you something that you know is important to them, approach them. "Is there any reason why you're giving this to me? Don't you still want it? Is everything going ok?"

In my opinion you can't get much better than to have a mix of the Gem State and the Last Frontier! Perhaps I am biased since I fit into that category myself... But I am entitled to my own opinion. :)

For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about, take a few minutes and read about Sarah Palin, she's all over the news these days. Why? Because she's the new running mate for McCain. I'll have to be honest I don't follow politics much, and don't really know where McCain stands on a lot of issues, but my AK pride shows when it comes to Palin.

I have been impressed with her work in Alaska, she brings a fresh face to politics and isn't afraid to tackle the big issues. As a fellow sister in Christ, I feel a sense of connection with her, but I am also proud of one particular issue she supports.

Although she is against gay-marriage, she does support benefits for homo-sexual partners. Here's my stance on the issue, marriage basically boils down to being a religious thing for most people, and as such I don't think the government should decide how to do marriage.

Think of it this way: I am not a vegetarian, but I know a handful of people who are. To them, this is a moral issue, they don't think it's right for anyone to kill any animal. For me, it's a matter of what I'm craving, I don't have any morals against killing animals for food. I would be quite upset if there were any laws against the eating of tasty animals. Because that would mean someone else's morals were being imposed on me.

Now, gay-marriage. A moral issue for some, a matter of preference for others. I don't think it's right for the government to impose my morals on someone else. In the case of Alaska, I don't think you can get any more conservative a state. And Palin was against gay-marriage, as everyone would have expected, and as everyone before her had done---