Shame ends in tragedy

According to the Chicago Tribune, on Monday August 26, 1996, tragedy struck a Fort Lauderdale, FL family. Two boys found their 12-year old brother dead in their yard. He had hanged himself from a tree. Beneath the tree were a step stool and a flashlight.

There was little mystery about what had provoked Samuel to end his life. Samuel had a weight problem, and this would have been his first day at a new school. He had told his family that he was nervous about going to school because he was afraid of the teasing that would likely come from the other children.

There are few things more painful than shame. One of the great kindnesses we can do for others is to take away their false shame through acceptance and affirmation.

Source: 750 Engaging Illustrations, Craig Larson, page 11