Nov 17, 2022
Our kids should be here. It is simply wrong that they are gone
before us. It just is. Nothing that we do or say can make sense of
the senseless tragedy of the deaths of our children.
When Stef’s 16-year-old son, Alex, died suddenly by suicide, her
world was shattered. Their community was in shock. They were ‘The
Kummer Family’ - the family who had everything together. They were
a family that inspired jealousy in others. Alex was a brilliant,
straight-A student who made everyone around him feel special and
valued. The Kummers went to church regularly and did family outings
together. Certainly, suicide couldn’t enter this family - other
families, sure, but not this family.
But just over a year ago now, the unthinkable did happen. Suicide
did enter the Kummer Family and stole away Stef’s son, Alex. He got
in trouble for something that, although relatively minor, became
big in his mind. At that moment, his adolescent brain decided that
his family would be better off without him. Alex, the kid who never
hurt anyone and was the best friend of everyone, took his own life,
devastating all who care for him.
Now Stef’s mission in life is to spread the word that no family is
immune to suicide. She talks at churches and to other groups
sharing Alex’s story. She ends each email that she writes with the
phrase, ‘the world is better with you in it.’ Stef wants all
parents to openly talk with their children about what to do when
suicidal thoughts come, encouraging improved communication among
families. Hopefully, by starting these conversations at home, fewer
families will have to suffer through the tragedy of losing a
child.