The Exponent Online


Friday, 4/6/2001	5 day quick link 4/5 \| 4/4 \| 4/3 \| 4/2 \| 3/30

Troubled students should get help

We would like to thank Father Dan Davis and the staff at St. Thomas Aquinas for having a memorial for our son, John Charles Leath, who died while a student at Purdue three years ago. The service was held March 19, which was the third anniversary of his death. I would also like to thank John's friends who were able to attend and to express regrets to anyone we missed when we sent out notices. If we did miss you and you would like to write to us about any reminisces you have about John, we would love to hear from you.

John died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and was missing for three weeks before his body was discovered in the woods near Greenwood, Ind. The grief we feel has subsided very little over the years and we will have to deal with it for the rest of our lives. The pain that John suffered from is still a mystery to us and to his friends. He kept it within himself until it ended his life. As Father Kane said at his funeral, "John found a long-term solution to a short-term problem." We, his family and friends, are left with a lifetime of loss.

I urge anyone who reads this letter and is having problems that seem overwhelming to find someone to talk to. Purdue has counseling services as do many of the churches in the area. You may think that Mom and Dad will be disappointed in you if you confide in them. Would they rather read about you in the newspaper as we did three years ago? The important thing to remember is to know that help is available. Just take that first step. You, and your family and friends will be happy you did.

Chuck and Denise Leath

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