blackberry molasses

"So many things you'll survive once you realize there's no such place as paradise."

Kenya. She was an average girl, with average looks and intellect. She was kind but not altruistic enough to stand out. She was funny, but not enough to be heard. She was quiet.

Kenya killed herself early one morning in the bathroom while her parents slept. She left no note so they never really understood why. But she was tired of being mediocre. Of constantly being overlooked. Of being completely invisible.

Lawrence. He had everything. He had a well-paying job, a different girl for every night of the week, and a plush apartment in Manhattan. He drove a fast car and lived a fast life. He smiled and laughed with his friends, who all found him charming and energetic.

Lawrence killed himself one Saturday afternoon at his vacation home. It was nearly three days before anyone found him. He left a note saying he was tired of the fake smiles and the empty life. He craved substance he could never get.

Marcus. He was orphaned at 13 after a tragic car accident. He bounced from foster home to foster home. He saw the best and the worst of people throughout his life. He knew there was no yellow brick road, no easy way out, and life is a struggle every day. He believed that no place on this earth existed where complete happiness could be obtained. But he was content and accepting of his life. He woke up every morning prepared to face that day's struggle and to find joy in the small moments.

Marcus had many reasons over the years to give up on life. Horrible situations he experienced and witnessed. But he understood that life is struggle. And that the only way to win was to fight back and become stronger with every strife.