Please remember there is someone there for you, even when you feel completely alone.

Night before last, someone I knew as a kid had went through the ringer with her parents. They once again argued about her troubles- sex, drugs... you name it. She was privileged, but not without problems.

When her parents went up to her room to check on her later, she had taken her own life.

She was fifteen. A year younger than me.

It's not her fault. It's not her parents' fault. She was truly, deeply depressed, and truly emotionally sick. And even with people all around her, in that moment, she believed they were better off without her.

Her parents are not. Her friends are not. I haven't met her more than in passing for years, and yet I know the world is a little less bright without her in it.

So this is a note for everyone, in the times when they are consumed by sadness, or emptiness, or rage.

I love you. And if you're gone, I'll miss you.

Please live. Please remind yourself that you are being taken over by an emotion which will pass if you can persevere just long enough to talk to someone who cares.

And if you think nobody does, I can guarantee there's someone. Contact anyone you know. A teacher, a friend, a parent, a lover. 911 or the suicide hotline if that's what it comes to. There is the basic treasuring of human life in everyone.

And if you still think that nobody will listen, you can contact me.

Because I'm all ears, and you're not a burden. You're beautiful, important, and are going to make a difference in the world. And I want you to live, even if we've never spoken before.