Updated: August 3, 2016
Originally Published: November 5, 2009
My name is Laura Thompson, and I am the mother of three daughters aged 10 to 17. On April 4, 2013, our lives changed forever. The first tragedy struck when my 15-year-old daughter, Sarah, attended a social gathering where she was assaulted by four young men. Just days later, an image of that horrific event circulated throughout her school and community. Following the release of this photograph, Sarah faced relentless bullying from her peers, turning her into a target for further emotional harm.
In a matter of days, my intelligent and confident daughter began to deteriorate. Despite her efforts to regain her sense of self, each small victory was met with new emotional challenges. Sarah and our family were left reeling, desperately seeking the support she needed but finding ourselves repeatedly let down by the very systems designed to protect her.
For 17 months, we grappled with feelings of despair, constantly asking ourselves why this happened to us or to Sarah. On April 4, 2013, at approximately midnight, in a moment of hopelessness, Sarah took her own life while I was downstairs and her friend was just outside her door. The memory of discovering her that night is etched in my mind – a haunting image that I will carry forever. We knew she was in pain, and we talked often about her struggles, but I never believed she would follow through on her feelings of despair. Anyone who knew Sarah would have described her as the thoughtful and supportive one among her friends, someone who always offered sound advice. She was strong.
Yet, the events that befell her were not reflective of the person she truly was; they were tragedies that distorted her worldview at a tender age. After the loss of Sarah, I was left to navigate a “new normal.” Her two younger sisters looked to me for strength and guidance, both grieving and missing their older sister. I wanted them to understand that while our life had been shattered, we were still united. It’s essential to acknowledge our pain, but I want them to know that we will not fall apart. I am committed to being there for them, honoring Sarah’s memory daily in both large and small ways. We carry her spirit with us and discuss her as if she were still part of our lives. I strive to divide my time equally among my three girls, as it should be.
When Sarah was born, it was just the two of us for seven years. Her father played a significant role in her life, but I often felt like a single mother. From the moment she was placed in my arms, I vowed to create a better life for us. I pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and later a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Sarah was my inspiration, and those early years together were the most rewarding of my life.
Through my profound loss, I have learned to reach out and make a positive impact on others’ lives, living each moment with gratitude. I advocate for young girls who have experienced similar traumas by sharing Sarah’s story, encouraging them to speak out and challenge societal norms surrounding women. I address the issue of bullying among youth and openly discuss suicide, as the stigma surrounding it must change. By fostering open conversations, we can help address the emotional challenges that many young people face today.
In our current digital age, we must instill compassion and empathy in our youth rather than allowing them to become desensitized by frequent exposure to graphic content. Sarah fought hard to reclaim her voice, and I witnessed her sadness, anger, and disappointments. While I grapple with anger over what she endured, I choose to channel those feelings into constructive action. I aspire to be a force for change in Sarah’s honor rather than allowing grief to consume me. The pain of losing my daughter is profound, yet she inspires me to make a difference in this world. I invite you to join me in this mission.
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Summary
Laura Thompson reflects on the tragic loss of her daughter Sarah, who was a victim of sexual assault and bullying. The trauma led to Sarah’s suicide, leaving Laura to navigate a new reality with her two younger daughters. She advocates for young girls facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health, bullying, and suicide. Through her pain, Laura seeks to honor Sarah’s memory and inspire change in society.