Yasmin Shiraz

Desiree Patrick

Last week was a busy week– so busy that two teens in Northern Virginia who killed themselves in a suicide pact went largely unnoticed. But, in catching up in my reading, I found in The Washington Post that Desiree Patrick, 17 and Quirinius Williams, 18 apparently died of gunshot wounds in the attic of her home. According to police reports, evidence found “reveals that both subjects agreed to commit suicide.” The article goes on to say that at some point one person’s parent called the other’s parent and the teens were instructed to stay away from each other.

I am saddened by Desiree’s and Quirinius’ decision to end their lives. No matter what their parents felt or said, they still had full lives ahead of them. In America, at 18 you are considered an adult, if you don’t agree with what your parents say, you can move out, get a job, live on your own and on your own terms. To kill yourself as a way to ignore what your parents are saying is a bad move.

I don’t understand suicide pacts because I don’t understand who wins. Life is a lot like a game. You play by certain rules, you obtain certain things. You go to school, you get a diploma. You go to college, you get a degree. You get a degree, you get a job and so on. Each level of life you complete, takes you to the next level. But the suicide pact? That part of the game terminates every player involved. How is it any fun? Who gains anything? Below is a statement from the Patrick family that seems somewhat different from what was reported in The Washington Post. My prayers are both with the Patrick and Williams’ family. I hope Desiree and Quirinius rest in peace.

Stumble! for WP