Killer Assignment

I've always had an unnatural interest in suicide, a trait I trace back to learning that my maternal grandmother started the engine of her car in her Westport, Connecticut, garage back in 1970 and left a note on the bathroom mirror for her estranged psychiatrist (third) husband that read: IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE CAUSE OF DEATH, LOOK NO FURTHER. (My great aunt says he was in California at the time of this fateful act attending a convention on suicide.) It's easy for me to find the story fascinating, almost glamorous -- he was young, she was beautiful and much older, they were well-to-do -- because I never knew the woman.  (I was 3 at the time and my mom had been estranged from her mom for the decade leading up to the tragedy.) But I know suicide is extremely hurtful and damaging to the survivors who know those who complete this most selfish act. Still, I couldn't help but get a kick out of this teacher in France, who was recently suspended for getting his class of 13- and 14-year-olds to compose suicide notes(!), in which he encouraged them to "describe the disgust" they had for themselves(!). The assignment, set in October, read: 'You've just turned 18. You've decided to end your life. Your decision is definitive." Holy merde! Read HERE.

What grade would you give Welsey for this?

I don't want you to be sad. I want you to remember the fun times and the happy times. At my funeral make everyone wear bright colors to remember my personality. I know I have been a pain at the best of times but I am with Nan and Grandad now. So I love you and goodbye and tell Piper she can have my room and tell Tasha sorry for everything. Sorry Tash. And tell Dad he is the best and can have my Xbox and games and Mum you can have everything else. Please be strong for me!