Open letter to all the teenagers:

This will be over at some point. By “over” I mean we won’t all die. But you will be a very big part of the recovery. I’m not telling you that you will have to help with the recovery, unless you want to, or course. But you, personally, will have to recover.

You will have to recover your plans, your friends, your relationships, your health, and your education. Some of this you can start on now.

First are your relationships with family and friends. We are all under stress and need to acknowledge that “being right” is not as important as the relationships. When conflicts come up, think about what is most important right now. Others need care, as you do.

Second, your education will always be there for you. It also will help with your personal recovery. Step up and do it right. Use your teachers, your friends and your family. “The internet puts the world at your fingertips.” The internet also puts everyone you know at your fingertips.

Are you forming study groups? You are completing distance learning from your teachers, but are you going beyond the basics to enrich yourself? Have you explored your interests? Do you know your favorite online museums, learning sites, and encyclopedias? Are you looking up reading lists? Are you making a daily/weekly schedule for yourself?

The above is just a short list of ideas. In a few short years you will be proud of who you are and how you came through. We are ALL proud of you.