NIAGARA, Wis. — Given our advanced age, we have many years of experience with life’s disappointments. We know all about the difficult valleys along life’s journey. We know that no one has a smooth passage through life no matter how much they plan or how hard they work. And we know it is possible to work our way over and around those bumps in the road and turn difficulties into solutions. We have learned that the sun shines through the clouds and that better days are ahead of us as long as we keep trying each day. And, finally, we learn that we are not alone in this struggle. We know that even the most successful people have had difficulties along the way. Life is simply hard sometimes for all of us.

As important as it is to have learned this lesson for ourselves, it is even more important to pass that information along to the next generation. Our children have a tendency to see us as “mistake free” without realizing we were once kids ourselves and have made our fair share of bonehead moves along the way to adulthood. And as they compare themselves to their idealized version of us, they fall short and may feel they will never measure up. These thoughts can lead young people down a difficult road of self-criticism, to feelings of despair, to — sadly — eventual suicide. Granted, mental illness does certainly play a role in someone ending their own life. But many young people can be helped prior to the act that ends their life.

I am writing this column today after just learning that my husband’s nephew’s 18-year-old son committed suicide. He had graduated from high school a semester early and was taking classes at their local community college. By the time you read this, we will have returned from the funeral. Suicide is the most difficult death to understand. Lacking answers to the many questions that surround it, family members tend to blame themselves — “If only I had known … what did I miss … why didn’t I notice … how could I have prevented this … how will we go on with life without our child?” — are some of the questions that fill the families’ minds.

I did a little research on the topic of teen suicide, hoping to find information that will give all of us some insight on how to help … before regret and sadness replace the potential life that could have been. The National Institute of Health provided the following list of warning signs.

— Talking about wanting to die;

— Looking for ways to kill oneself;

— Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;

— Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain;

— Talking about being a burden to others;

— Abusing alcohol or drugs;

— Acting anxious, agitated or reckless;

— Having trouble sleeping;

— Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

— Having extreme mood swings and;

— Giving away belongings, including treasured objects.

The greater number of the above-mentioned warning signs that present themselves, the greater the risk of your child committing suicide. So, be watchful, and do not hesitate to begin a conversation about what you notice and what you fear.

Experts advise to start these conversations early when you first begin to feel that something is bothering your child. It is easier to help your child before he or she has actually made the decision to take their own life. At the same time, talk to your primary care providers about your fears. Ask them to recommend a mental health professional you can visit. Also, work with your physician and your child to determine a safety plan. This is a document that includes coping strategies and contact information for those who have agreed to help in times of crisis. Finally, limit access to both medications and firearms in your home. The decision to take one’s life is often made in a split second. A safety plan makes the best decisions the easy things to do.

As you seek to understand that troubled child in your life, remember what your own passage through adolescence was like. Share that information. My husband and I had two sons who had their share of difficulty traveling the road to adulthood although not at the same age. Our older son found high school to be the most challenging; he wanted things to be better now. We sat with him many evenings — the Kleenex box close at hand. We listened and tried to assure him that this time of his life would soon be over and that high school is difficult for many kids. He had a lot to look forward to, and in a few short years he would be well on his way to the life he wanted. High school graduation could not come soon enough for all of us. He found the love of his life freshman year of college, and today they are happily married with three sons of their own.

Our second son had a much easier time in high school primarily because he saw what his brother went through; he vowed to himself that it would be different for him, and it was. His greatest challenge came in college when his first love ended abruptly, and he was in danger of flunking out of school. He called home, and we talked for a very long time. It was an important conversation, for in it we learned that he believed we had never made any mistakes, and he had been trying to live up to his image of us. He was so afraid of disappointing us. I assured him that we had made plenty of errors in judgment and proceeded to list several. I told him that making mistakes is how we learn. I also told him that I would listen for as long as he wanted to talk, but what he needed was counseling. I encouraged him to get it while still a student when it was free. Thankfully, he listened and looks back at that time as a turning point in his life. He graduated and eventually found his life partner. He married her and also became father to her two children who were four and ten at the time.

Everyone who has contact with adolescents and young adults needs to be aware of the risk of teen suicide. This includes parents, grandparents, teachers and friends. When you notice behavior that causes you concern, do not hesitate to begin a conversation. Tell them you have noticed a change in their behavior that concerns you, and ask them what is troubling them or what is going on in their life that has them concerned. Gently encourage a conversation by sharing your own feelings and experiences when you were their age. And let them know you understand because when you were their age, you felt the same way. Cultivating an atmosphere of sharing in your home will greatly help in this situation. And when they do confide in you, show concern without overreacting. This will help to keep the lines of communication open.

There is nothing easy about raising children — especially helping to guide them through those teen years. But we all know that it is the most important job we have … and the one that is most rewarding.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Chair fun, 10 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; pool noodle hockey, 11 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nails/room visits, 10 a.m.; YouTube live action, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; coffee talk, 10:30 a.m.; wacky Wednesday, 11 a.m.; dining room crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; room crafts, 1:30 p.m.; bunny visits, 2 p.m.

Friday: Gardening, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 1 p.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Scattergories, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11:00 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; Gibson Lake, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party — music and cake — with Bob, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; outdoor reminisce, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search/hangman, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

No information was available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee social and resident choice game, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; tropical flamingo fun, 2 p.m.; game night, 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; outdoor social, 10 a.m.; shopping outing to Dollar General, 12:30 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; ice tea social, 5:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; bogus bag story telling, 10 a.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; pizza making, 1 p.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble match, 10 a.m.; Niagara Lions Club parade outing, 1:30 p.m.; courtyard games — cornhole, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream social, 2:30 p.m.: coloring pages, daily chronicle

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:45 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie “Father of the Bride,” 6 p.m.; daily chronicles

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m., daily chronicles

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; patio social — refreshments and music, 1:45 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m., daily chronicles

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/trivia, 10:30 a.m.; picnic in the park, pending weather; bunco, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packet

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Baked chicken, roasted sweet potato, green beans, biscuit.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, baked beans.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Tuesday: Baked ham, au gratin potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, green beans, biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian-style vegetables, garlic bread.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. Deliveries to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie with dinner roll.

Tuesday: Taco casserole.

Wednesday: Pizza.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Tuesday: Chop suey with vegetables over rice, fruit, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, corn.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Tuesday: Chop suey with vegetables over rice, fruit, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, corn.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Friday: Ham dinner, au gratin potatoes, candied carrots, dinner roll, apple crisp.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Fried fish, potato salad, baked beans.

Tuesday: Nacho bar with taco meat, nacho cheese, refried beans, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger with fixings, tater tots, three-bean salad.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade pizza, broccoli salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato, Wisconsin cheese, soup, fruit.

Wednesday: Pork steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, strawberry pie filling fluff.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit.

Friday: Baked fish, baked potato, steamed edamame, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, oven potatoes, coleslaw, warm cinnamon apples

Tuesday: Polish sausage, hot dog bun, sauerkraut, boiled red potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, diced carrots, green beans, sunshine cake

Thursday: Chef salad, ranch pasta salad, breadstick, diced peaches

Friday: Chicken stew, mixed vegetables, sweet potato cubes, biscuit, mixed fruit cup

Milk served at every meal.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Brats, three bean salad, corn-on-the-cob, fruited Jell-O.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.

Thursday: Pasty pie, corn, beets.

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Liver and onions, garlic mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, peaches, whole wheat roll.

Wednesday: Penne with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, side salad, garlic bread, fruit juice.

Thursday: Philly cheesesteak on a hoagie bun, potato wedges, applesauce, black bean brownie.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey with rice, broccoli, fruit cocktail, cake.

Tuesday: Hamburger with fries, baked beans, pears, pistachio dessert.

Wednesday: Chef salad with ham, chicken and egg, breadstick, peaches, cookie.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, apricots, Jell-O.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, peas.

Wednesday: Tortellini with marinara sauce, Italian-style vegetables, cheesy breadstick.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, steak fries, corn, pudding cup.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Tuesday: Chop suey with vegetables over rice, fruit, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, corn.