No one should have to feel the pain of being forgotten or ignored!
Unfortunately though, every community has a variety of persons who are among the “forgotten” and “ignored”.
They may be ignored because they are different.
They may be ignored because of the way they dress.
They may be ignored because of their social status.
They may be ignored because they are old.
They may be ignored because they are young.
They may be ignored because of their looks.
They may be ignored because of the colour of their skin.
We don’t always know the hurt and pain these individuals are feeling and sometimes these feelings of hurt lead to tragic circumstances.
A while ago I came across a poem that was written by a young girl who committed suicide because she felt ignored and forgotten. It is heart wrenching poem.
Perhaps if the people surrounding her had shown a little more love, and had paid more attention to her, her death could have been prevented.
The poem is titled, “The Greatest Pain in Life”
The greatest pain in life
is not to die,
but to be ignored.
To lose the person you love so much
to another who doesn’t care at all.
To have someone you care so about so much
throw a party…
and not tell you about it.
When your favourite person on earth
neglects to invite you to his graduation.
To have people think that you don’t care.
The greatest pain in life,
is not to die,
but to be forgotten.
To be left in the dust after another’s great achievement.
To never get a call from a friend,
just saying “hi”.
When you show someone your innermost thoughts
and they laugh in your face.
For friends to always be
too busy to console you
when you need someone to lift your spirits.
When it seems like the only person who cares about you,
is you.
Life is full of pain,
but does it ever get better?
Will people ever care about each other,
and make time for those who are in need?
Each of us has a part to play
in this great show we call life.
Each of us has a duty to mankind
to tell our friends we love them.
If you do not care about your friends
you will not be punished.
You will simply be ignored…
forgotten…
as you have done to others.
We don’t always know the difference we can make in someone’s life just by showing them genuine care and concern! It could be the difference of life and death.
What can you do today to show genuine care and concern to someone who is “forgotten” or “ignored” in your community?
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Thanks for the poem Kevin.
Myself, I donate my time as a volunteer to community care in my city.
Peter
That’s awesome Peter!
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Great post Kevin! A good reminder to take the time to care. Keep Being Great
Thanks Chris!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Quit dying to the wrong things
WOW!
Powerful poen indeed and it is truly sad that, that person felt that way.
However, I will say this. Even when people are ignored, that is no excuse for behaving in a “victim” mode.
This, I believe, is major wake up call to people who feel as if they are alone. The simple answer to this equation is to get out there and meet more, love more and be happy.
Stay out of the trapped indoors and experience life, before you have no reason to end it.
-D
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I agree with you about the victim mentality. They are definitely those who choose that path. We need to be aware of this when we are caring for people and when we encounter this attitude we need to challenge it.
Thanks for sharing!
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My brother committed suicide when I was 17. I think the hardest thing about suicide and those who plan on doing it is that they really aren’t alone. My brother had family that would have listened and we did love him, but I think with depression, people tend to believe lies that aren’t true like this girl who thought she was ignored. Maybe that was the case, but most of the time depressed people exaggerate the circumstances or take one thing that was said to them and dwell on that. I have suffered from depression on and off throughout my life and so I can say with all honesty, that when I feel ignored – its because I’m not telling someone how I’m feeling. I’m keeping it to myself. Yes, its awful to feel that way and we should do all we can to reach out to people who suffer, but sometimes the depressed person needs to simply say “I need help”. Sometimes they can’t do that though. And that’s where we as Christians need to ask God to give us His eyes. We can’t be God or take away hurts or make people feel not ignored, but we can ask God to show us what to do for those people in that circumstance or when we see someone in pain. We can pray for that person, give them a hug, or help them see the good in life. We can get them help. No one knew my brother was suicidal or depressed, but if I could go back, I would have made more of a point to get in his face and care.
Wow Michelle! I can’t even imagine the pain your family experienced as a result of your brother’s suicide.
I agree with you about depression. I too have suffered with depression and when I am in that mode it is very easy to “hole up” and not share what I need from others. Sadly, this just increases the feelings of being alone and ignored.
Thanks for sharing!
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Hey Kevin,
What an inspirational article! You are posting some really amazing stuff here. I think anyone who’s spent time volunteering knows very well the look and sentiment you describe. It’s so easy in our hectic society to overlook people and that’s why it’s so important to make the time to make a difference in the life of at least one person each day. Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing Marquita!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Quit dying to the wrong things
Depression is a horrible condition and the girl in the poem sounded really depressed. As Michelle in her reply writes its important to ask for help when you’re feeling low, but help isn’t always asked for and people around don’t realize that you are feeling so hopeless. Depression can occur even when you’re surrounded by people who care about you. A terrible condition for sure. Thanks for sharing Kevin
It definitely is a two way street. People need to share how they are feeling and people need to ask how other’s are feeling. We can’t be expected to read people’s minds but we can be on the lookout on how we can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Thanks for sharing Anne!
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So true.
Sadly it is.
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Kevin, Tq so much for this poem. this poem really describe the feelings and situations i’m going trough. sometime when we try to talk with others, it’s getting worse than we felt.. trying so hard not to cry.. too long and it become depression
It is important that we find people who are willing to listen and not just give their opinion about what we should be doing. These types can be rare but they are out there.
Thanks for sharing Tuty.
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Being or feeling ignored is a hard pill to swallow. I know when I have felt that way, I didn’t like it. I was in a deep depression myself. What I have learned is that yes, some people will forget me. But there are many who remember me. Embrace the good, reject the bad right? The point is, Life comes with joys and sorrows. Some of those sorrows may include feeling left out. I hope that we will all remember that first of all, God does not forget us, secondly, I have experienced that He will put at least ONE person in our path who will not forget us. We are not alone. Learning all of these things gives me the drive to be a better friend/parent/daughter/etc…
That is right Stefanie, we are not alone. God is always with us no matter what. That is what we need to remember and cling to when are feeling ignored.
Thanks for sharing!
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I love talking with older people and kids. They always seem to appreciate the time I spend with them.
)
I totally understand about being ignored….I try and focus my talents that might help others.
Thanks for sharing Lisa!
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I agree with you Kevin. There’s nothing more painful than getting ignored by someone you love more than life itself. It just completely ruins my day. And it pisses me off even more that I allowed it to happen. That poem describes exactly what I’m feeling. Feeling unwanted and unloved can indeed send a person to their grave.
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It is definitely painful Stacey. Ultimately though we are never alone because God is always with us no matter what. That is what we need to remember and cling to when are feeling ignored.
Thanks for sharing!
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Wow this poem is just how I feel. I can relate to this girl. Being lonely is a horrible thing.
It breaks my heart to hear that you feel this way Sandi. I hope you can find people in your area to reach out to.
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