This is your forum for posing questions to our staff and certain professionals. As with all information on our sites, questions and answers are published for information and discussion purposes only. Such information is not a substitute for professional advice from an adviser familiar with your particular situation. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided in our forum.
Ask Earl and Georgette Burnham
In September, Jordan Burnham, the teenage son of Earl and Georgette Burnham, tried to commit suicide by jumping from the family's ninth-floor apartment in King of Prussia. Jordan survived the fall, and today is trying to put his life back together again. His parents are taking the journey with him, remaining by his side throughout the ordeal and offering thanks that he did not die. Earl is the athletic director at Upper Merion High School, where Jordan was a popular and active student. Georgette is a first-grade teacher at Knapp School in Lansdale.
The Burnhams - along with Jordan - will answer your questions.
Read The Inquirer's story about Jordan, watch a video and listen to audio interviews of Jordan and his parents, and check a list of web links to find help.
Ask a Q&A that psychologist Guy Diamond had hosted earlier about signs, symptoms and treatment of adolescent depression.
Questions: 1 - 10 of 17
1
|
2
Praise God!
QRomans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Your family has been on my mind since I read this article on Sunday. What can I do for your family? Can I visit you and Jordan?
Stay strong! Jesus reigns forever!
Your family has been on my mind since I read this article on Sunday. What can I do for your family? Can I visit you and Jordan?
Stay strong! Jesus reigns forever!
APlease continue to pray for us as we continue to look to the Lord for guidance and strength. Jordan receives visitors daily from 4pm to 9pm.
Inspiration
QGod bless you Jordan and your parents! I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Burnham a year ago when he hosted a mtg. at his high school. I knew you were a dynamic person, helping others by sharing this story demonstrates your uniqueness. My son attempted suicide a few yrs ago, he is on medication but I don't think it is helping. I believe in God and his power, my son is doubtful. It feels like something is squeezing my heart when I think that he might try again. Please pray for us.
AWe as a family will pray for you and have the many prayer groups that have been with us add you to their list.
Not A question but How Are You?
QFirst I would like to say that im very sorry to hear that this happened. Jordan and I have been friends, more like brothers since grade school. We would go over each other house like everyday, playing the game system or jus cuttin' up around the house. Mr.Earl and Mrs.Georgette were like a aunt and uncle to me, and was always their for me no matter the issue. I'm here along with the Penn Hills friends and family. I'll try to stay in touch.
AHi Ricky you and your family were more than just neighbors to us but like family and we appreciate your thoughts and concern for Jordan. It will definitely give him inspiration!
Support still here in Upper Merion
QBurnham family, know that Upper Merion is more proud of you and your familly then ever. You are all an inspiration to our families. You have touched our homes continue to touch our hearts. Know we are here for you. Your story is incredible and I thank each of you for sharing it and the writer for doing a fantastic job of capturing this critical information that needs to be sent out to the communities. With all of love and continued support - The Littlewoods, Bob, Fran, Bernadette, Rob, Christopher and Anthony.
AThe Burnham family would like to thank the Upper Merion community for its support, love and prayers for Jordan’s recovery and health. Our family is grateful for the encouragement received from the community through phone calls, hospital visits, letters and cards. Fran we are grateful for all your family has done for us.
No question! Just joining you in PRAISE!
QEarl and Geogette, we the Prayer Warriors, of the Internet Prayer Ministry join you in praising God for His Great Grace and Love! Once we received the request for prayer for Jordan, we began to pray. Now as we read all about him, our prayers will continue for him and for you both! I feel so very blessed to have been a part of his healing as we fervently prayed for your son! Just the other night,I saw Jordan on the news and heard his story would be published in the newspaper. To put a face to the name to who we cried out to the Lord for, for weeks, is such a blessing. We have a special reason to praise God...JORDAN! God bless!
Philippians 1:3,4
Philippians 1:3,4
ATHANK YOU !!!!
from a friend
QI was so sorry to hear about your son. I'm so glad he's recovering. My prayers are with you.
AIt's always nice to hear from friends, especially during the rough trials of life. Thanks for your prayers.
Suicidal thoughts
QHi Jordan,
I work to try to help prevent youth suicide. I am wondering if you could describe what your depression felt like? Did you know you were depressed? Did the thoughts of suicide periodically come into your head, if so, how. I want to teach kids what depression is like, when to get help, when to talk to people that love them.
I learned SO much from your story that I can use to help others. Thank you for sharing it.
God bless you in your recovery. You obviously have wonderful parents.
I work to try to help prevent youth suicide. I am wondering if you could describe what your depression felt like? Did you know you were depressed? Did the thoughts of suicide periodically come into your head, if so, how. I want to teach kids what depression is like, when to get help, when to talk to people that love them.
I learned SO much from your story that I can use to help others. Thank you for sharing it.
God bless you in your recovery. You obviously have wonderful parents.
AMy depression made me feel like I was stuck on pause while the rest of the world kept moving and never noticing me. I felt neglected and alone as if people cared about their own problems and conflicts, but wouldn't listen to me about mine. When you are going through depression, it feels like an uphill battle that can't be won.
I knew I wasn't happy with life or with the person I had become. I was trying to be happy all the time and held my emotion in. I knew I needed help, but I didn't want to admit that depression was taking over my life.
Suicide was never an idea that came into my head. Instead I had wishes that I wasn't on Earth anymore. I truly wanted something bad to happen to me. The only thought that kept me from committing suicide was thinking of my parents at my funeral and how devastated they would be. That thought must not have crossed my mind that night. Thank God that I survived, but it's important for people to identify their depression early and talk about it with someone they trust.
I knew I wasn't happy with life or with the person I had become. I was trying to be happy all the time and held my emotion in. I knew I needed help, but I didn't want to admit that depression was taking over my life.
Suicide was never an idea that came into my head. Instead I had wishes that I wasn't on Earth anymore. I truly wanted something bad to happen to me. The only thought that kept me from committing suicide was thinking of my parents at my funeral and how devastated they would be. That thought must not have crossed my mind that night. Thank God that I survived, but it's important for people to identify their depression early and talk about it with someone they trust.
Don't Give Up - Don't Ever Give Up
QMy prays and thoughts are with Jordan for a happy recovery from his fall. Having recovered from a near fatal car accident 10 years ago, I'd like to share some thougts that helped me. As I began my physical therapy regime, I remembered the speech given by Jim Valvano when he accepted the Author Ash award at the ESPN award show. He said "Cancer can take away my physical abilities. But it cannot touch my mind. He cannot touch my heart and it cannot touch my soul. Those three things will carry on forever." My accident didn't touch/affect my mind, heart or soul, and with the family/friends support I doubt it will affect Jordan's. Last Jim Valvano started the JimmyV Foundation for cancer research. It's moto is "Don't Give Up-Don't Ever Give Up." That's a moto all of us that recover/rehab from seriouis injury have to embrace.
So, Jordan "Don't Give Up-Don't Ever Give Up.
So, Jordan "Don't Give Up-Don't Ever Give Up.
AThank You for the inspiration !!!!!
How may we serve you?
QBro. and Sister Burnham,
We just want to encourage you through this time. We are praying for your family's strength and praising the name of the Lord for your testimony yesterday in worship service.
How may we serve you? Please let us know - cook, clean, shop? Nothing is too small.
We just want to encourage you through this time. We are praying for your family's strength and praising the name of the Lord for your testimony yesterday in worship service.
How may we serve you? Please let us know - cook, clean, shop? Nothing is too small.
AThank you so much for your prayers and your offer to help. We will certainly keep you in mind. As our transitions with Jordan change we may need additional help. God bless you and keep you always.
How did you all Aget through this?
QI read about your committment to God. I wonder how Earl and Georgette got through this. Without a doubt, I believe that Jordon's parents and sister Tara also got him through this.
I was a high school teacher. After several students attempted suicide, a Crisis Intervention Team was developed to assist students who were comtemplating ending their life. It was comprised of staff, students and parents. I was a member of this team. Fortunately, it was very successful.
So, here are my questions:
1.. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, Will you become public speakers at schools to address this issue of students who feel there is no hope and are thinking of suicide?
2. Jordon, What about you? Will you also address the issue of student suicide at schools?
3. I feel for you, Tara! You are so far away. What was it like for you to be so far away and to be a member of this loving family?
And, on a lighter note: Jordon, What kind of puppy did you give to your girlfriend?
Regards, Jean Hayes
I was a high school teacher. After several students attempted suicide, a Crisis Intervention Team was developed to assist students who were comtemplating ending their life. It was comprised of staff, students and parents. I was a member of this team. Fortunately, it was very successful.
So, here are my questions:
1.. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, Will you become public speakers at schools to address this issue of students who feel there is no hope and are thinking of suicide?
2. Jordon, What about you? Will you also address the issue of student suicide at schools?
3. I feel for you, Tara! You are so far away. What was it like for you to be so far away and to be a member of this loving family?
And, on a lighter note: Jordon, What kind of puppy did you give to your girlfriend?
Regards, Jean Hayes
A
We thank God for his love and tender mercy. He has surrounded us with loving family, friends, and so many people who hold us up in prayer. As God inspires us and leads us we are willing to speak to others about depression.
P.S. The puppy was a cute little stuffed animal.
Questions: 1 - 10 of 17
1
|
2
This is your forum for posing questions to our staff and certain professionals. As with all information on our sites, questions and answers are published for information and discussion purposes only. Such information is not a substitute for professional advice from an adviser familiar with your particular situation. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided in our forum.
- Top Jobs
- Top Homes
- Top Cars
|
Fairmount/Spring Garden $499,999 2128 Brandywine St |
Mount Airy $450,000 711 Saint Georges St |
- Books
- Movies
- Page Reprints
- Photo Licensing
- Photos
Buy Inquirer, Daily News & Philly merchandise here including:
Ticket Offers
- News | Sports | Business | What's Happening | Restaurants & Food | Entertainment | Living | Marketplace | Jobs
Site Services:
Classifieds:
- Jobs | Cars | Real Estate | Rentals | Marketplace | Celebrations
Partners:
