A letter of gratitude, and a plea, from Parker South’s parents
Have the tough conversations, and check in with those around you.
A grieving family honors their son’s memory by encouraging honest conversations and vigilance around teen mental health
Editor’s note: Parker South, a 17-year-old senior at Myers Park High School, died by suicide on Nov. 11. The Ledger wrote about Parker and the outpouring of grief his death stirred. In this letter, his parents, Bo and Danielle, and Parker’s brother share their gratitude for the community’s kindness. They offer a plea, too, one they hope might “protect another life.”
Over the past two weeks, our family has been carried by a community whose love has been extraordinary.
In the days after the loss of our son and brother, Parker, thousands gathered to honor him. Countless others reached out with prayers, messages, flowers, meals and kindness. Myers Park Trinity Little League, where Parker learned to love baseball, held a candlelight vigil. Our family felt every bit of the love.
Parker was a beautiful, vibrant, joyful, deeply loved 17-year-old who excelled in all areas.
When he came home from school each day, he’d walk in the house and say “Hi Mama!” in that bouncy way of his. He was beloved by his teachers, coaches, adults in the community, and, most importantly, by his friends. He had an easy smile, a growing faith and a life full of promise. To us, he was perfect.
None of us — neither family nor friends — knew he had been silently struggling with intense anxiety and overwhelming thoughts. In a note he left, he shared that he had been battling panic attacks and inner turmoil for a long time, and that he didn’t know how to tell anyone. He blamed no one and asked only for the people he loved to be cared for.
We share this not to dwell on the loss and sadness, but in the hope it might protect another life.
Parker’s story reminds us that even the strongest, happiest young people can carry invisible pain. Check in with the people around you — even (or maybe especially) those who seem to have everything together. Have open, honest conversations about mental health. When you ask your child how he or she is doing and you get back a “fine,” don’t stop there. Ask purposeful, deliberate questions. Encourage and foster thoughtful dialogue, as opposed to one-word answers.
If you are struggling, reach out for help early. There is no weakness in needing support, and there is always hope.
If you are feeling desperate, dial the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Someone will answer 24/7/365.
To every person who showed up for Parker and for our family, thank you. Your love has been a light in the darkest chapter of our lives. Our hope is that Parker’s memory encourages all of us to keep choosing openness, gentleness and genuine connection — and to stand together in protecting and strengthening the well-being of every young person.
As we gather to give thanks, we will mourn our loss and say a prayer for our family and yours.
—The Souths
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Related Ledger article:
“Myers Park remembers an ever-smiling teen” (Nov. 18)
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