The Pink Panel - October 2026

Moderated By Judith Lawrenson

Dear Pink Panel,

Something awful happened in an instant. My family was on vacation at Niagara Falls
when a woman walked slowly past my young children and jumped to her death over Horseshoe Falls.
Judith, please ask the PANEL, what do I say to my children who were very shaken by this event?
We are all in shock to say the least.

Signed,
Caroline



Answers from the Pink Panel

Judith Lawrenson, Moderator: This question was texted to me right after the event. I know this family and can only imagine how their small children feel to actually witness a woman committing suicide. This is such a difficult topic that I almost did not share it, but I think that in violent games and on violent TV, children witness things that adults never know about unless they are monitoring very carefully. And I believe all of this unreal violence we are surrounded by today may dull the event of a real person going to their death. I have worked with children who have suffered trauma in my career over the years but never anything like this. Each of Caroline’s children probably have had different responses, so I think the most important thing a parent can do is to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to each child’s concerns. Give great care to each individual response. After you have spent time with each individual, I suggest having a family meeting to share thoughts and perhaps prayers.

Riley: Witnessing a suicidal event is obviously very traumatic for anybody, especially young children. No one knows exactly what God is thinking or exactly why these things happen, but we can surely trust His plan and remember that everything happens for a reason. First, I think it is a good idea to gather an understanding of how each child perceived the situation and whether they may have just thought the lady fell accidentally or if they actually understand what happened. I am sure the older ones do, so I would make clear in discussion that suicide is never an option if they are struggling. Turning to God for help and understanding providence. Reminding the kids that God has a plan for us, and that He can take away the hurt, pain, and helplessness the victim must have felt. For the younger children, I think the truth is the best answer. The woman was in mental or physical pain and is now at peace with Jesus. I also think and would advocate for professional counseling, even if only for a short while. This may relieve some of their shock and trauma.

Judith: Riley is only a sophomore in high school, and I am always amazed by her wisdom.

Renee: Some of the students I work with in Youth Group have been on mission trips to Africa or South America and have seen many things I’ve never witnessed, nor that many young people will ever see. This doesn’t make it easier, but the young people I work with have not only been strengthened by difficult things they have seen, but have also become committed to helping others. One of my students, who is a junior in high school, has actually lived in a village in South America six times on missions with plans to return for Christmas this year. Far from being traumatized, he is one of the most committed Christians I have ever known. My point is to remind us to never underestimate young people! My suggestion? Simply be honest. Tell the truth about what happened and then open your heart and listen.

Judith: This is a difficult and powerful question, and again, the panel has come through with honest and heartfelt answers. As a Christian, I will pray for the woman who felt she could no longer cope with life and others like her who are lost. What would you do?

Caroline: I would never insult your questioner by making light of the situation, but on a smaller and less important scale, my children often have drama like this. Brita “saw” Bobby eat the last cupcake” she tells me with chocolate frosting all over her face. Mike “saw” Cole knock over the coffee table, and so on. But I must honestly say that not one of my five children has ever stolen from my purse. I agree with the other panel members that one must report what was seen, but I will also warn you to be a bit careful. Be absolutely detailed in describing what you saw. Don’t let the tables be turned on you. The thief can say you did it to cover yourself, and that she found it in your coat pocket. A person who would steal from a friend might do anything. Do the right thing like Renee and Riley advise, but just watch out for yourself, please.

The Final Word, Elizabeth Millen: I have been to Niagara Horseshoe Falls, which is magnificent, unbelievably massive and powerful. This question takes me back to my time, standing in awe, gawking at the amount of water so violently, yet beautifully, flowing over the falls. My thoughts about talking to your children about what they saw is to not sugar-coat the situation. This experience can be a life-long lesson on mental health and suicide and a catalyst for conversation on how suicide doesn’t have to be the answer to depression and life’s problems. Your children saw firsthand the horror suicide brings. You can talk about how awful it was to witness and then let your children talk about it. In doing so, they can process it for themselves with each other. Simply be the facilitator. Ask them what the lady could have done instead of jumping. Encourage them to ask questions and talk as a family, maybe at the dinner table where things feel safe. Pay attention to each child and notice how each is handling it. If one seems to be having a harder time, have some one-on-one chats and consider therapy if it seems to be escalating. Be sure to give lots of extra hugs and loving affirmations. And like Riley and Judith recommended, include the woman in prayer. If the children feel so moved, you can even plant a tree in the woman’s honor to remind the children that we can always grow, and we never have to turn to suicide. Many times doing something physical and 

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If you have a question for The Pink Panel, email Judith Lawrenson at at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Pink Panel will do their best to give thought-provoking guidance. Remember, panel members’ ages range from 15 to 80, so you are bound to get a wide variety of advice.

Meet This Month's  Panel-----------------------------------

- Renee: accounts manager, youth group leader, grandmother. Renee recently started a women’s Bible study on the Book of Genesis, and there was so much
difference of opinion and argument she nearly quit! She stuck with it, made some modifications, and the group not only survived, but it is growing!

- Caroline: mother of five, homeschooler, pharmacist, military spouse

- Judith Lawrenson: Pink Panel Moderator, freelance writer, volunteer, and educator

- Riley: rising high school freshman, active in sports, studious.  science fair winner

- Elizabeth: publisher of Pink Magazine, business owner, mom, writer, observer of life and human behavior