TODAY'S TMJ4

Family Tragedy: Teen Sisters Take Own Lives

MUKWONAGO - Suicide is often the unspoken word in families who have experienced it. But a Mukwonago family is sharing their grief in hopes that others will learn from theirs.

Grandparents George and Carol Porter have experienced a lifetime of sadness in just seven months.

"It's hard to believe that I've lost two granddaughters, it should not happen to us as a family," said Carol.

Their 16-year-old granddaughter Jessica Porter killed herself last July and her 13-year-old sister Mandy did the same thing on Thursday.

"It hurt her very deeply," said Carol.

"I believe that Mandy did not talk about that a lot," said George.

Mandy Porter's Facebook is filled with friends mourning her loss. The Porter's hope there's also a message about her suicide.

"It is just not the right answer, it's never the right answer," said the grandfather.

"Don't think about what's bad," said George. "Count your blessings; talk to someone there's always a better tomorrow."

There will be some tough tomorrows for the Porters, but George choked back tears as he quotes Robert Louis Stevenson with this advice, "All men have secret thoughts that would shame hell," said George.

"But you don't act on impulses. It's so foolish you leave so much on the table so much life to live."

The Porter's say the younger sister was in counseling and seemed to be doing OK.

Just last month she wrote a poem for her dad calling him her hero.

Counselors will be at Park View Middle School on Monday.