Summary of "a Suicide at Twelve:'why, Steve?"

In "A Suicide at Twelve: 'Why, Steve?" Richard E. Meyer narrates the suicidal story of a young boy named, Steven Dailey. He tells the journey of Steve from the moment he was born, and up to the very last day of his life. Also he discusses about the rising rate of suicide attempt, especially with the young generation. Steve had a good life, and no one could understand why he had to commit suicide.

To start of, Steven Dailey was born on the 30th day of July in 1961 at Cincinnati. He was the oldest son of sue and Charles Dailey, and the oldest among his siblings named Mike, Kay and Jamie. He was more of an introvert compared to his brother, Mike. He would rather choose to do his Scout project, earn merit badges or watch television than going out of the house. Also, he likes the company of the older age group although he did not have real close friends. In addition, Steve was a stamp collector, and he had also caught a fish, when he was seven years old. Also, Steve's grades range from B's and C's. After he received the First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, and knew how to serve in the Mass, he became an altar boy.

Furthermore, at the age of eight, Steve became part of the Cub Scouts. He received the award, the Arrow of Light, even before he became a full-fledged Boy Scout. It was from joining the scout that he met Dan Carella. Steve was a hard working scout and earned different merit badge. He was also determined to be an Eagle Scout, so he had never missed a Cub Scout meeting.

More so, Steve was told by his father to play football, when he studied at St. Catherine's School. Since he was a big boy, he could play at the second level or the "pony" football. Instead, he was paired with Mugsy, who "kind of tore him up a few times." In this case, he decided to play 'bandits', and this made his father unhappy. But after a year, he finally played "pony' football. He was then paired again with Mugsy. After sometime, he quit because he did not really want to play and he was not eager about it. Then, in the year of 1972- 1973, "Steve played 'pee wee' football." But the same problem occurred, he "was not aggressive" enough. It could be because of the pressure of being the son a football coach. Also, Steve was more into soccer, and according to coach, George Kuggler, "He was aggressive on the soccer team." He was really good at it.

Next, Steve wanted to go to the Philmont Scout Ranch, so he worked during the summer to earn the money. He worked at the Cardinal Engineering Building. He also got a job as a newspaper boy, and he was able to convince his Aunt Beth McGinnis to mow her lawn for two dollars. Everything was going well.

But then, on one Mother's Day celebration, Steve had been acting weird. Before he was too shy to express his love for his family, but during that day, he gave his mom a hug and a kiss. It turns out that he was not doing well on school. He was not doing his homework anymore, and he was failing. Also, his grade in history class "slipped from an A to a B or B-plus," and he was not participating at class. Sister Marie Russell even saw Steve on the hallways. In addition, he again had conflicts with his father regarding football and losing weight.

With this in mind, the situation became even more complicated. On the 26th day of May, Steve hurt his back while helping his father, so he had to miss school and his baseball practice. He was not even going to their games. During that week, Sister