To my bullies*:
Childhood is difficult to navigate for anyone — kids are learning things at every turn. One of the greatest things I’ve learned, unfortunately, is how cruel people can be.
My home life as a child wasn’t healthy. Whenever I left my house, I longed to be met with kindness — instead was plummeted into an abyss of meanness. I had no safe place and every day I cried. It is wonderful that people are now engaging in anti-bullying conversations, but for many, it’s a bit late.
To Priscilla: When you glued the lock of our doorknob, did you know what kind of house you were keeping me from?
Do you know that I now live in a beautiful home full of love, with caring neighbours who carry an extra set of keys to my house?
To Angela: You made me step in dog poop to be a member of your club with Suzanne — the club you cleverly dubbed the SA Club (since it stood for both Save Animals
and Suzanne and Angela.
) You laughed at my soiled white moccasins and said you’d never let me in your club anyway.
In high school, I joined the gymnastics team. The Spanish club. The Spanish Honor Society. In college, I joined a sorority and am a better woman because of it. I joined a writing group, and continue to be inspired by it.
Top Comments
good on you Jennifer - I think many of us can relate to your younger self - So glad to hear things have worked out for you and your family - to the bullies: it doesn't matter how young or old you are/were - there really is no excuse - your own insecurities ought not be relieved by hurting others (get some help - don't take it out on someone else)
Thank you, pjmq! (for reading and for your encouraging comments!)