Watch That Mouth

Which Is Your Favorite Word?

Words can hurt.  I know that from personal experience.  I've been on the receiving end of hearing hateful things and I too have said some pretty hateful things.  Luckily, I don't make a habit of saying hateful or hurtful things especially towards others.  I'm just not that mean.  

A twelve year old boy in California committed suicide after being bullied at his school.  Twelve.  How does a twelve year old really comprehend what suicide really means?  And how did kids these days become so damn mean that they pick on some other kid for whatever reason and think that's okay?  And why are the parents not held accountable if the bullying doesn't stop? And what about the school?  Shouldn't they have some responsibility in the matter?   I thought schools were supposed to help protect our kids.  Sometimes going to school itself is a kids only safe haven.  We seriously need to embark on some law making here....one suicide is enough.  However, there have been way too many....it truly sickens my heart.  

There was a young girl in Ohio that cut her long hair into a short pixie like cut, and donated her hair to a charity called 'Wigs for Kids' which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer.  She's about twelve also.  I thought that was so profoundly giving for such a young girl who's about to morph into her teen years when you're so self-conscious to make a sacrifice so other kids could benefit.  But instead of getting 'high fives' at her school, she got bullied.  She got bullied so much that her parents had to pull her out of school for a bit while the parents gave the school board a bunch of hell for not supporting and more importantly protecting her daughter.  Seriously, this child set an extraordinary example of helping others and yet she got teased and bullied as a result.  I don't get it.  However, this young lady did not attempt or really think about taking her own life.  Instead she started a fan page on Facebook to draw more attention to stop bullying and raise more money for the Wigs for Kids.  I think that's awesome.  

So in this 'season of giving', be careful of what you say.  Be careful of what you do.  Words hurt.  Be kind.  You may never know how much of an impact you've had on another person.  Make that phone call.  Send that letter that you've been meaning to write.  Don't be afraid to say 'I Love You'.  And you should practice this everyday throughout the year.  Not just around the holidays.  Smile more even if it hurts.  Hug a friend.  Compliment a coworker.  Life is too short to be ugly to one another.  I wish our kids today could understand that more.  And you can put that down on my Christmas Wish List.  elizinashe

Amen to That Dave