BULLIES: A TRUE STORY, PART 3

Isolation
There is the adage that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but I could have skipped 6th grade. I feel the effects of the bullying still today. Feelings of unworthiness come easily to me. To read about how I came to be bullied and the events leading to months of bullying, click here.

After I finally stood up to the bully with confidence as the most popular girl in my class the year before, the bully appeared the next day, charged for battle. She organized and inspired her neighborhood generals at the bus stop and on the bus. The momentum of her spew and spit ignited not only the entire classroom, but the entire 6th grade. There was nowhere to hide. I stopped eating. I tried to take full bottles of aspirin hoping to fall asleep forever. I lost my best friend as she joined the bully line at recess. After months of torture and long days of returning home to sit alone in my room feeling absolutely worthless, the one thing that gave me solace was art. I cried. I drew my pictures and made my paintings. I cried more and read the Bobsey Twins or Gone with the Wind.

A Mom's Touch
I don't know how my mother did it, but one day she stood secretly outside my classroom after school. The teacher was momentarily gone on bus duty, and lucky me- there was the bully and a small group of students and the tirade started all over again. Only this time my Mom's deep man voice boomed out from behind the door commanding silence. Still, the bully smirked at my mother and that was maddening. Her dad was a coach and the only thing I could imagine is that she learned those bloviating techniques from him. Where else could the sweet little girl have learned to be so skillful and aggressive, so violating, rude and controlling? She didn't look like a bully until she opened her ugly mouth.

Long Overdue Apology
The next day we ended up in the principal’s office. I was scared to death. The entire 6th grade knew what had happened and I thought that I was about to be punished further. I guess I was born guilty. I was there for an apology from the bully, but after all these months of receiving hate at the drop of a pin, it was difficult to believe that she meant it. Who would believe it? Nonetheless she said the words and as a good practicing Christian, I turned the other cheek to forgive her. I wouldn't trust her if you paid me in Michelangelo's, but I was glad to have the worst behind me.

Sooner or later, my best friend reignited our friendship and we are still friends today, 43 wonderful and productive years later. At one class reunion, fate paired the bully and me alone in the ladies room. She made a sincere apology. Even with all my accomplishments, it was still hard to swallow.

Have an Impact
Reach out to the children that touch your life and share what inspires you. It will give them something to hold onto when times are rough.

Please email your cares and concerns regarding bullies to Karen via info@karenrossi.com.