“My daughter wasn’t bullied to death, she was disappointed to death. Disappointed in people she thought she could trust, her school, and the police. She was my daughter, but she was your daughter too. For the love of God do something.”
— Glen Canning, father of Rehtaeh Parsons
“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”
~Theodore Roosevelt
Click to buy The Basement
Click on image to enter to win.
Thank you for voting!
| judeitakali on Poetry Friday – Be Like A… |
| Vashti Q on Poetry Friday – Be Like A… |
 | Gwen M. Plano on Poetry Friday – Be Like A… |
 | Phil A Davis on Poetry Friday – Be Like A… |
Read a chapter from The Basement
Everybody has a story. Here's a little of mine.
with John W. Howell
Words written when connected with God
Having fun blogging with friends
I discover, motivate and rejuvenate here !!
Vigilante Justice
The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
It’s disgusting what happened to Rehtaeh Parsons but I’m so glad we’re finally having a serious talk about bullying in schools. It’s been a problem for way too long, happened to far too many people and the damage lasts forever. I’m disappointed in myself for never reporting my bully.
LikeLike
Don’t be too hard on yourself Farah. Not too long ago people thought being bullied was some kind of rite of passage for kids. Some people actually believed that bullying would strengthen their kids. Now we know better. Awareness is the key. I’m sorry you were bullied. Thank you for visiting my blog. It’s nice to meet you. Stop by anytime.
LikeLike
You’re right. And I thought I was the only one she was bullying until years later. Now we’re Facebook friends, whatever that means. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Wow!Has she apologized for her actions toward you? Have you spoken to her about the bullying issue?
LikeLike
Nope and nope! Didn’t feel like digging up old wounds. But in another life I would have piped up.
LikeLike
I was tortured in school. There is a 15 year old girl in the next town over who killed herself. I’m glad you are writing about it. I’m the happiest person alive now, but there were times back in high school when I didn’t care whether I lived or died. High school and middle school is one of the hardest times in life. You base your self worth on others opinions…I wouldn’t go back to that age for anything! I have an 8 year old and I’m keeping a close eye. I’m also teaching her not to be a bully. I told her how much it hurts. Thanks for posting, it really strikes a chord with me 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Amy! I’m so sorry you had such a hard time in school. Everyone should have nice memories of Junior High and High School, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. I’m so happy to read that you’re teaching your child about bullying! You’re doing the right thing. Awareness should start at home. It is so wonderful to meet you. Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing your experience. 😀
LikeLike
I had never heard of this story till here. I have followed your leads and others and can only hope Rehteahs legacy will be a step forward for humanity, what a tragic tale, that does need to be bought to peoples attention, thanks for bringing it to mine.
LikeLike
Hello!I’m so glad I was able to share this story with you. Many people still believe that bullying is not a serious issue and that it’s part of growing up. It’s obvious those people have been lucky enough to have never been bullied. Bullying hurts. Bullying kills. Thank you so much for stopping by. I always appreciate your comments. 😀
LikeLike
WOW. Powerful information. I was tormented during junior high and know that it is a huge point when I educate my children on how to act. It is a shame that kids go through this and it is a bigger shame that the world has been silent for so long. Thank you for sharing and for bringing a spotlight to the issue. Glad to have you at the frugalfitfamily party. Love to see more!
LikeLike
Hello Heather! Thank you so much for stopping by. It’s terrible that you had such a hard time in Junior High. That’s an age where so much turmoil is already going on in your body the added mental stress can only push some kids to the edge. I commend you for teaching your kids that bullying is wrong. It should start in the home. You’re an awesome mom! Thank you, I’m happy to be part of the frugalfitfamily. You will definitely see more, bullying is an issue that I feel very strongly about. 😀
LikeLike
There’s a “Lord of the Flies” in every school — but social media has expanded that into a “larger world” and the cruelty is far worse. I emphasize to parents that *they* must be champions for their kids in whatever circle — home, school, sports, etc. And kids need to learn to speak out. Great post.
LikeLike
I absolutely agree Meg. Well said! It must start in the home, and it is important for kids to learn to speak out.
LikeLike
I guess everyone has to do what’s best for them.
All the best! 😀
LikeLike
Powerful stuff. I think that is so much of the problem–people sit back and do nothing… burden of proof is on the victim. We really need to somehow train our kids to intervene on behalf of the kids. I think parents jumping in often backfires, at least when it’s mild. Though parents CAN help kids develop some skills to let stuff roll off–humor helps. Isn’t enough for a lot of it, though.
LikeLike
Hello Hart! It would be a much better world if all kids were taught empathy. If a person has the ability to understand and share the feelings of another it would be much more difficult for that person to hurt others because then he/she would feel their pain.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your very insightful comment.
LikeLike
Hi Vashti,
Thank you so much for the powerful post! I was bullied back in Middle School. I hated it s much that I asked my mom to put me in private school. I’m not sure what happened but everything turned around for the better in high school. I am a huge advocate of bullying because of how I felt when I was younger. Thank you, again for this and posting it on The Show Off Blog Party!
Jessica
The Wondering Brain
LikeLike
Hi Jessica,
It’s really amazing how many people have suffered as kids because of bullying. You would think that the issue of bullying would be taken more seriously. I believe awareness is the key. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to post it on your blog party. xx
LikeLike
Hi friend! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. I’m hoping for good luck from that nest now because of you! I wanted to email you back, but you are a no-reply blogger. I’d suggest you change that and here’s a great tutorial how… http://anyonecandecorate.blogspot.com/2012/09/are-you-no-reply-blogger-how-to-fix.html
LikeLike
Thank you Sarah! I had no idea I was a no-reply blogger. I don’t even know what that means exactly. I’ll check out the link you sent me. Thanks again. 😀
LikeLike
Thanks, Vashti, for following my blog. It’s great to connect through the WLC. Good luck with your new release. Best Wishes, Jill
LikeLike
Thank you very much Jill! 😀
LikeLike
Thanks for posting this Vashti!
LikeLike
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it Roze. 😀
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this story. It makes me so sad to hear stories like this. Bullying is such a huge problem! I’ve had to deal with it with my boys and it just breaks my heart.
LikeLike
You’re welcome Nicole. It breaks my heart every time I hear of someone going through this. I’m sorry your boys have had to experience bullying. I hope you were able to speak to the parents of the bullies. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope I hear from you again. Please give me an update on your boys. 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent post! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
LikeLike
Thank you Marci!
LikeLike
Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your submit is simply nice and i could think you’re knowledgeable in this subject. Well along with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the rewarding work.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m very happy you enjoyed my post! Please come back soon. 😀
LikeLike