What makes someone special?
When they care more about others
than they care for themselves?
When they want to make everyone happy?
When they don’t want to overly burden anyone?
When they show love for every living creature?
When they care about the environment
and people throughout the world?
When they have an unwavering belief in God
and the good in people?
What makes someone vulnerable?
- Special Report - >>
Is YOUR child being bullied?
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When they care so much about others that they won’t hold someone
responsible for hurting them, but rather silently forgive them? When
they put on a happy face even though they are crying inside? When
they internalize pain to insulate others from possible pain? When
you feel every living creature’s pain? When they agonize over the
world/human condition? When they put their entire life in God’s hand
and pray that things will work out?
..
Our daughter Cassie was all of the above. What made her so special
is what made her vulnerable. It was clear to anyone who took the
time to get past Cassie’s initial shyness, that she was a special person.
Her sense of wonder, glowing smile and radiant love were irrepressible.
As such, she received all of the love and caring from her immediate, extended
family and true friends that any human being could possibly receive.
However, as a social being, she also needed to be accepted in this world
by her “peers.”
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To Cassie, everyone was her peer. She was non-judgmental, tolerant
and accepting of others. Unfortunately, some of her “peers” were
much less tolerant and accepting of Cassie. These “peers” tormented
Cassie with incessant teasing. She internalized this teasing and
forgave her tormentors, never seeking help or sympathy from others.
She was hospitalized in the summer of 2004 for depression. We
were unaware of the full extent of the teasing. After reviewing options
with the doctors and Cassie, it was mutually decided to let Cassie enter
10th grade at the same high school she had attended for 9th grade.
Quite simply, we all felt that Cassie’s special qualities would prevail
and like Cassie, we believed in the good in people. In short, we
simply couldn’t comprehend anyone purposely and maliciously trying to harm
our special Cassie.
Unfortunately, as we have now learned, Cassie’s “peers” weren’t such
good people and the teasing continued. At a minimum, we now know
the teasing began in 8th grade and continued until her untimely death on
January 15, 2005, while in 10th grade at the age of 15. As stated
earlier, special people like Cassie are vulnerable. Moreover, they
are especially vulnerable during their teenage transition years.
It is unclear what came first, the depression or the teasing.
What is clear is that Cassie was a special person, who was teased by some
very not so special people. By any measure, the teasing was at least
a contributing factor to Cassie’s depression.
There are many special children in this world. Their special qualities
bring along vulnerabilities. We wouldn’t change a thing about our
special Cassie. What we would change is the teasing she and others
have endured and provide better awareness and coping resources for depression.
Toward that end, we support the Bully Police’s efforts to get individual
state and national anti-bullying/teasing laws passed and NAMI (the National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill). We must provide school administrators
and faculty with the ability to protect our special children. Well-balanced
laws that protect our children have been passed in other states and there
is no reason for Wisconsin to wait any longer. We must also remove
the stigma associated with mental illness, so that it will be easier for
children to come forward with their depression and to make insurance more
available to families to help their special children.
If I Could Change the World
If you start with the world today, I’d delete
all sorts of things. I’d leave out those who take for themselves
- And don’t care for others thoughts. I’d leave out those who can’t
Concentrate on what they desire. There’s no place in this world For people
who talk - But don’t act, either.
Why would I wish to keep Those with no dreams
Only mere wisps of thoughts And no purpose? To many people’s misfortune,
there aren’t many people left when you leave out the greedy, thoughtless,
boastful, hate-filled people and followers that only wish to save their
lives.
If you leave out this, then what you need is desire,
hope, and faithfulness. - Add the sole ingredient, respect for others -
All life - And yourself - And the world is on its way To perfection.
Yesterday I was…
younger, less bruised, and not introduced to
hate. All I knew were the smiles on my parents’ faces, afternoon
naps, curious expeditions, and simple things I desired.
Today I am…
more knowledgeable and mature. I now have
seen bad things, and know the language of hateful actions. Things
are not as simple, and I no longer can do simple things because of obligations.
Tomorrow I will be…
completely knowing all I seek. Nothing
will be out of reach if I try to get it. I will be able to do everything
for myself, and no longer need much help. Although I’ll be independent,
life will be more difficult and more full of obligations. However,
harder tasks have sweeter victories.
To order "Bullycide in America",
click on the link below
>>
A Congressman speaks out about bullying, and in support of an anti bullying law in
Arizona
"The school ground bully has been around for too long.
His entire success at bullying is predicated upon arrogant disregard to
simple decency, and a willingness to brutalize an innocent victim simply
because the bully is bigger and stronger and others are afraid to intervene.
It is insidious and calls for society and government to intervene decisively.
This bullying bill is a start. As you deliberate this bill please
reflect on the fact that Government's primary purpose for existence is
for the protection of its innocent citizens. ...Then remember
your bully as a child."
Congressman Trent Franks (R) Arizona
Bullying 
depression
