by John
Massachusetts, USA
Although school could have been a place to get away from the unhappiness at home, it was often worse. I had some friends, but I also had enemies for no apparent reason. Starting in fourth grade, they chased me after school and tried to beat me up. I had to run home almost daily. In our last year at that school, I was relieved — until I learned that all of us would go to the same junior high school.
Seventh grade was farther from home, yet not far enough for me to take the bus. I ran the mile or so home every day. I’m sure the bullies didn’t chase me every single day, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
In the cafeteria, I chose tables with only a few kids. We didn’t talk much to each other; they probably had the same problems I did. Everyone at the table seemed a little scared. I was worried every day, even sitting in the cafeteria where some of my foes were.
One day, one person changed the rest of my life. He was very popular and had lots of friends at school. He hung out with other kids I knew by name who knew me, but we didn’t socialize much. They just hadn’t paid any attention to me. “Bill” came up to me and said, “John, why don’t you come over and sit with us at our table?”
I couldn’t believe my ears. There was no reason for Bill to risk his popularity by inviting me to join his friends. I was nervous, even scared, but I said okay and went to sit down at his table. It was packed end to end with about fifteen kids.
Those kids quickly became some of my best friends. I don’t remember if I had fun the first day, the third, or the thirtieth — but it was finally okay. I started walking home with some of my new friends and no longer had to run.
From then through high school, I was able to gain some self-respect. I became outgoing and confident and made more friends. I now own a home and business and have a fulfilling social life. That all began when Bill asked me to join his table, where I met friends I still have 23 years later. I have never forgotten Bill’s kindness. He wasn’t obligated to include me, and may not even realize what an impact he had.
I now watch out for other people who might be in the same situation as I was that day, feeling alone, nervous, or scared. I learned that simple acts can have big results, and I know what one person can change in one day.
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What a great experience – thanks for sharing.
I was bullied horribly as a kid. I wish I’d had someone like this!
As was I.
I feel for ya. I was bullied at school so unbelievably much, I cannot believe the teachers allowed it to go on. I still can’t say the details out loud, but I can say it was so frequent, and loud and humiliating, right there in the halls of the school, for years! I hope the anti-bully campaigns today are working. One friend who stood by me at the time is still a friend today.
Winning the world, step by step, one soul at a time…
We all know about “The Seven Deadly Sins.” It is time to add ‘bullying’ as an eighth one. Such pernicious behavior visited on a young impressionable child can have devastating effects on his or her psychological development. Thank goodness for the angels that come in all sizes to help save the day.
It happens to people of all ages by people of all ages.