Older sister, Brittany, bravely spoke to a local group of concerned citizens, Community Against Bullying, about her sister. Through her pain and tears, she painted a very powerful, poignant picture of the events that took her younger sister away from her. Armed with the knowledge that the known bullies and their families are now being contacted and demeaned, she emphatically stated:
“We don’t want that,” Brittany said. “My sister wouldn’t want that. I know that she would not want this to keep going.”In the end, though, she conveyed a message of grace and love.
“We just want anybody who is bullying, just to stop,” Brittany said. “I don’t care if it’s in Kasson or it’s here. I don’t really care where it is, because this is the worst thing you can ever go through, that you can suffer through, because people were hurting, were so mean to her and she felt there was nothing else to do.”In fact, that's the message from the entire family. The father, Rick, echoed the same sentiment:
"Even the bullies obviously need some help," he said. "They need to be aware that they have the right to that same help."So, once again, and far too often, another young life has been lost to the rising scourge of bullying. To continue to minimize what is obvious, that bullying and teen suicides have become an epidemic of epic proportion, is to assure that we'll keep seeing these occurrences on a near-daily basis. And, that's unacceptable.
Someone pointed out that "writing about it and making 'It Gets Better' videos isn't enough. I agree. All of the efforts to stop bullying, from blogging to social media groups and pages to the It Gets Better campaign, are heartfelt and sincere. And, to be sure, all of the efforts are having an impact. I can state that factually based on emails I receive. At the same time, more does need to be done.
- The dialogue is now a dinner-table topic. It's in the news daily. And, rightfully so. More talk is needed. More voices are needed.
- Once again, in Rachel's case, it is said that the response time from the school officials lagged. That's unacceptable. That speaks to minimization. That speaks to accountability. What do you think would happen if every parent of every student in every school across the country delivered the message, together as one voice, "nothing is more important than the life of my child and, while they're there in your care, you are wholly responsible for their safety and welfare"?
- Closer attention needs to be given to the emotional welfare of these young people. Of course, the perfect vision of hindsight often reveals tell-tale signs of pending disaster, but that's after the fact. And, "after the fact" is too often too late.
- Encourage young people to talk to an adult if they are being bullied!!! Please.
- And, always, always, always have resources readily available in the event you need them. Communication is definitely essential:
This video tribute does better than I ever could in saying how much Rachel meant to those close to her. To the family and friends of Rachel, we wish you continued strength, courage, and love in the trying days, months, and indeed years that lie ahead.
