I Don't Know Why Bullies Exist I Wish I Did

Yesterday was my birthday and for the first time, I liked/loved or commented to everyone who took the time to wish me happy birthday. That was a lot. It was well over 400 people! Most of the people were folks I know in Detroit, back home. While thanking people I noticed 4 people who are now my Facebook friends once bullied me as a child. They bullied me because I was dark skinned; bullied me because my grandmother pressed my hair too straight; bullied me because I was smart and wouldn't play with them on the playground. You name it. I'm sure they felt bullying me was no big deal and they had their reasons for not liking me. For the first time in a long time, I remembered what it felt like to be scared to walk home from school because my bullies might catch me and make me run home to safety. Or that thiey might be waiting for me in an alley I had to pass to get home. I'm 57 now, and that was a long long time ago. Just imagine a child today being bullied. They live in fear daily, not knowing if they will get beat up for no reason yet knowing they have to go to school or wherever regardless. That child is very brave even though he/she is frightened to death on the inside. What helped me was my family. My uncle and I would talk daily, he helped me grow confidence so I could learn to love me for me. Those talks made me feel good when I was at home, with family. But the real test came when I had to go to school the next day. I thank God for my uncle and his love for me. We still talk, he still wishes me happy birthday every year. I don't have the answers, but I know one thing, we have to have those hard, honest conversations with our kids. Have those conversations in love, not in condemnation. I'm sorry for this long post, but I was feeling this today and I hope you understand. I thank God for who he has made me. I love Him for loving me so much!!