STOP BULLYING; UNINTENTIONAL KILLING!!!

MICHAEL M. DELA CRUZ

“I’d rather die than to literally live one more day with this shitty ass life and yes my life is shitty I don’t understand what am I here for personally I don’t think I have any purpose here”.

These are the words which I found written on a folded paper and obviously composed by my 14-year-old son. It’s throbbing and a heartbreaking feeling! I never knew this. Regrets. Yes, my heart is full of regrets. Regretful for not even having asked my son, the problem he had suffered then. Yes. Then. Then because this was written two years ago. Two years ago, my son’s life was despondent. He was hopeless. He even lost his courage and that might be the reason why he had written those pitiful words. The scenario made me cry. How could I even take nor accept the fact that he would prefer to die over living another day. There must a reason behind this. And so, I started to confront him. My heart cries as I listen to his sentiments. It was all because of “Bullying”. He had lifted these words from his mouth because he was bullied. Yes, he was bullied two years ago. Bullying had almost killed my son. It had almost taken our son. Our son, who did not even ask to live but thru God’s love, he was given this beautiful life yet bullying almost lost it. I will never let these words come from my son’s mouth again nor to any of my sons’.

Bullying is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives. Indeed. What had my son suffered is evidence. Let’s work together to stop this unintentional killing; bullying. This requires a collective effort from individuals, communities and institutions. Raise awareness. Let’s save lives and create a safer a more inclusive environment for everyone.

-oOOThe author is Teacher III- Camba National High School