YOU SAID WROTE & TWEETED . . .
WINNING LETTER
Let’s all fight bullying
Today, when I went to fetch my daughter, Raven, from school, we saw a group of Grade 2s verbally bullying a little boy. They were making fun of his appearance, laughing all the while. He took his backpack and pressed it against his face to hide the thing they were mocking him about. My heart broke into pieces. I went over to him, wrapped him in my arms and told him, ‘You are beautiful! You are perfectly made by the Creator. Don’t let them make you feel less.’ I offered him some cold water, because it was very hot, and he walked off with his backpack on his back – where it belongs.
I had a talk with Raven and insisted that she never be involved in bullying or laugh when it occurs. I wish I could do more to create awareness of this evil that happens in our schools.
I was verbally bullied when I started school and I hid myself too. Seeing this incident took me back to the feelings I had every time they called me names.
Parents, I want you to educate your children on this issue so that we change the culture of bullying. It does not always make you stronger. In fact, it kills parts of you and you carry those pieces with you forever. As a victim of bullying, I am proud of who I am and the journey that has shaped me – but if we plant the seeds, we can bring healing more quickly. Not every victim survives! Ramona Soga Ed: We’re with you all the way, Ramona; let’s teach our children well.
All for the love of you
When I read the April article about the Jack Russell, I decided to write to you about our precious Miss Daisy. We got her from a shelter (her family left her behind when they moved). Her original name was Missy, but she is definitely a sunny Daisy.
She is always smiling and wagging her tail – with her bum wiggling – and lets her brother Diesel (also a rescue) play rough with her. She hops and skips around the house and gives so much love to us and her brother.
Jack Russells definitely rock! Vanessa Chesno Ed: Thank you for sharing this gorgeous pic of your besties!
Say a little mantra for me
It feels awkward to write something only my closest family members know about me, but here I am (with my butterflies doing the insect equivalent of the Macarena): Your article in the April issue about mantras is important for me, not just because it made me breathe a sigh of relief (I’m not the only loon who talks to herself!), but also because it truly is life-changing.
‘I fell ill a while ago, and one of the symptoms I experience daily is extreme pain. I am immune to all pain medication except opiates. However, I refuse to spend my life addicted and living off a morphine pump with the chance of failing kidneys, so I have chosen a more difficult path. The only reason I have not given in to depression or suicide (these go hand in hand with my illnesses, sadly) is because of my faith, my husband and – as he might say – my stubborn nature.
This stubborn nature is where saying mantras come in. It is not ‘wishy-washy nonsense’; this is real and it works. Do Comrades Marathon runners rely solely on their bodies? I think not. The mind is so powerful.
I push myself daily, pull myself out of the darkness into happiness, into calm, into a better perspective and into a place of control and peace. It truly is possible, no matter what life throws at you. Jenna Visser Ed: The story resonated with so many readers. We commend you on your bravery in writing in.