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In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Sunday, October 3, 2010

Difference Makers

I hadn’t planned on posting today but in light of my last post on bullying I had to share this with you.

While I was looking for photo’s of my brother(the one I wrote about in my last post)to use for a surprise birthday party we are having for him next weekend, I came across a poem written and used by my daughter during high school, in her campaign against bullying.

Bless her big beautiful tender heart.

I am so thankful I saved it.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that I found it today.

With tears I share her young words with you.

You

Someone among you cried themselves to sleep.

They paid that price on someone’s expense and I promise it wasn’t cheap.

Maybe it wasn’t you, but you watched and smiled and did not say a word.

But you said a lot with words that others may not have heard.

But that “someone” noticed and it hurt a lot.

As all those tears inside of them they may have fought.

They prayed that you would say something to make it all go away.

But you did not do that; those words could have been easy to say.

Why didn’t you just tell them to stop and that’s enough?

Were you just scared or did you just want to seem tough?

But you’re not better than the one who said it all.

So next time that you see it, will you stand up tall?

To maybe stop those tears that did not have to fall.

Because it only takes one person to put up a fight.

Than that someone won’t have to hurt and cry when they should be asleep at night.

You can do this by joining my group that I call S. T. O. P.

Because to all of those “someone's” it would really mean a lot.

__________________________

Her words make me cry for all those that know this hurt all too well…for those that cry themselves to sleep at night because of meanness.

I cried as I read your comments to my last post. I cried for all of you,  your children or loved ones that know this pain. I am so sorry.

I pause in silence and prayer as I think of the families suffering in grief over the loss of a loved one, due to their committing suicide over being bullied. I cry for them. 

My daughters simple words, written some years ago, speak volumes and make me very proud…very proud of her many efforts to make a difference.

I am absolutely positive that she touched her peers lives with her efforts.

She is a difference maker.

And it makes me think of my other children who are just like her, even if they don’t articulate it in the same manner as her…they are difference makers nonetheless.

Here’s to all the difference makers in our world. Here’s to putting a stop to this hideous crime of bullying…in all shapes and forms.

Here’s to each one of us being a difference maker by standing up to the bullies and for those being bullied, and teaching it to our children, grandchildren, and any children we know,  so that, in my daughters words, “…that someone won’t have to hurt and cry when they should be asleep at night.”

Hope you and yours are having a nice day doing something that puts a smile on your face.

Until next time, love and hugs, Lori

 

 

19 comments:

LPC said...

What a wonderful thing to find.

CiCi said...

I know you are glad you saved what your daughter wrote. The fact that she made a difference back then and is the type of person to stick up for the underdog makes her stand out in life. She is an example to many others.

Busy Bee Suz said...

That is just beautiful!!!
Oh, it is the 'difference makers' that make this world a great place.
xoxo
Suz

Brian Miller said...

big smiles. she is a differnce maker...an excellent poem as well and i am glad you shared it with us...inspiring...

Vicky said...

Thanks for sharing the poem. She is so insightfull. I cried while reading your post. I feel for everyone who has faced bullying or family members who knows what it is like to go through that experience.
Thanks for your post Lori you are a blessing.

Pseudo said...

Your daughter sounds like a wonderful young woman Lori, but then, look at her mommie ; -)

I deal with the meanness of kids to each other all the time in teaching. It is a constant battle.

SciFi Dad said...

That was sweet.

Buckeroomama said...

You are right. She is a difference maker and we need more of people like her.

Nancy said...

My husband and I were just discussing this on the way home from Oregon. Bullying has to stop. I think the only way it will is if people become aware that they are also attracting the very thing they are doing to others.

Your daughter is sweet and sensitive. Bravo for her, and you as her dear mother.

Natalie said...

Beautiful that she took some action against bullying, and also because she cares so much for other human beings. A credit to you, Lori.xx

Anonymous said...

What marvellous words written by your daughter. And so true, and uplifting.

Here's hoping many more young people find the courage to make a difference.

Colleen said...

Your daughter is wise and tender- hearted. She must make a very big difference in the lives of those blessed enough to know her.

Liz Mays said...

I absolutely love what she wrote and that she is a difference maker. It reminds me of how the pastor characterized my dad at his funeral. He called him a peacemaker and that he was. We need more people like your daughter and my dad out there to make up for the bullies!

Together We Save said...

Oh my... that is so sweet!!

Stella said...

That is one of those proud mama moments. You taught her well and you are teaching the ones in your care right now the same lessons. It makes me happy to know you are in the world. Love you!

Hilary said...

She absolutely is a difference maker. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Shrinky said...

You have raised your daughter well, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree! Lovely post, Lori, here's to all the difference maker's, eh?

Unknown said...

What a wonderful poem! You should have it printed out, laminated, and send it to all the schools in your area. I bet they would hang them up. I mean, bullying has been around for centuries, but now, kids can't be punished, paddled, or ANYTHING to put a stop to it because parents (like my ex's wife) act like their kids would NEVER do those things to other people. I taught my kids at a very young age to NEVER been mean to other people. Thank God I've never heard that they were.

mommytoalot said...

Wow..
I will share this with my boys.
xxoo
as always your posts are inspiring as are you
xxoo