On Growing Up....

As a young girl, I used to fantasize on how I would get even with all the bullies and mean people in school. My imagination soared in science class. My day dreams expand in math.


I would become a famous movie star and have a big party and not invite them.

Or better yet, I would become a famous movie star, have a big party, and invite them... and rub my beauty and wealth.... in their face!

I would become so beautiful that they would all beg and beg to become my friend. I would laugh haughtily... and walk away.


I would become a famous writer and write about their cruelty. When their exploits were made public... they would be fired from their jobs, their spouses would divorce them, and they would have acne.


Obviously, it didn't quite work out like that. I'm a teacher. And Lord help me... I'm back in the seventh and eighth grade, and I'm all grown up. I watch students cut each other down in a chain of events. I know that they all feel like they're the one whose picked on at some time or another. Not all bullies know they are a bully.

In the past few years, I've come across past bullies. They've come up to me with their eyes lowered.

Every time, they've said "I was such an ass in high school."

This is what I decided to say;

"Really? I don't remember."

Sometimes they believe me and breathe a sigh of relief and give me a big hug.

Sometimes, they don't believe, and they smile at me, wink, and give a big me a big hug.

Revenge is bitter.


Grudges steal life.

Forgiveness is golden.