This quick-read story is a fictional account that draws from experiences of the author as inspiration, set in real-time Portland, Oregon, in the age of COVID. “MOMMY” is about candid conversations involving bullying and the desire of a school-age child to continue virtual learning vs in-school learning. Its aim is to prod the reader to think, emote, and act if necessary. If you or someone you care for has gone thru bullying episodes, I hope this story helps with your own journey. There is no single path to take. I encourage you to be there for them (for yourself). Are you ready for that? Bullying over this past decade has started to see the light of day. For the longest time, it has been an unspoken reality of many growing up in educational systems, whether public or private, as an example. There are a lot of resources available today that didn’t exist before. Seek them out.Being different has often been seen as an opportunity for those looking for attention or a reaction to inflict pain and duress on the one perceived different. Often times this has led to a cycle of abuse that lasts a lifetime, for both the tormentor and recipient.Many specific events will be embedded in your mind FOREVER. Some details may get blurry, but the emotional pain stays ever present and raw, ready to be fired up in an instant.Bullies give you power in time, but it feels like they strip your soul as it happens. For many recipients, they withdraw and retreat, create a protective bubble so to speak, but hopefully in time, they open up and start the healing process. Baggage stays packed until you choose to unpack it. Candid conversations in every day settings can be the kickstart to the healing and unpacking process. If unpacking that baggage is self care, and self care is sexy, then survivors of bullying are going be some of the sexiest people alive. Help stop the cycle of abuse.
