The Girl We Bullied Once

Today, I don’t even remember her name. I can’t find her in our school photos. Maybe she came partway through the school year and left early. I was in grade five. I shamefully remember that one day after school she was in the school yard and some of us started yanking on her braids and pulling her cardigan. I have no idea what started this horrible behavior and what taunts we may have hurled.

One of teachers soon found out about the incident and called us into the classroom. Soon our hearts were broken but not because we were in “trouble.” The teacher didn’t yell at us. She expressed her disappointment and her words penetrated our little hearts. We had disappointed ourselves; we saw how good kids could do something so uncharacteristically bad. Tearfully we said we were sorry.

Oh to be able to do childhood over again with a heart of love and Christlikeness to all. I often wish I could find this girl, who is now a woman. I’d like to have a conversation with her and do something to make one day—one afternoon brighter (to try and replace the cloud we brought on her that day). If you’re reading this and can help me find her, I’d be so grateful. In the meantime, I look out for those who are bullied, and those who are the bullies, knowing that the bullies may not be bad people, but people who behave badly and can be redeemed.