Huntsville Forester article When being bullied becomes unbearable, Oct. 17, 2012, is a timely reminder that a kind word can make a difference in a person’s life.
 There is a saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” An example’s in the article, where a confronted bully confessed that he, too, was bullied for two years.
 The sad truth is that bullies are often just as hurt as the ones they target as an outlet for their rage.
 When I went to school, in the 1950’s, there was a guidance counsellor on staff whose job was to offer an empathetic ear to the problems of youth. A vulnerable student could be assured of a confidential and helpful visit to a person with the time and knowledge to actually improve the student’s life or at least help the student cope with a difficult time in his or her life.
Where is such a person today?
The boy in the article says, “We can stop bullying, we just need people to stand up.”
I would say that includes not only teachers and coaches, but also parents and ordinary folk. Anyone who sees something is wrong. A kind word at the right time can diffuse a blowout.
There are a lot of angry young people in the world who could benefit from the guidance of a kind and firm adult who can show them a better way to live.
 
Marilyn Laycock
Huntsville