Bullying, Forgiveness

Editor, Times-Union:

There was an article in the Chicago Tribune today about bullying. What made this article so compelling was that it took place in the 1950s and it was about forgiveness.

There were two sisters who were relentlessly bullied. The man who did the bullying is now in his 80s and has lived with this terrible and regrettable burden his entire life. He made the sisters’ lives miserable, not just during their high school years, but the bullying left lasting scars throughout their adulthood. They had trouble making friends as adults, fearing rejection and lacking in self-esteem. They lived a life of isolation.

There is a silver lining to this story. The man who did the bullying found the sisters, met with them, apologized for what he had done and asked for forgiveness.

As members of the the graduating class of 2018 look back on their high school years and reflect on their character, don’t wait to apologize to anyone you may have bullied or mistreated.

You will carry the mistreatment of another human being with you forever. Ask for forgiveness and commit to making yourself a better person. You will never regret it.  You will make our world a better place. Best wishes for a successful future.

Rebecca Kubacki

Syracuse, via email