I was an only child of divorced parents. They handed me off the any relative that would take me for a couple of years because I was always in the way. All of my cousins were older than me by at least 4 years, no one understood me or played with me. At school, I was always the odd new kid. I read books alone, and did not make friends easily. By middle school and high school I was a total recluse. I smoked, I drank, I ran away from home... all to get away from bullies. I met them everywhere I turned, and I had no one to protect me.

I am 37 years old now and have 3 teens ages 19, 16 & 15. My younger two are still at home and have dealt with a lot of issues with bullies, but they have always had the undying support of their parents. Even though we are an odd family, we all love each other without condition.  Now, we are proud to do whatever we can to put an end to bullying in our community.

We chose home schooling through a virtual academy over public school for a couple of years because the place we were living was so bad that my son was sexually harassed, and my daughter was almost killed. I will encourage them to tell their own stories. My daughter is now back in public school and lit up the stage tonight at her Spring concert.  She and her friends have signed up here at the Bully Project, and are spreading the word.

I love that people are here sharing their stories. I hid from mine for most of my life, and the details are still too painful to think about. But I can be part of the solution, just like all of you. Together, we are making a difference!