As a Mother, I want to make it all better. I want to love his pain away. My son is 8. In the second grade. One Sunday, he was having a particularly rough day. He was bothered by everything, and mad at the world. I assumed it was because everyone's park priveledges had been taken away for the day, because that's the biggest thimg an 8 year old mind should be processing. I sat him down, and told him, no matter how we are feeling, we still have choice over our actions. Disrespectful behavior still has consequences. I told him that maybe he should lay down in his room for a bit, and read his Bible stories, maybe that'll put him in a better mood. He was still visibly ....angry. He had been anxious and figity all day long. So I walk out, tend to his sister's, and spot his Bible book, and his Math workbook on the counter. As I opened the door to bring it to him, I saw my 8 year old little boy ...with one end of his jump rope, knotted around his neck, and the other end tied to the railing on the top of his bunk bed. Instantly I was in a panic. His feet were planted firmly on his mattress, so physical harm had ensued....but had I not walked in there, I cannot even fathom it. When he was free....I asked him if he wanted to die. He told me no, so I know he didn't fully understand the consequences of his actions. I explained to him that, had he slipped, he would be dead. He wouldn't have been able ts call for help. I asked him what he was doing. He told me harming himself. I cried....and sat him down. I asked Ty what he was feeling...what was he thinking when he put the role around his neck. He said, "I was thinking of (student's) dad, shooting me with a shotgun, in my head. My heart dropped. He explained to me that a boy at school said he would kill him and that his dad would come shoot all of us. Two weeks he was plagued by this fear. This threat may have not had any merrit, comming from a 7 year old boy....but it was big enough to Ty, that he feared for his life and his family's. There's laws that should be followed, and policy that should be implemented when instances like these take place. They weren't. He could have list his life, and I would have self-blamed the rest of my life. Bully education, and how to cope with the emotions that come with, are needed tools for this age group. I didn't realize that so many pre-adolescents dealt with suicide thoughts until I researched it. Something has to be done. Ty told a teacher and it was not handled as it should have been. I did my research, and am taking steps to make sure no other child has to feel like they have to deal with it alone at this particular school. We hope to make a difference through Tys experience. He is now going to see a counselor... His reaction at 8 was intense. So we're that little boys words. It's important that our children are made aware of bully's, and have a support system in place, and kniw beyond doubt, that they have someone who identify with their fear and pain. I can not unsee the image In my head. It traumatized me as a mother. I can't sleep, I can't eat...and won't be able to rest easy until I know he is receiving so.e help to figure things out. I never want another child, or my own, to feel that alone and scared again. Atleast not in this area, if I can help it. We need to educate ourself on the issue as well. It is never too you to start teaching our children how to be strong, and how to respond to adverse behavior. The boy received detention, but my son got therapy. Doesn't seem fair, but I'm so thankful that he is here with us. Brightening up our world. His situation opened my eyes to a growing issue among 10 and under.. If his school won't advocate for the children, Ill do it. Gladly. My goal is to see them emotil ally maintained and as carefree as an 8 year d chd