So sorry to hear about your loss, Diane. As you say, “the age of 19 way too soon.” Best to you.

Stand tall, Jimh..
Never allow Evil to take your life.
Stay in the good be happy and conquer the evil with the goodness of life..

so sorry to hear this Jimh. Though this is an “anonymous” site we who have been on it for a few years have a sense of each other. No matter the drama, you have remained neutral and shared your humor and warmth equally. NO ONE on this earth has the right to judge others which is why I get so angry when I hear the judgmental comments about looks/age. We’re all just passing through…

You’re funny, clever, sweet, friendly and open. And, let’s be blunt, a lot of people SUCK! LOL! They do! So, just ignore the garbage and concentrate on people who are worth your time.

Count “strong” in your list of attributes. Through it all, you’re still here and haven’t loss your sense of fun.

Hugs!

Su is right…stay strong, Jimh and never allow your spirit to be broken by those who believe it’s their divine right to impose their will upon you…because it isn’t! Nobody else’s bad behavior should be dictating what you can think, feel or say in this life..that is up to each individual and not self-important types who consider themselves the last word on any and all subjects!

Jimh, forgive me for not weighing in sooner (I just read this.) I am so sorry to hear about the sexual assaults, family issues, depression, and bullying you endured. But thankfully, you were able to survive it all and come out alive and with hope. Many people don’t understand how harmful bullying is or how pervasive a problem it is. It is a terrible trauma, the effects of which can last a lifetime. I am living proof of that.

Yes, we have this thing in common… My bullying took place for 3 years in high school (compared to you, I guess I got off easy), largely because I was woefully inadequate in sports and called “faggot” more times than I can tell you. Never beaten up physically, I was threatened plenty of times. I had too much shame to ever tell anyone, so I suffered in silence. In my case, the effects have lingered throughout my life, in that those terrible times and feelings are just below the surface. I came from a point of assuming someone is making fun of me, or talking about me, or belittling me, or threatening me. I sometimes take offense when none is intended; I am sometimes defensive and overly sensitive. I have to continually fight those sensations. Yet I am grateful that I have been able to be (mostly) well-adjusted and sincerely quite happy with my life. I hope the same for you, my Friend! 🙂

Finally, much appreciation to Max Ehrich for his revelations and support to the anti-bullying movement. Thank God you are both alive!

LOL, su. “That” bully is never going to change. He thrives on it. Unfortunately, just like the bully in the school, if they get accolades, followers, it only reinforces the despicable behavior. As always…good vs evil.

Amen to that last line, Timmmbo! I don’t who is worse these days, the male priests or the female teachers going after the young boys! Despite the #MeToo-ers who try to make this issue all about (predominantly older white) men in power abusing subordinate women, the truth is that sexual harassers come in all colors, ages, genders and orientations…although, quite frankly, some of the very worst are females of all stripes…particularly in recent years since they have been emboldened to proudly fly their cougar flags…I swear everyday there is a news article about some older woman taking advantage of a junior male!!!