So, I'm sick. I'm not a whiny sick person. I'm a grumpy sick person. But at this second I am an extremely pissed off sick person because of this:
http://www.today.com/moms/swapping-letters-candy-trick-or-treat-8C11493000
Video that includes interview and expert opinion: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/living/2013/10/30/pkg-north-dakota-halloween-obesity-letter.kxjb-kvly.html
A woman in North Dakota has taken it upon herself to make the determination which kids are "obese" in her "opinion" and had them letters indicating as such and basically telling the parents not to let their kids have the Halloween candy.
How many times have you seen the sheer pain in the eyes of a child who has been hurt by words? That is a pain that cuts me to the bone. Like I have recently tried to explain to my soon to be five year old son "words last forever".
Does she really think she will motivate a child this way. Does she think her petty little opinion and letter will be the "wake up call" a parent needs. Does she think that a parent will read this and say "Oh miss Nosey Bitchy Pants says my kid is fat, I should do something about that!" Does she think she is doing something kind and good? DOES SHE THINK AT ALL???
Because if she did think wouldn't the thought about the number of bullied kids committing suicide cross her mind?
I get so conflicted at moments like this because I am angry. I think I am justifiably angry and while Buddhism tells me to let go of that anger because it causes me more harm, I cannot and DO NOT want to let go of it! Because as soon as I let go of it another bully wins to apathy.
What to do with a woman like this?
Well, here is my idea. This town needs to get a line of people to stand outside her house and steer the children away from this Halloween's wicked witch. As they do so they should put loving messages in each child's pail letting them know each child is unique to the universe. A wall of love and protection to keep the nasty bully at bay. Let Halloween pass her by without any cute goblins knocking on her door.
She is right. It does take a village to raise a child and in this case protect them from the village idiot.
Deeep breath. I will send gratitude and love this woman's way for she has taught me a lesson.
ReplyDeletePerhaps not the lesson she expected, though.
She has taught me that it is not our duty to push other people (kids or otherwise) but to love everyone.
We all fight our own tough battles, and this woman is clearly fighting her own demons. I hope she conquers them.