It’s been a week since Amanda Todd (http://bc.ctvnews.ca/probe-launched-into-bullying-linked-to-teen-s-suicide-1.993132) took her life. It’s taken me that long to get to a point that I can write about it.
Absolutely every aspect of this story evokes emotion; it makes my gut ache, it brings tears to my eyes, it breaks my heart and it angers the hell out of me. But most of all it terrifies me.
I’m a mom. I have two kids. Two kids who will become teenagers in an age of Facebook, Twitter and who knows what else.
It terrifies me that I won’t be able to save them, to protect them, to keep them safe. It terrifies me that they one day they may feel the hurt that Amanda felt. It terrifies me that one day they may somehow cause the pain that Amanda felt.
It all terrifies me.
I know I’m doing the best that I can. And I know all the amazing people in my life are doing the best that they can. My family, my friends, my neighbours… You know the “It takes a village to raise a child” saying… I’m lucky that I have an incredible village.
These people will help raise my kids. They’ll be there when I can’t be. They’ll be an extra set of eyes to see what’s going on. They’ll be an extra set of ears to hear anything I miss. They’ll be an extra set of arms to offer hugs. They’ll be an extra set of lips to say “I’m here for you” if ever Lucy or Sam needs someone else to hear their problems, concerns, hopes or dreams.
I will do the best I can every day. And I know my village will, too.
All I can do is hope that’s enough.
If you ever need to talk about things happening in your life, please know there is always someone ready to listen.
Call the Kids Help Phone (http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/teens/home/splash.aspx).
