To say that kids can be cruel is an understatement, and the impact is has on the recipient can be painfully damaging to say the least.
Having a stoma can be hard for anyone. I can only imagine what it’s like for a child.
10 year old Steven Bridges in Kentucky hanged himself. He went through over 26 surgeries and was bullied for having a colostomy bag.
Every image, every post, every conversation… it all adds up. Raise awareness, promote openness, work towards more acceptance & understanding. We’re all human. There should be no shame or embarrassment. But there is.
It took guts (not literally, as I don’t have half of mine anymore!) for me to post this, but it’s worth it. I never want to glamorise chronic illness or stomas, because it’s far from a life of glitz and glitter. I want to be honest, about the painful times and depression and the struggles that can all come with it. This is about breaking the barriers that keep us from being open, it’s about breaking down stigma & showing each other, and ourselves, more compassion.
Such a sad story about that young man. What a shame. There is far too much bullying of late. Here in America it’s about politics for the most part. Hatred rages and I’m sick of it.
Powerful and very sad. Thank you for reading, John.
It’s the bullies that have the problem! The more we can get that across to EVERYONE, the better.
You are a rockstar! Ignorance is no match for warriors speaking up.
Sadly there will always be ignorant people in this world I believe it is passed on down through the generations. It never ceases to shock me how some people can behave. This sort of behaviour needs to be stopped and we all have a responsibility to make sure it does.
I’ve got to say though Caz you look beautiful exactly as you are. 🌹 Great post.
Jesus, this is terrible. Kids can be so cruel.
And you my dear Caz, are one brave girl. I’m saying it because I’ve been there so trust me, I know.
This was a senseless death. As I tweeted, child bullying must STOP! Let’s start by re-educating adults. The kids can’t work it out among themselves.
Exactly, more needs to be done at the adult level, you’re right. Thank you, Darnell, I appreciate your comment on this as it’s such an important topic.
Sadly, I can relate to this. It’s so good you give Steven your voice,. Thanks, Caz!
It broke my heart when I heard his story on the news. He had gone through so much as a child, it’s sickening that more wasn’t done to help him and keep him safe.
You are such an amazing young woman Caz, and you continue to inspire me daily with your bravery and your determination to make the world a better place for your fellow humans. This is such a heartbreaking story. Bullying is such a pervasive problem in our society, and the thought that this young man felt he had no other options for escaping it is just soul-wrenching. Thank you for standing up and making your voice heard. Love and blessings to you sweet friend!
This is, indeed, a horrid tale. Whilst the problem originates with the bullies, the person being bullied often pays dearly.. Bullies eventually become adults. Even then they don’t always stop, and obviously they don’t set a good example for their own children. It all needs to stop, and your post today is a huge step toward that end. Thank you for sharing.
The hateful bullying that goes on in this world is sickening. I am fed up with Facebook and other forms of social media (not purposely) facilitated bullying.
Bravo Caz. I know it was not anything thing for you to do.
The Bridges family did not deserve such devastation and the circumstances were heart-wrenching.
You are truly strong, courageous and willing to put yourself out there to help others. You are wonderful.
I’m reminded, in a big way, Caz, regarding this year’s Australian Open Tennis Championships. For the first time ever the ‘Wheelies’ – those competitors in wheel chairs – had prime time viewing on our TVs, with two of the ‘main stream’ commentators doing the honours. And, what a great championship it was. We, Keith and I, thoroughly enjoyed it. This is to continue next year with the possibility of more television coverage.
The reason I mention this is because this, what you (and others) are doing, is the way to a more open, valued, equitable life for us all. It is only by having these discussions that ‘change’ can take place – hallelujah!
His story is heartbreaking. Kids and the world can be cruel. Bullying leaves such a strong impact on the person and the ones who bully almost never pay or even recognize their actions. Thank you for this post.
Exactly. Thank you for reading, Khanak.
I read about that, it was so sad… I thought of you, and my brother, and how you guys are so open about your bags, and it’s sad that this kid didn’t get to experience that kind of acceptance and pride for who he is. People are so mean, I was bullied a lot at his age for just about any reason these horrible kids could think of. I hear stories like this, and stories of crazed loners going on mass murdering sprees, and I keep think that either one of those could have been me had my life not taken a few of the turns that it did. Thank you for sharing.
It is so sad when you hear such stories, and his parents, I wonder if they knew.
Caz, thanks so much for bringing this to our attention. I don’t see a reblog button on your site – would love if you’d guest blog post on mine re: this or any other subject you’d like – can be a reworking of something you’ve already written. Have found it’s always total win-win – my folks get to know your wonderfulness & yours meet my place.
So glad you shared this. Steven’s story makes me so sad. People shouldn’t have to worry about how others will react to the lifesaving devices they need.
Really sad and heartbreaking story about the lil boy who went through so much and succumbed to bullying.Thanks for spreading the awareness Caz.Keep going strong.
Bullying is so cruel! It robs life!
So glad you share your story…. your TRUE story!
Me and God love you, Caz! Just the way you are!
Thanks so much for sharing your story and Stevens.
My dad has a colostomy bag and I know it can be hard sometimes… I can only begin to imagine what it must be like to have one as a kid.
Unfortunately people will always find a reason to bully others.
If you have time, go check my new post – I’ve been away for a while but I’m finally back!
God bless you for being courageous enough to share this post! There should not be any shame as there is nothing to be ashamed of. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of this precious child. No one deserves such treatment! Bullying is never okay. No matter the circumstances. Feeling alone in your battle is a depressing situation.
Much love to you, Caz. You’re beautiful 🙂 Inside and out.