A Thank You Letter to My Middle School Bullies

Dear Chris, Josh, other Chris & Boy Always in Cargo Shorts (Kevin?),

Hi there, fellas! Remember me? The girl from middle school with braces, Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, and unwavering opinions about each of the Backstreet Boys?

Sure, I can be a little more specific.

I was the one you teased mercilessly.

How ya doing? Things still going well back in our hometown? Enjoying your 2nd divorce, Josh?

That’s good to hear.

I’m writing to say

thank you.

Thank you for ridiculing my straightened hair.

It’s encouraged me to rock my natural curls.

Thank you for pointing out that I cry easily.

It’s helped me embrace all my emotions.

Thank you for making me lonely.

It’s inspired me to always include outsiders.

Thank you for delighting in my frowns.

It’s made me quick to smile.

Thank you for laughing at my love of reading.

It’s fueled my desire to create.

Thank you for mocking my voice.

It’s taught me to use it.

Thank you for calling me “crazy.”

It’s made me a proud mental health advocate.

Thank you for pointing out my short height.

It’s empowered me to stand tall.

Thank you for calling me weak.

It’s revealed my incredible strength.

Thank you for claiming that my eyes are lopsided.

It’s allowed me to see the world more clearly.

Thank you for making me feel hopeless.

It’s shown that I can make it through anything.

Thank you for calling me a freak.

It’s made me realize that normality is overrated.

Thank you for saying I’m weird.

It’s made me cherish my quirks.

Thank you for acquainting me with hate.

It’s helped me recognize love.

Thank you for teasing me.

It’s taught me the transformative power of words.

I hope you’ve learned from it, too.

xoxo,

“Cryin’ Jodi”

P.S. See you at the school reunion.