Thanks to everyone who commented yesterday with words of sympathy and understanding. There are moments when our capacity to parent well is stretched, when we want to hide under a rock or use that rock to break someone’s window just to relieve the frustration. My Hannah is hurt and confused. Her friend is hurt and confused. The “bully” is also hurt and confused.

I am thankful I have the ability to look beyond my own daughter’s immediate physical and emotional needs and realize that, as much as she needs help getting through this difficult situation, there are two other families dealing with the same problem. There is an angry little girl who, for some reason, thinks forcing someone to be your friend by lying and manipulation is okay. I thought my daughter was friends with the “bully” because they truly liked each other; in fact, I’m positive my daughter liked her at one point, and I believe she is mourning that friendship to a certain extent. But it’s come to my attention that Hannah has been scared of this girl for awhile, perhaps not in a physical way, but scared that this girl will spread nastiness through hurtful rumors and untrue words.

Resolution is a slow process. I’m the common link between the other two mothers involved. They don’t know each other, but they both know me. In other words, I feel responsible to “break the ice” and facilitate the healing process. I sent an email to both mothers last night and encouraged the use of the “reply all” button. While not the preferred method of communication, there is a convenience and safeness to email. Unlike a telephone call or an in-person meeting, you can edit an email. The barrier has been breached, with the mother of the other bullied child speaking out to the one whose child is doing the bullying. Nothing more has happened, as of yet. Or perhaps they are speaking with each other privately.

All I know is, I feel so emotionally and mentally drained right now. And sad. I’ve had a pounding headache since Tuesday, and I’m having a difficult time concentrating on my work. Who wants to write about home hair removal methods when there are far more important things about which to worry?

deep breath

My good friend Sandy contacted me and said what a wonderful opportunity has presented itself for me to begin my own Balcony Girls group. Wonderful indeed! If you don’t know anything about Balcony Girls, please visit Sandy’s blog for more information. I’ve been giving the idea a lot of thought.

Well, the silver lining in all this is that I have a wonderful idea for an article. Inspiration comes in many forms, and sometimes it hits you right over the head.

And on an unrelated note, I received a phone call yesterday from the school. We have a meeting with the AIS (Academic Intervention Specialists) on April 3rd. Hopefully they’re done hemming and hawing about which papers need filling out and are ready to get on with Jacob’s evaluations. It’s been six long months . . .