The principal, who is a guy I've known since 7th grade, was awesome. I can't praise him enough. He was kind and empathic and just awesome. He hugged me when I started crying and said that whatever interventions needed to happen were going to happen and he'd make sure of it. At one point I said, "I know she's quirky. She's a quirky kid." and he interrupted me and said, "What 4th grader isn't quirky?" It made me laugh.
She is probably the nerdy kid. She talks about Doctor Who and Agents of SHIELD and the girls think she's weird for liking "boy" stuff like Ninjago and beyblades and the the boys think she's weird for not liking "girl" stuff and liking "their" stuff. And she has her temper and a total lack of filter and has quite a few Asperger's qualities but so what, I say. So the fuck what? She's creative and loyal and sweet and giving and just simply amazing and these peter-heads need to piss off and leave my baby girl alone.
That's a shame, Aimee. Gender shaming, in whatever direction, is such a problem.
I'd be happy to send a card too, Aims. I know just the one.
Plus? I was the smart, nerdy kid who got bullied. As an adult, all the mean girls went out of their ways to apologize to me when, really? I'm WAY better off.
I wouldn't say that to a child, but I'm living proof that living well is the best revenge.
Oh Aims, that sucks. I'm so sorry. If you send me your address I could send postcards...
Aims, I'm so sorry. I was that girl too. I wish I could make it better for all of you.
Aims, I'm sorry. I've been that kid.
I've been the male version of that kid. My empathy for her sympathy to all three of you.
Oh, Aims. Could I have your mailing address, too, please? Em is such a sweet kid.
All sympathies. I was there, too.
It's funny because here was the first place I went to talk about this because I knew that a large part of us went through this and we turned out SO COMPLETELY AWESOME and we found our people and we are loved and amazing and generous and lovely and so often, when unchecked and unsupported, kids who are bullied can go on to such tragic ends and it terrifies me that Joe and I aren't doing the right thing and that Em will feel lost and won't be able to find her own way. I am so glad I have you all.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
