When 15-year-old Sadie Riggs took her own life, her family was completely devastated.
It’s hard to imagine someone her age could have been so depressed to make such a drastic decision.
But her family knew why she died, and wanted to make clear who the real culprit was.
Obituary
In the first part of the obituary, they followed the usual course of action. They described who Sadie was, and what she loved. They explained that Sadie played softball and loved reading and drawing. But then they took a different direction, going against the tradition of obituaries…
In a heartfelt message, the family described exactly who the real culprit was for their daughter’s death:
“In an effort to debunk the rumors about our daughter Sadie’s death, we would like to share this information with you. Yes, Sadie took her own life, she hanged herself. It’s difficult to imagine that such a young person struggled with so many issues. Sadie had sought help from a therapist and was taking medication, but it was all too much for her. If you consider the dynamics in Sadie’s family, you will see that a large percentage of the people in her life were not blood-related to her, but God gave us this child because she needed a family.”
“Sadie had a difficult life, and until a recent incident at her school, she was trying to cope with everything as best as she could. For a young girl who loved going to school, everything was going downhill for her. To the bullies: you broke her, made her feel worthless. God will have an answer for you, but know that it’s not too late to change yourselves.”
Message to all bullies
In the obituary, Sadie’s family explained the pain that so many people suffer from being bullied:
“To all the bullies: I want you to know that while we hate your actions, we never want to wish you the paralyzing pain. A pain so intense that breathing becomes difficult, and a guilt that makes us believe we are doing something wrong in others’ eyes…”
But the family ended the obituary on a positive note:
“Instead of flowers, Sadie’s family asks that you be kind to one another.”
Unfortunately, Sadie’s case is not unique. According to bullyingstatistics.org, a website that collects statistics on bullying, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. At least half of those deaths are a result of bullying.
I will never stop sharing stories about bullying until bullying stops!
We can change the situation today by setting a good example. Treat your family, friends, and colleagues with respect, kindness, and love.
Click ‘like’ and share this article if you want to make a difference. Young people have the right to a “bully-free” life, so that no one has to take their own life because of it.
