They didn’t place blame or pass judgement. They simply stated the facts.
“For a young lady so excited about going to the High School things sure went terribly wrong for her. For the bullies involved, please know you were effective in making her feel worthless.
That is all between you and God now, but please know that it is not [too] late to change your ways. Sadie’s death has taken us to dark places, we will stick together and protect one another as we try to make sense of this tragic loss.
To all the bullies out there, I just want you to know that as much as we despise your actions never, ever do we wish for you to feel the paralyzing pain that engulfs our bodies, a pain so severe that it makes the simple act of breathing difficult or the guilt that leaves us wondering what we could have done differently-or that struggle to remember the last words we spoke…Our hearts are beyond broken.
Sadie, it was a privilege to have you in our lives and we will always love you. May you find peace in the arms of God and may we all be kind to one another.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sadie ask that you be kind to one another.”
Losing a child to suicide is something that most can’t even imagine. It’s a death that is completely preventable, and no child should ever be made to feel worthless like Sadie was.
Her family’s honest words are just what all of our children need to be reminded of today—not that sticks and stones may break my bones, and words will never hurt me, but that our words and our actions hold so much power.
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5
Sadie’s life—and now death—serve as an incredible resource in teaching our kids how to treat others. It can teach self-awareness and pose them to look inwardly and reflect on their own actions toward others.
Don’t let another child suffer in silence like Sadie Riggs. Fifteen is an innocent time that should be full of fun, laughter, homework and milestones. Not bullies, suicide and obituaries. There’s a grave difference, and we cannot afford the latter.
Praying for sweet Sadie’s family, and for the bullies she encountered, today.