Rosalind Wiseman

We all have moments when we see something in the news that makes our hearts heavy. When we come face to face with the fact that there are people among us–even young people–who do malicious and evil things. I definitely had one of those moments in October when I read about 15-year-old Michael Brewer being doused with rubbing alcohol and set on fire by three boys who lived in his neighborhood while six other children watched.

In spite of having burns over two thirds of his body, I read some great news about Michael this week. I’m in Florida visiting family for the holidays, and the front page of his local newspaper, the Florida Sun-Sentinel, announced his homecoming on Tuesday. He’s just been released from the hospital so he could be home for the holidays. His goal was to be healthy enough to be with his family for Christmas and he got his wish.

Nevertheless, when I looked at the pictures of Michael’s recovery in the hospital, you know his recovery has been excruciating. Few of us can imagine the physical and emotional road to recovery that Michael is on. Words seem completely insufficient to describe what he has gone through and what still faces him. So where does he get his strength?

I often ask myself that question when working with kids who’ve gone through horrific bullying. Of course part of the answer is personal courage. But I think the answer is also about how our most important relationships motivate and sustain us. Michael healed enough to go home for Christmas because he wanted to be with the people he loved. So during this time of year when many of us of us are with our own families, I think Michael’s story reminds us that it is our closest relationships that hold us up through the darkest of times. That’s what makes this time of year meaningful to me.

Wishing you the happy and safe holidays for you all and your loved ones.
Rosalind