Gosh! I've always felt close to you with regard to these issues as I suffered the same stuff. The verbal abuse, rubber bands not rocks, violence, humiliation, isolation, ridicule, sabotage, betrayal.... having a new friend for a moment and then having them disappear to the dark side. Having people tell me in private they'd like to be friends in secret, but that they couldn't afford the risks of public friendship and they weren't willing to stand up and help me fight such sick injustice. I remember the times they even convinced teachers or counselors to side against me. Those hurt a lot. I ate lunch alone so many times... I would loved to have eaten lunch with you near the fence or invited you to one of my out of the way spots where no one could see me eat alone.

I remember hearing of your reactions to events and not understanding them. Now that you mention the connection and the inclusion/exclusion thing I get it.

I wish I could tell you how proud I am that you are my friend. I wish I could tell you what your constancy and caring means to me.

I'm over the moon to see you making this kind of progress to shake off the stupidity and short-sightedness of others you should never have had to face anyway.

*a big ol' squeezy hug and smile*

Thank you for sharing all this with me.