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February 20, 2011 is the tenth anniversary of Tempest Smith's passing. She died on February 20, 2001 as the direct result of religious bullying. She was brilliant, she was talented, and her exploration of the spiritual led her to Wicca. Unfortunately, it also made her the subject of relentless teasing and harassment by her classmates. The diary she kept said a great deal, and it was found after she died.

She died by her own hand. At twelve years of age, time takes forever. Next week can seem as far away as forever, especially if there is torment in your world. Some of us survived by having a plan, but she did not. At her funeral, so many who should have been her friends wrote how sorry they were, and those in authority who might have known what had been happening expressed their regret.

Isn't it about time for bullying to end? Perhaps we can ask what is being done in our own local areas to prevent this!

Blessed Be!