There is a beautiful girl who is no longer with us, she was laid to rest in Australia at only 14 years of age, the victim of endless and excruciating bullying.

As I sit here tonight contemplating the very short life of young Dolly I find my sadness inconsolable. The crushing consequences realized by the actions of bullies, have a far-reaching impact that is sometimes nearly impossible to comprehend.

I wonder if Dolly’s tormentors could have imagined that the damage they were doing would ultimately lead to her suicide. But there it is, a tragic and senseless suicide nonetheless.

Sadly I'm no stranger to suicide. My father ended his life when I was only 14. Maybe that's why her age had such an impact on me. While I was dealing with my father's suicide at 14 years of age she was ending hers.

Being raised by French Canadians was a wonderful experience, it was a world where hugs were not optional. I'm definitely a hugger. I remember running into a woman at Costco about 3 weeks ago and as I rolled my cart past hers I said what a cute hat you have and she said she loved mine too. I told her I could tell her where I got it from if she wanted to get one for her guy. She dropped her eyes and said he had died in a car accident earlier in the year. It was a rushed whisper all in one breath followed by another breath that was choked off with a tiny sob. She was so still while she spoke. Not knowing what else to do I went completely French Canadian on her and asked her if she would mind an unsolicited hug from a stranger. For a tiny woman she really surprised me by clinging to me with a strength I had not expected. We said our goodbyes and that was that, I don't imagine I'll ever see her again.

I don't mind being human sometimes. It's certainly not easy all the time. Death is a part of this journey and it can sure suck the fun out of a room.

The other great thing about being French Canadian is the food. I am in fact French Canadian, Italian and Native American Metis. Thank you universe for confusing my DNA and putting some of the most passionate races on this planet in one body. I hate you DNA. I tend to feel everything so intensely that I sometimes need to vegetate for long periods of time just to recover enough to interact with the world around me again. Now back to the French Canadian food (and the Italian food of course). Don't even get me started about Native American food. I'm planning to launch a commercial Pemmican business in the near future. I'll keep you posted. Literally LOL

When Dolly was really little she was a poster child for a famous Australian Hat Company, you may remember Crocodile Dundee's hat. Yeah it's that company. I know this is going to sound really strange but when I saw her beautiful face and her big eyes and her adorable little teeth I wished I could give her something to eat. You see, food is love to a French Canadian. My heart is shattered that she'll never have her favorite meal again made by someone who loves her.

If you haven't figured it out by now you're probably starting to realize I'm a fairly compassionate guy. I wrote a song called Finally Home about five years back now I guess. If I were ever able to have a music video done it would largely consist of people walking out of a coffee shop and giving a homeless person their drink and other acts of kindness.

The United Way used this song in a Canada wide campaign to bring awareness to their 211 help number. You can dial 211 24 hours a day in Canada and the US from most locations and you'll find almost any kind of help you need even if you just need to talk to someone. They are an encyclopedia of local community knowledge and can connect you to nearly any program that is available in your area.

I remember waiting at a grocery store one time with my huge golf umbrella when it was just absolutely pounding rain outside and I waited until I saw a frazzled young mother with 3 children and not even a jacket among them. When I told her I'd be happy to cover her and the kids with the umbrella to her vehicle she started to cry.

I just want this world to be a better place. I want people to try to do better and serve one another instead of constantly seeking retaliation. I'm nobody special and I don't want anyone's brownie points, and I'll never see the people again that I do kind things for. Once a boy scout always a boy scout I suppose. Maybe a small act of kindness will change someone's life. Don't hesitate, it could mean the world to someone.

Goodnight sweet Dolly

Finally Home

You can spend a lifetime asking why
Angels, sinners, saints have wings
We’re meant to fly
Are you more alone than me?
Take my hand I’ll pick you up
And then we’ll see

Let me hold you in a warm embrace
Flickering Christmas lights
Snowflakes melting on our face
And if you have a heart of stone
‘Cause you’ve always felt alone
In this moment may you know you’re finally home

Behind you through the painted glass I see lights and toys
People buying gifts for all their girls and all their boys
Take someone by the hand and pull them to their feet
Surprise yourself a gift of love will never taste so sweet

Let me hold you in a warm embrace
Flickering Christmas lights
Snowflakes melting on our face
And if you have a heart of stone
‘Cause you’ve always felt alone
In this moment may you know you’re finally home

Seasons come and go and still we seek
A gift that’s better than your tears upon my cheek

Let me hold you in a warm embrace
Flickering Christmas lights
Snowflakes melting on our face
And if you have a heart of stone
‘Cause you’ve always felt alone
In this moment may you know you’re finally home
In this moment may you know you’re finally home
In this moment may you know you’re finally home

© Michael Arthur Tremblay 2013