Coming home from school in grade four was a nightmare. I would have to endure the torture of the neighborhood bully, a kid a couple years older that went to another school. At nine years old I was a numerous wreck
But I had a secret weapon – an older brother (actually 3). The one closest was not only 10 years my senior but he was a Viet Nam vet, an officer in the Army, I felt for the first time empowered learning he was coming home on leave. I believed this kid was surely going to get the tar beat out of him!
At nine years old there was no way I could know that its not right for a twenty year old Vet with combat experience to beat up a kid of 11 to protect me.
But he gave me something much more valuable, he gave me courage to deal with my own problem. He told me to grasp my metal lunch pail firmly in my hand, and when this kid started bothering me to beat him over the head with it! I did.
My life changed from that point, I don’t advocate violence by no means, but there are times in life when in spite of the odds you must stand up for yourself, don’t become a bully yourself but at the same time don’t let anyone harm you. I’ve only been in a couple of fist fights in my life, they don’t last long, I’m a big boy, but the lesson was well learned.
Oh by the way the bully at 9 years old – invited over to his place to ride his mini bike, and we eventually became friends.
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