Writer willing to share powerful bullying story with students

Verlis Sanders
Posted 8/7/17

Says he lost sight due to incident in school.

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Writer willing to share powerful bullying story with students

Posted

Dear Editor,
Recently on the TV program “The Doctors” a young man was interviewed since he had been punched once in the head by a bully and had injuries that might never totally go away.
Soon another school year will begin and I’m sure the teachers will be dealing with students that think bullying is OK.

I went to the old “one room” school a little over 70 years ago and at the age of 13 a bully that didn’t like me put a straight pin in a color crayon, threw it at me and in a split second changed my life forever – I lost the sight in my right eye. After many medical bills the only treatment was to prevent infection.
Wearing goggles to protect what remains and being very careful of anything on my right is my life. Since cancer took my wife seven years ago, a simple piece of dirt in my eye can be difficult when living alone.
To the teachers – if telling my story can prevent just one incident then maybe this will not be a total loss. I’m available to tell my story most any time.
Verlis Sanders
Oregon