It has been awhile since we talked, but now that I am no longer frantically trying to get Jeff's Bill through the Senate I have time to reflect on the loss that so many others sustained that terrible day in April at Columbine High School. While there can be no excuse for the acts of violence carried out that day, their can be some insights gained and lessons learned from the knowledge that has come to light in the years since. Teachers and administrators MUST be vigilant in the protection of all students, and lawmakers must all educators to use common sense when it comes to decisions concerning students that raise red flags through things written in class and through the use of technology. Parents MUST put pride aside and heed the warnings of professionals when a child displays symptoms of suicide, depression, or violence. Communities MUST make access to professional mental health care for anyone that needs it a priority, and support those that choose to seek help rather than shunning them like they had done something shameful. Above all, we must demand more from ourselves as parents, and our children as human beings. It is up to the adults to set the standard for acceptable behavior, and as long as we are willing to tolerate violence, disrespect, and foul language from our role models, it seems unlikely we will be able to eliminate these from our schools. The best way strategy I can think of for raising good kids, is to teach by example. I pray that the students that pass through my classes will learn that there are positive ways to deal with pain, anger, and frustration. These are the emotions that my precious son lived with for three years, and he never raised his fist much less a weapon, in retaliation. These are the emotions I have lived with since the bully targeted Jeff as an outlet for those same emotions. How much different all our lives might be today if the school had been empowered to act in time to save my son! Let us NEVER lose sight of the consequences of witnessing evil, and allowing it to continue.
It also seems like an appropriate time to thank the media for the wonderful job they do in telling the stories of the victims and the loved ones whose lives will be forever changed. I know that it cannot be easy to listen to the stories, dry the tears, and relate the facts that are painful just to hear, much less speak of. To all those journalists that I have spoken to these past years, I want to say that you have done the job with compassion, and you have done it with heart. While "America Bashing" may be the current fad with many people, I think they should remember that this is one of the few countries where we have the freedom to speak out about what we feel is wrong. Where there is injustice, we have a strategy for making it right. There cannot be too much bad in a country where a heartbroken and disillusioned fifteen-year-old is given a voice; even after his death. You did that for my Jeffrey, and because of the dedication of the media in telling his story, we have a better chance of avoiding future tragedies like the shooting at Columbine. I have been invited back to Washington D.C. again in May to share Jeff's story at a National Summit on Suicide Prevention, and once more, I will be meeting with members of Congress to ask for their help in passing federal legislation that will extend this protection to ALL children. In June, a film crew from the UK will be traveling to Cape Coral to film a documentary about Jeff for the BBC. Because of your contribution, Jeff's dream of making the world a better place is slowly becoming a reality. As you go about your work today, please know that the community is YOUR classroom, and the lessons you teach are just as important as anything our children will learn in school today. It wouldn't hurt to toss in a reminder to "pay it forward," and help make the world a better place for everyone.
Hugs, Debbie Johnston (Jeff's Mom)
