Never Give Up

Posted: 11/19/2013

When I was in 8th grade I was walking home from school and noticed two boys beating up on one boy on a dirt path that surrounded the reservoir near our school. I don’t know what it was but I immediately ran up and pushed both of the boys off of this boy whom was younger than I and that I did not know. I told both of them to get out of here now or I will come after them. Both boys hesitated then left. I reached down to the boy on the ground and pulled him up with my two hands. His face was dirty and had cuts on it. His clothes were also dirty. I asked him what had happened. He told me that they just didn’t like him because he was different than them. He said he has a learning disability. I told him look, if they ever touch you again, tell the Principal or tell me. I grew up in a neighborhood where there were very large families and I had a lot of friends unlike this boy. I was in 8th grade, he was in 7th at the time.

Years later, I went on to always help the underdog, the one who was out numbered even standing up to my own so called friends who were about to outnumber a boy one night at a high school party. That boy never forgot that night that I stepped up to the bully in my grade for him.

I went on to become a Police Officer and was one for 20 years in the Boston area. That boy from the first incident approached me in a pub 15 years later and asked my name. I replied who I was. He said, “I want to thank you for saving me back in 7th grade, I never forgot it and I’m glad you’re a Police Officer protecting others.” I was floored!! The other boy I helped at the high school party, well he thanked me years later and he became a Police Officer himself and still is one today!

Sad to say, the boy in the first story passed away at the age of 45 last month due to medical issues he had. Stay strong, never give up and remember that there are people who want to help you. Just ask, reach out and you’ll be surprised how many there are.

By: Brian