By Kerrigan Manter
CMS, Grade 8
There once was this kid named James and he was bullied through school since first grade and then he was diagnosed with cancer at age 11. He was in sixth grade at the time and had to miss almost all of his classes. He came back in seventh grade and that is when he lost all of his hair. He was scared to come back to his school because he was already made fun of. His mom said every morning to him that, “Kids don’t know what you’re going through and how strong you have to be. So stay strong James and don’t let anyone bring you down!”
James’ first day back to school was horrible. Kids said, “Look at the clown over here! Where have you been training for the circus.” Then one kid said, “Guys stop he obviously…IS CRAZY!” Everyone started to laugh at James and that’s when he started to run. He didn’t stop until he couldn’t breathe anymore. He looked around and he noticed a swing set over on the next street. He was in the next town over and he sort of knew where he was but he didn’t know how to get home. He walked to the swing set and sat and swung for hours. James noticed someone coming and he didn’t recognize this kid.
James was scared and he didn’t know what to do. When the kid came over James knew that the kid was bald. The kid saw James and started to run the other way. “Wait! I am wearing a wig, “ James yelled. The kid turned around and came up to James (who now had his wig off).
“My name is James, What is yours?”
“My name is Cameron. Why haven’t I seen you at school? You look the same age as me.”
“I come from the town over. And I ran away from school because I just was diagnosed with cancer and kids were making fun of me and my wig.”
“Oh I would love to have a wig because I get made fun of for having no hair at all.”
“I have more at my house maybe you could come over and I could give you one. But I need to find my way home right now.”
“Well let’s go to my house and my mom could give you a ride home. Then tomorrow you could call me and we could go to your house!”
At that moment, James knew everything happened for a reason. James and Cameron became best friends until James died at age 16 the night before his prom. Cameron was devastated and he couldn’t go to his prom. James knew he would die soon and before he died he wrote a note to Cameron.
Dear Cameron,
I remember the day we met and I think of that swing set everyday. I can’t image how my life would have been if you weren’t in it. I want you to stay strong through out college and also I want you to help kids with bullying when you get older. Please stay the same and always believe in yourself. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. Go out in the world and show the world that you are the strongest kid ever! Cameron, I also wanted to let you know that meeting you was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I am glad one of us could fight through this awful disease and I am glad that it was you.
Your Best Friend, James
Tears came in Cameron’s eyes as he looked up in his room and saw the picture of James and him in seventh grade.
