Holding of Wrist

Write, delete, write, delete- It seems to be my regular pattern when I come and try to write about a story life this. It is so incredibly disappointing to me when something like this happens. And It’s even more sad that I need to post this a few days before “International Survivor of Suicide” day.

Ashlynn Conner, 10 year old honor role student in Ridge Farm Elementary School, hung herself in her closet last week. Ashlynn reported to her mom that she was being bullied at home and in the neighborhood and requested to be homeschooled, her mom wanted to help- but didn’t know what to do. 

Ashlynn was called ”slut”, “fat”, “whore”, along with other disturbing names; She was also constantly bullied and left out by students. She felt like there was no way out of the bullying and took her own life. 10 YEARS OLD- She was 10 YEARS OLD. 10! I cannot get over that. What 5th grader calls another student these disgusting words, and where do they learn them from? 

What is it going to take to stop bullying? Obviously these “no bullying programs” aren’t working. No child should ever feel like they need to kill themselves to stop the pain, none at all. She only lived 10 years, that is all. 

I want to use this opportunity to talk to you, the person reading this. If you’re feeling hopeless, debating whether or not to take your own life- please listen. You are beautiful, so incredibly beautiful. I know that life is tough, and it sucks sometimes. But, I promise that there is hope, people know what you’re going through, and you are NOT ALONE. Suicide isn’t the way out, it’s not the time for you to go. You have SO MANY amazing things to do in life, there is a plan for you- and the plan isn’t for you to leave now.

I love you, so much. Please, go out and hug someone right now. Let them know that they’re loved. Rest in Peace, Ashlynn.

-Jimmy Elliott

Founder, Holding of Wrist