They say that time can heal the pain.
Although that may be true to an extent, there are still some things that time alone can’t heal.
In those instances, you may need to hear an apology.
Growing up in Eagle River, Alaska, Chadmichael Morrisette had some tough times.
He was bullied as a kid–so much so, that Morrisette left his hometown and vowed to never return.
He now lives in Los Angeles, California and it’s been many years since he left Alaska.
However, Morrisette was surprised to open up his Facebook page one evening to find a message of apology from one of his childhood tormentors.
Louie Amundson reached out to Morrisette to apologize for the things that he said and did to him back in jr. high.
Amundson told Inside Edition, “I took the easy route, picking on the kid that everyone else was picking on.”
Amundson went on to say that he would apologize in person if possible.
Morrisette decided that he wouldn’t mind hearing an apology in person so he booked a flight back to Alaska in order to meet up with Amundson.
Before meeting with him, however, Morrisette called together all of his childhood friends that still lived in the area.
He wanted to see them as well because he credits them with standing up for him and protecting him when he was a kid.
His former teacher, Janet Steinhauser, came along to the reunion as well.
Morrisette had this to say about her:
“She protected me, she fostered my talents, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for her.”
After the reunion with friends, it was time for Morrisette to face his childhood bully.
They decided to meet at the same school where Morrisette was so relentlessly picked on.
When he got to the school, memories of his youth came flooding back to him.
“I feel nervous about pulling up to the junior high,” Morrisette said. “This wasn’t a fun place. Entering the hallway was always scary not fun because there would be a big group of guys always gathered here.”
According to stopbullying.gov, approximately 20% of US students aged 12-18 have dealt with bullying.
Finally, it was time for Morrisette and Amundson to meet face-to-face.
Amundson admitted to being a bit nervous about the coming interaction.
“I guess I am just nervous because apologizing face-to-face is a lot harder than sending a message over Facebook.”
However, when the moment came, it was clear that Amundson was ready to apologize.
He walked straight up to Morrisette, shook his hand, and said this:
“First things first, I am sorry. I really really, am.”
Morrisette seemed content with his apology and responded by saying:
“I believe you. I accept your apology.”
He went on to say:
“‘I’m sorry’ goes a long way.”
And Amundson replied:
“Forgiveness does, too.”
The two of them then proceeded to chat as if they were old friends.
They sealed their new friendship by getting a beer and raising their glasses to new beginnings.
Check out the video below to see this entire heartwarming story unfold. It’s not every day that a bully apologizes years later for their actions!
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