By Letter to the Editor

social media side-effects

Letter: There’s no need for hurtful Facebook comments

Sep 11, 2019 | 2:30 PM

I am writing this in response to a media release that occurred several weeks ago regarding my son. I am hoping to bring some awareness, understanding and compassion to a subject that is often received with judgement, fear and sometimes even contempt. This subject is mental illness.

My son has complex needs and it has been a difficult journey, not just for him but for his family members as well.

He went missing and a media release ensued. It is a harrowing situation to be in as a mother and I was overcome with fear for his safety.

After the media release, I received many phone calls and texts from friends and family and was informed that it was all over the news. I went online and was first horrified by the picture of him that was used. Second, and most disturbing, was the comments underneath the article.

It is difficult enough to grapple with all of the feelings and emotions that arise if your child is in peril, but this was further compounded after reading the derogatory and disparaging comments. I will say that honestly it was very painful for me to read and I stopped after reading several comments, though I was informed that there were many more.

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When I reached a comment from a woman I had never met whose name I’m unsure of, I began to respond but the link to the article was taken down. I would like to finish that comment now.

“Thank you for your supportive words and compassionate heart. Thank you for having the courage to post an opinion that was non-judgmental and contrary to many of the others. Your words lessened the sting and shame of all of the scornful comments. Thank you for helping me feel like I was not alone. It truly touched my heart to know there are people out there who understand.”

We all have our own set of challenges as we travel along the mountains and valleys of life. My hope is that we can reach out and support one another through them and recognize that if we have not walked a mile in someone else’s shoes, we can never truly understand their experience but we can offer kindness and solicitude.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” – Mother Teresa

Everybody has a right to their opinion, but please let your opinions be based on facts and not on misinformation, gossip or speculation and assumptions created by a lack of understanding and education around the subject.

Maybe there is some wisdom in the old proverb if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.

Candace Eberle

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The above letter was sent in relation to a missing persons report that was shared on our site earlier this month. The post was removed after the person was located.

The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com