This is awful. I'm so sorry. I probably would have done the same thing and reacted just like you. Those boys are a bunch of cowards.

Oh sweetie. I'm sorry you're feeling so crappy about this. Don't beat yourself up over it though. Use it as a lesson for the next time (which hopefully there isn't a next time) you are in a situation like this. You didn't fail. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better, but I know there isn't. Love you.

I understand, deeply, the fear that kept you from stopping. And I hope we both overcome our fears to do better next time. I also think every single one of your readers will remember this post for some time to come, and it will change how we act when we see a terrible scene unfold in front of us. We all handle ourselves in a way we aren't proud of from time to time. But if we don't bury it or deny it or lie about it, it's possible to do better next time. Even though it's hard, I know, be proud of yourself. We can only expect progress, not perfection. And next time, you'll act. I know that.

Ooh that is disturbing.

Unfortunately I believe most people would have reacted the same way, including me. And I am sure it would haunt me too. I am also sure that I am not sure it would make me intervene the next time either, if I am being honest. Aggression is tough to confront. I guess I need to remind myself that I am human and subject to fear just like the next guy. And then hopefully push past it and stop. But - not beat myself up if I can't. Sorry that happened to you, but you obviously have a huge heart and that has to count for something.

It is really so terrible how cruel today kids are! And no wonder that they are of that kind, because they have our (adults’) example of behavior. These kids are just our little copy.

I believe that everyone that reads this will carry it with them for a while...I know I will, my stomach hurts. I can totally see myself in your shoes...naked blogging is powerful stuff.

I can relate to the fear you felt at doing something. Thank God someone did stop the whole thing. Perhaps it was just your gearing up for the next time (though I hope there isn't a next time).

You did the right thing by being brave enough to admit your feelings and share them with us, because like Jennie said - you have now influenced everyone who reads this to learn from your experience.

I'm glad you cried. I'm glad you care. If there is a next time, you'll be ready.

Oh Chasey. I read this yesterday. Twice. I didn't know what to say. I read it again today and thought about it pretty much nonstop every since. Sweetie.. you couldn't do anything this time around. But look how many people you have made aware. I know that if I were to have witnessed the same it would make me that amount of time of watching what was going on to figure out if/ how I wanted to react. Now.. I (among others) have thought it through and are much more likely to react if we are faced with a similar situation. You are human. do not beat yourself up. I know that down deep you are a wonderful and amazing person (on the surface too) and your blog proved such. Otherwise you wouldn't have even mentioned it. I luv ya girl!

Wow. Okat, that's disturbing. I'm going to be picturingt hat for a while. Maybe it was gang-related (y'know, that jump in thing where you have to take a beating to get in). I think I would've had to call 911 or something. That's just wrong. 5 boys against a girl? I hope she's all right.

I am so sorry you experienced this and what a painful lesson as well. Although, I would wager heavily that you're not the only one in that line of cars feeling this way. Once I watched, yes WATCHED, as a neighbor bitched out my very own son. Maybe he had it coming, maybe not...and yet I stood at the kitchen window and watched because I was too chicken shit to confront the neighbor. For years I felt so guilty that I didn't stick up for my son in some manner, doubting anyone deserved such verbal abuse and vowed to never let it happen again. What a low-down feeling to not make a stand. Sorry.

You know who's afraid of young people? Old people. I also noticed you've taken up baking cupcakes and scrapbooking. Why don't you just start knitting my sweater now? ~S

Chase, I read this and was shocked. I thought "wow, I would have gotten out and done something" then I thought...Well, not if it was at 56th St. North. That last thought stopped me. I realized that I too have my own fear and what line I would cross. Its so easy for us to Monday Morning Quarterback. What we woulda-coulda done. Then I cried too...for her, for all of us. I cried for the home life she must have and the hell she must live every day. One thing you could do is call the school and report it. Its not too late to make a difference. Maybe even go back and see if it happens again. I'm also pissed at the school for allowing this to happen. Chase, you are so brave to post this. You show us everything. You are so REAL, cupcakes and all...

Oooooh, Chase. :( You are NOT a failure!!! You obviously care and you obviously wanted to do something. You didn't know the full situation and you were in a difficult position. You have such a HUGE heart and the fact that you would be this upset and post this means you are FAR from a failure! You are too kind and compassionate to put yourself down like that! Now stop that crazy talk! ((((((HUGS)))))

Oh my god, Chase, how awful. I'm so, so sorry.

It's really hard to put yourself in danger for someone else, especially a stranger. What you did was just normal, not cowardly. That is why it takes a special kind of person to be a poloce officer, firefighter, or EMT/paramedic. People have said I was a hero because I am a 911 dispatcher. Sure I have made a difference here or there, but I am no hero. I am a coward, a coward that hides behind a desk in my safe little office and send the heroes out into danger. THEY are the ones who are brave. Not me. I can truly say, I would have called 911... not stopped, I would have been too scared. You are not alone. Unless my husband was with me.... then I would have stopped and let him beat the shit out of the little bastards. (((HUGS)))

I have to wholeheartedly agree with everyone else. I've read this many times........but been at a complete loss for what to say. Would I do anything differently? I seriously doubt it. That thought alone is paralyzing. Hard to look in the face or post a response. Besides feeling so completely unable to voice (or type) anything that would remotely come close to making you feel better. So I'll just say that I am incredibly sorry that this happened to you. That I luvs you. That it was incredibly brave of you to post the story. (((HUGS)))

Not much I can say. It's not uncommon for those that are unaccustomed to taking a leadership role to freeze up when confronted suddenly with such a situation - unless they're just a natural take-charge sort of person. That is pretty sad, though - and I mean the inaction of ALL the people in those cars. Wow...sounds like someplace other than OK. See? I always knew there was something wrong with you Tulsans. Weirdos... ;)

Wow - i am not even sure what to say. Part of me wants to say you totally shoukd have stopped but then would I have? Id like to say yes, but the opportunity has never happened to me. Guess we'll just have to wait and see eh? (((HUGS)))

Wow! I cried when I read that Chase! I was once that little girl who got kicked at. I was constantly bullied by a 3rd grader when I was in 1st grade. I pretended to be sick many days for fear of going to school until I got the courage to tell mom. Today that is what would probably drive me to stop and say something. But I perfectly understand your position. We live in a world where even kids at that age make us fear them. I once was in a crowded shopping mall and right infront of me there was a young well dressed girl sticking her hand in the handbag of a little old lady. I thought "what nerve"! Right before she could rob the lady I reached over and slapped her hand right out of the lady's bag. She gave me a shocked look and ran away. That was about 10 years ago. I can't say I would do the same today for fear that I could be the one arrested. Anyway, what you saw today was such an awful thing to see. I don't blame you for not stopping but thank you for posting. Parents have to work to instill strength and reinforce self esteem in our children so they can fight back and overcome what they might have to deal with in their every day lives. (((Chase)))

I remember only a little while ago I got into a fight with a complete jerk at work, and I knew that a fight with him or another butt cheek was coming so often when asked by one of my coworkers what I would do if I got in a fight with one of em I would often say I would knock them out or the other way around would happen. The fight came and it didn't happen either way. He got in my face, I tried to push (not violently, just a nudge) him away, and then he shoved me into my car, and then I came around and head-butted him. Lost that fight, but all he did was slam me to the ground, headlocked me and punched me a few times in the side. After we seperated it degenerated into trashtalk and cocky behaviour. I embarrased my self badly, and when he pushed me again I restrained my self and did nothing. Been eating myself up ever since. Only thing that comforts me (kinda) is as long as it does eat me up its a good sign. I know if I confront him again I would never forgive myself if i backed out of my puffed up words I said so long ago. I'm sorry to hear that you failed like that, and if it eats me up to fail the way I did, it must be a whole lot worse for you. If you ever find yourself in that situation, I think the memory of your previous failure will motivate you to pull through. Experiance is the best teacher.

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