Anyone who went to Kindergarten can recite it from memory; “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Unfortunately, as we all learn as we grow up, there’s not a lot of truth to that statement. Words may not break bones, but they can certainly hurt.
With Rhonda Cardinal safely returned to her home after her two-week ordeal in the wilderness, one would think happiness and relief would reign, and for the most part that’s been the case. But upon her return, the Calling Lake woman was distressed to learn that during her absence, rumours and speculation had swirled around her fate, many of them unpleasant and accusatory towards her husband and family.
While it is laudable that people were moved by Rhonda’s predicament, it is unfortunate that some used the opportunity to spread baseless rumours and serious accusations without any facts to support them. It’s equally unfortunate that Rhonda’s family had to contend with such issues during what was already a very difficult time.
In an age of instant communication, it is very easy to make your voice heard. In fact, we can do it so quickly, sometimes we don’t give the proper thought to what we’re about to say. We should all remember that no matter the situation, our words have power, and when used improperly, they can hurt.
