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By Scott Mims | Community Columnist

If you clicked on this opinion column, then you likely know of the story referenced in the headline. Instead of completely retelling this story, I will provide the link at the bottom of this article. My purpose in writing this column is to share my own reaction and how this community’s outpouring of love hit home for me.

To briefly summarize, a local child, Hunter Fancher, had experienced incidents of bullying that could have led to tragic circumstances had people not taken notice and intervened. However, on Feb. 9, several local businesses as well as car and motorcycle enthusiasts set out to show Hunter how much they cared. Thousands lined up along Seventh Street North to give this young car enthusiast the time of his life, while showering him with gifts and even giving him a few rides.

For those who might be unfamiliar with the story, it all started with a simple Facebook post by his mother, Meghan, while Hunter was in the hospital. The event was spearheaded by Sergio Sanchez, owner of Valle Grande Mexican Grill, and many others quickly joined in to show their support.

While I do not personally know the family, this story hit me hard. As someone who experienced severe social anxiety throughout my childhood and teen years, I was probably about Hunter’s age when I experienced true bullying for the first time. I know how lonely and defeated it can make you feel. I am not trying to compare my experience with Hunter’s or anyone else’s, but as someone who dealt with repeated bullying and feelings of worthlessness, I know what it’s like to be seen as “different.”

Thankfully, I had a loving family and faith in God as well as other resources of support to help me work things out. Thankfully, Hunter has loving family members and friends whose actions of love will not be soon forgotten.

Unfortunately, there are others whose cries for help might not be heard. Please, if you think someone is being bullied, keep your eyes and ears open and connect them with resources to help. For more information, see StopBullying.gov as a starting point.