| Location | Swansea, Uk |
| Age | 13 years |
| Date of Birth | 4/1991 |
| Date of Death | 9/2004 |
| Visitors | 18,164 since 13/06/2006 |
| Creator |
This website is dedicated to the memory of someone I sadly never had the opportunity to meet, Miss Laura Elisabeth Rhodes.
Sadly, Laura passed away at the tender age of 13 after the torment caused by others simply became too much.
This site is created in memory of a truly beautiful, sensitive young lady whose memory shall live on.
Sleep peacefully on the cotton clouds,
Gemma Lang, Full Stop 2 Bullying
www.fullstop2bullying.co.uk
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From Laura's parents, Yvonne & Mike
We are Laura's parents, Mike and Yvonne Rhodes. . Laura was bullied at school about her weight initially. When she confided in a girl whom she considered to be a friend, that she might be gay, she was also bullied about that. We complained to the school on countless occasions. It is a matter of history that we were unsuccessful in trying to resolve the situation with the school. A year after Laura was transferred to a Pupil Referral Unit our lovely daughter died, after taking a fatal overdose of painkillers, on September 4th 2004. Laura wrote an account of a day at school detailing exactly how the bullying made her feel. We released this to the press following her funeral, so that every person who read it could walk in Laura's shoes for just the few minutes that it took to read it. . We wish every child could read it. It is heartbreaking, but very enlightening.
We have at last obtained an admission from the Education Authority that Laura was indeed bullied at Cefn Saeson School, and that the bullying was 'hurtful and damaging' to Laura. We have had to fight very long and hard for this admission We had to shout to anyone who would listen, and speak publicly about the most painful thing that a parent can ever experience, when the only thing we wanted to do was withdraw and deal with our grief. To not have fought for Laura was unthinkable for us. We never want another child, or another set of parents to have to deal with the decimation of their family lives. We fight not for us, or Laura, it's too late for us, we fight for the future Laura's. We'll continue to do so as long as there are bullied children.
www.fullstop2bullying.co.uk
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POEMS BY LAURA'S MUM.
An Anniversary Poem
Two long years ago today, that’s when time stood still,
No more time to do it all, no more dreams fulfilled.
I can’t believe it’s been that long, with you a sight unseen,
I wonder what you look like now, ‘cause now you’d be fifteen.
What colour is your hair today? I loved it chocolate brown,
Your eyes twinkling bright as stars, as you head off to town.
Your clothes, the latest trend to date, you’re dressed up to the nines,
Come and show them off to me, They’ll be the nicest signs!
As I awake, with each new day, I hope the pain has gone,
But as it grips my heart with claws, I know that hope’s forlorn.
The saddest thing of all for me, is not to see your face,
As you grow up and change, from girl to lady, full of grace.
I miss your hugs and cuddles, the smell of you, so sweet,
If I could get a glimpse of you, my joy would be complete.
I miss our journeys out together, though they were quite rare,
Your warm arm through mine, no feeling could compare.
Another year has crawled by, the hands of time held back,
Some days I’m in the pit, some others are just black.
I’m trying hard to ‘come to terms’, that’s what people say,
We have to ‘get over it’. I wish they’d show the way.
For Laura from her Mum
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Funeral Fit for a Princess.
On a wet and windy Wednesday,
The dreaded day arrived,
The Church filled to capacity,
The mourners, from far and wide.
Our Princess lay in perfect state,
in the silver coloured hearse.
Police cars keeping clear the roads,
As befits Miss Laura Rhodes.
She took the centre stage that day,
As they wheeled her down the aisle
Ruby Tuesday, by Melanie
Was what she chose, her style.
‘Morning has Broken’ was the hymn,
Our baby had requested,
It reminded her of times less grim,
Our nerve was greatly tested.
The haunting strains of music,
Tore all our hearts asunder.
The fog of pain and bewilderment
Threatened to drag us under.
The faces of the congregation
Were wet with salty tears,
The memory of this awful day
Will stay with them for years.
A funeral fit for a Princess,
Is just what she deserved.
She wouldn’t have a Wedding Day,
So we prayed this day would serve
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In Honour of Laura.
I felt you move with fluttery grace,
I saw on scan tv, your beautiful face,
You grew and grew, and so did I!
We bowled along under blue sky.
The time came round for you to emerge,
the family of three, into four would merge
A baby, a toddler, a little girl,
the time went by in a wonderful whirl.
You talked a blue streak, so very small,
our sweet little dragon, was growing quite tall.
At school your very favourite place to sit,
Was on the 'Hotseat', where your tales were always a hit!!
As you grew up, you fell in love,
With music which shook the ceilings above!!
You made me watch with you, the music channel,
Pink, Christina, whoever, we'd be the panel!!
Then came the testing , of your poor old Mum,
The questions got harder, my brain got numb!!
You'd say 'Who sung this?' and what was their last one?
I'd think 'Oh Yeah, I know it, At last I've won!!!!!
I miss you my darling, I wish you were here,
I'd never again complain if only you're near.
I miss all your foibles, the things so very YOU,
I kid myself daily, that it isn't true.
But my memory recalls it, that fateful day,
That Saturday morning, when you went away.
I wish that it didn't, it hurts like Hell,
It'll be forever, my prison cell.
Yvonne Rhodes.
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LAURA . . . . love mum x x x
I hear the music thumping, it comes from up above,
Laura's up there showering, she gives the door a shove.
I hear her favourite music, each day a different song
It's Nickleback that I can hear, there must be something wrong.
Each day she spent in misery, the insults aimed at her,
Did they think their nasty words just wouldn't cause a stir?,
She heard them call her horrid names, her eyes were full of tears,
For them to fall down her cheeks, would just confirm her fears.
They saw that they had hurt her, as they set out to do.
The stupid lot of idiots, they hadn't got a clue!
The hole it left inside her, was more than she could bear,
The feeling it endangered, was pure black despair.
When Laura was on holiday, we saw her other side,
The chatty Cathy girl we loved, with sparkling, pretty eyes.
She used her charm to great effect, we loved her razor wit,
When she smiled she lit the room, we loved her, we admit.
The room above silent now, our girl just isn't there,
No more songs that tell her mood, no more times to share.
She felt the pain so long and hard, we hope that now it's gone,
Up in Heaven, there is no pain, just a brand new dawn.
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Silence . . . .
Silence can mean so many things,
Sound carried high on golden wings.
A deep and lonely soundless cry,
Drifting on up, to black night sky.
Silence shared by lifelong friends,
Unspoken thoughts it can transcend.
No need to fill the empty void,
The comfort there to be enjoyed.
In the house where the new babe lies,
A half hour's silence is considered a prize!
But if it goes on, just a tad too long,
Her Mummy panics, lest something's wrong.
I sit here thinking of days gone by,
This silence so think, I want to cry.
Did I say cry? No!, I mean scream,
Please take away this nightmare dream.
The silence of sleep comes at a price,
I wake exhausted, to be precise.
There may be silence, ie, no sound
But in dreams, image and noise abound.
I just write what silence means to me,
I think it differs for all, to some degree,
If I could change a single thing,
I'd fill this house with Laura's din!
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Passing Over to the Other Side.
It was a misty early morning, when Laura took her leave,
My sisters came to get her, leaving us to cry and grieve.
She rose up gracefully, and joined her hands with theirs,
She is healed, she is whole, all free from worldly cares.
She hugged us tightly, kissed us all, we couldn’t feel her touch
The pain inside us filled the room, it hurt so very much.
The spirit trilogy watched us there, held out their heavenly hand,
Embraced us with their love, as far as it would span.
We sat there broken hearted, beside her earthly shell.
She didn’t need it now, her soul was free and well.
My sisters beckoned, they had to go, their fingers, all entwined
She didn't panic, she didn't fret, she felt the ties that bind.
I know she visits, I see the signs, I feel her all around.
I'd like to know without a doubt, that happiness abounds,
She's safe inside the circle, of our family's care.
They'll look after her, until we two get there.
For my Heavenly Daughter Laura, from Mum xxx
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Missing you this Christmas
LAURA ELISABETH RHODES
Though you're far away this Christmas
and we wish that you were not
we find ourselves thinking of you and
missing you a lot.
Fond memories of past Christmases
flood our minds while we're apart
and this Christmas, as in the past,
we'll keep you close at heart.
Christmas 2006 x x x
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To Yvonne & Mike,
Sadly, I never had the chance to meet your Laura but when I hear you speak of her I know she was a truly special and much loved daughter.
I am grateful for your permission to create this memorial. Laura left this world too soon, but she will live on as her memory is kept alive by youselves, those who loved her and many of us who have been touched by Laura's story.
Thinking of you as always,
Gemma x x x
Full Stop 2 Bullying
www.fullstop2bullying.co.uk
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This website was made for Laura by Full Stop 2 Bullying. If you are the victim or just want some advice please visit Full Stop 2 Bullying's website at
www.fullstop2bullying.co.uk
hinking of you x
Dearest Laura, thinking of you as I often do. I hope wherever you are you know what an amazing effect you have had on the world - I don't just mean your mam and dad and those who knew and loved you but all of those who have been given a voice because of you. We know now why you got your angel wings so soon, though it broke your mam and dads hearts you were clearly needed by the 'man upstairs.' Wherever you are Laura rest knowing you are very special to so many people and when you have time be sure to sprinkle some of those magical fairy dust kisses on your mam and dad just they know your watching over them.
Good night,, god bless x x x x
Candlelight.
Look at the candle, watch it flicker to and fro,
See its shadow duck and jump as it makes moves to go.
See the pretty colours lurking in the flame,
Examine it up closely, you may see your name.
Look deep into the flame, and see what is within,
I peer into my light and see a little tableau begin.
The scene inside is familiar, I’ve seen it many times,
My loved ones moving silently, it’s just like watching mime.
The flame can hold the future, or can look in to the past,
I just know what I see there today will not be the last.
It changes with every new one, it tells another tale,
To see loved ones in there is like finding holy grail.
The world can be your oyster, a pearl nestled snug inside,
Let your imagination fly on golden wings, just enjoy the ride.
Each time the candle splutters and if wind should blow it out,
Simply put wick and flame together and see another sprout.
Yvonne Rhodes.
Poem for Laura.
I Mourn……
I mourn the baby I once held in my arms,
I mourn the child I swore to protect from harm.
I mourn the times when we would have had fun,
I mourn the mother that you won’t become.
I mourn the children that you won’t bear
I mourn the table with those empty chairs.
I mourn the life that you would have had,
I mourn that our lives will always be sad.
Yvonne Rhodes.
For your precious mam & dad who miss you so much x
I wanted to call you today to say I love you, but your old number is no longer in service. I tried the operator she said sorry I have no number for you. I tried to go to your house, but you don't live there anymore. The post office has no forwarding address. I guess heaven is just too far away. I love you, I miss you. You are in my heart always. Loved ones gone but not forgotten. Merry christmas to all those in heaven..
For your precious mam & dad who miss you so much x
I wanted to call you today to say I love you, but your old number is no longer in service. I tried the operator she said sorry I have no number for you. I tried to go to your house, but you don't live there anymore. The post office has no forwarding address. I guess heaven is just too far away. I love you, I miss you. You are in my heart always. Loved ones gone but not forgotten. Merry christmas to all those in heaven..
A Christmas Visit.
I want to have a chat with you and pass the time of day,
I need to just check in with you to see that you're OK.
I know we can't meet in person or even ear to voice,
But I know that we would have, if we'd just had a choice.
Christmas has come round as it does each year,
It's very hard to look at others so full of Christmas cheer.
Maybe they're sad as well, they just have on a mask
No one really knows and most don't like to ask.
Sit down beside me Angel, by the roaring fire,
Let me ask you questions before you get too tired.
So how has this year been for you? I say into the air.
I don't suppose you can tell me it's just a nightmare?
Sorry, I can't, I hear you say, everything's still the same,
I can't stay, but please be happy that today I came.
I am, I say, while I hold your warm hands in mine,
And look into your beautiful eyes that sparkle and shine.
I wrap my arms around you, pulling you in tight,
I don't remember when anything last felt so right.
The essence of you fills me up, dazzling all my senses,
The feeling of unbridled joy breaks down my defences.
We don't speak with words, there is no need,
Your thoughts reach me with breakneck speed.
Far too soon it's over and you say you have to go,.
It has been the most precious gift you could ever bestow.
My eyes are crying and my heart feels pain,
But I hope you can come and visit again.
I love you, I miss you................. always.
For Laura from her Mum xxxx
A Poem for Christmas
Christmas in Heaven.
I picture you all on Christmas Eve, some faces filled with glee,
Staring at the festive gifts beneath the Christmas tree.
Stockings pinned to the mantelshelf, each one with a name,
All of them are very unique, no two are quite the same.
Fire burning brightly with flames of blue and gold,
Warmth radiating outward, no chance of getting cold.
Lights twinkle prettily in the dimly lighted room,
Like shards of sparkling diamonds shining out into the gloom.
Magnificent Fir standing tall, an Angel atop its peak,
A little dog chews his toy, it scares him when it squeaks.
Some older people sitting, snoozing quietly in the chair,
A little girl sits patiently while another plaits her hair.
Little boys play noisily lost in their action game,
Everything in Heaven is basically the same.
It's just the other side of a fragile pane of glass,
Like looking silently through a window into the past.
Yvonne Rhodes.
A letter to my daughter Laura.
Christmas
I can’t believe that this will be the eighth Christmas that we’ve lived through without you.
We could never have known on Christmas Day 2003 that it would be the last that we would share with you.
You were just a kid…….. 12years old, so you wanted to do the sort of things kids do, but wanted to look like a ‘grown up’ girl too. You had lots of t’ween presents. Cosmetics, smellies, clothes and CD’s, but also the inevitable cuddly toy too that most girls love until they have kids of their own.
Christmas 2004 came just 3 months after you died. I remember wandering past the shops, numb with shock and pain, (I didn’t dare go in for fear of bursting into tears). Every window had something in it that you would have loved. A sweater, jewellery, shoes. Each item was like a knife slashing my battered heart. Somehow we made it through the run up, then came THE DAY itself. How were we going to get through it? Mike’s sister Jacqui invited us to lunch at her house. Jacqui has 4 kids, who at that time were still quite young. We decided that we couldn’t inflict ourselves on them for the whole day, but at her insistence visited in the late afternoon and evening. I’m sure that day will stand out in their memories as one of the most muted and strange Christmases they’ve ever had. They were absolutely wonderful with us. We were as devoid of conversation as a person’s mouth is of moisture after walking in the desert for several days. We must have been such hard work, but they just gently kept the idle chat going. I remember that it snowed, and saying Thank You to you for sending it. I will forever remain grateful to Jacqui for hauling us through that awful time.
For the next few years the lead up to Christmas was basically the same, feeling the pang when there was something that I thought you would have liked. We managed to cope better over the Christmas period though. We never again felt as shellshocked as we did the first year. We learned to hide the grief much better, although we felt it just as keenly.
The last couple of years have subtly changed. I don’t look for things that I think you might like anymore. I didn’t get to keep you long enough for you to become an adult and develop ‘forever’ tastes. You wouldn’t be wanting the same kind of presents that you did when you were 13. I don’t know whether you would have developed into a technology whiz, (although I seriously doubt that you would have) or whether the music that played such a huge part in your life would have still dominated. Maybe you would have surprised us and become passionate about something completely different. We will never know.
Christmas will always be a painful time, and its magic has been forever lost to us. We manage to fool most of the people most of the time now though. Only those who know us intimately know how difficult it is for us, as well as those who share the bond of the loss of a child. We need each other more than ever during these hard times.
I miss you, my Angel………… my Christmas Angel……….. until we meet again.
Written by me with words from Laura's Letter.
Bullying. An Inside View,
What could you see in me that made you act that way?
Making my life a misery day after horrible day.
Was it something in my eyes? Or maybe in the way I walk?
Did I annoy you with the tone of my voice, or the way I talk?
Could I have changed it, whatever it was?
All you seemed to see in me was all my terrible flaws.
I believed you, you know, accepted you were right.
I stood there exposed and swallowed every slight.
You excluded me from all you did, and boy did that hurt,
You treated me as if I were no more than a small piece of dirt.
You talked behind my back, whispering so I could see,
Why did you have to be so cruel and nasty to me?
I withdrew into solitude, away from prying eyes,
I saw what it was that you so despised,
I was weak and snivelling, an emotional wreck,
Diminished inside to the size of a speck.
Well done to you, I’m broken in two,
You’ve done to me what you set out to do.
Yvonne Rhodes.
Poem I wrote for Laura.
A lovely lady set my words to music and pictures. I think it tells the story superbly. Please watch.
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStandforthesilent?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/jRgtP-VAfNQ
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