Obituary details ‘ugly truth of bullying’ after 12-year-old girl commits suicide
This article contains disturbing details that some readers may find distressing.
The family of North Dakota teenager Cherish “Chance” Houle used her obituary to urge others to confront bullying, an “ugly truth” that caused their daughter “intense pain.”
Houle, of Bismarck, was 12. She died from suicide on Saturday, March 31, according to the obituary published to the website of Eastgate Funeral and Cremation Service in Bismarck.
“Cherish’s family and support systems want the public to be aware of her situation in hopes that it will prevent tragedies such as this from occurring again,” the obituary “They are asking that parents talk to their children and find out answers to hard question. Are they being bullied? Are they the bully? Have they witnessed bullying and it broke their heart, but they were glad they weren’t the target today? Did they not know what to do and walked away?”
The obituary also details the crushing blow the suicide dealt on the family.
“The ugly truth of bullying is someone who loved Cherish had to open the bedroom door and see what they saw on Saturday. The ugly truth of bullying is those who loved Cherish can’t close their eyes at night because they can’t get the image out of their head. The ugly truth of bullying is doing CPR for 4 minutes and 26 seconds. It’s listening to 911 operator tell you to go faster and push harder. It’s knowing that you didn’t open the door early enough for it to matter anyway. It’s that Cherish isn’t here anymore,” the obituary reads.
Family members say Houle, a seventh-grader, loved to draw and listen to music.
"Cherish was an uplifting person to be around, always concerned for the well-being of those around her. She always had a smile on her face and loved nothing more than to make people laugh. Cherish was very close to her family and enjoyed talking to people about her siblings and parents and loved them deeply."
Cherish is survived by her mother, father and five siblings.
Her parents hope that those who hear her story will teach their children that words are powerful and should be used carefully.
"Teach your children what to do if someone they know is talking about suicide. Teach them who to call for help."
The obituary extends thanks to those who were kind to Cherish.
"Your love and acceptance meant the world to her."