Helpless... wish I could help the young 'uns. (scars, rant)

[The Dancing Chicken]

So last year my roommate was visiting with her cousins at a camp and told me that she saw some scars on one of her cousins friends that looks like they were SI. And I was like, Ok, that sucks, yea, it's hard, blah blah blah.
On Saturday we all had dinner, her cousins, myself, her aunt, uncle, and they were talking about the other campers who they were going to see at camp this year -- including this girl. And the oldest kid, teenage boy, said something like "Yeah, [girl camper] who slashed her arm up is going to be there" and I get all defensive because that is how I am and say something like There is nothing wrong with slashing your arm up! (which made the youngest, the 12 year old girl, ask what do I mean and I said nothing and quickly changed the subject). So conversation changes, we eat dinner, etcetc.
Today my roommate and I went to visit the camp and hang out at the hotel they stay at and swim in the pool. And I knew I was going to see this girl, and I didn't know how I was going to react. Because I saw her scars. And I think she saw mine. But I didn't feel like I could say anything to her. Because A) I would have no idea what in the world to say and B)I don't really know this girl at all, and who am I to say anything in the first place? And as my roommate and I were leaving, we all were playing with a baby, the girl who SIs, another girl, and myself, when another camper walked up to her and asked what happened to her arm (she said it was a birthmark). Anyway... I am just upset. I want to help people! I want her to know that she isn't alone. I want her to understand that there are other people, people who are right there in the same room, who do/did the same thing and understands. Ugh. So I am just frustrated that there was nothing that I could do, and it is really upsetting for some reason. I can't fix the world, I know, but I guess when I was younger it would have been nice to know someone... I don't know.
Does anyone else feel like this at all??

carrie

[Merc]

It would have been very difficult...you arent sure what to say or what stage she is at..ashe may have welcomed it or she may have brushed it off as an accident or like said, a birthmark. If you get a chance to see her again, do you think you could just say something like "i know what its like, Ive been there too. If you want to talk i'd be more than willing to listen. i understand." and leave it at that?
I think it is wonderful of you to want to help her. I hoep she is at a place where she can see that, and can accept it.
Pls let us klnow how it goes ok?
Maybe even jsut a short note given to her and told to read when alone, saying you understand what she is going thru and if she wants to talk with someone who underastands she can contact you.
i wish you luck
romp