DEAR ABBY: When I was in fourth grade, I was a bully. I remember one girl, Margaret, whose life I made particularly miserable with verbal and physical abuse. Every time I did it, I immediately felt guilty because I saw how devastated and unhappy she was. I knew her pain because I had a rotten home life.
I grew up to be a responsible citizen and loving mother, but as I approach 80, I still wish I could tell Margaret how sorry I am. How do I resolve this? -- FORMER BULLY IN ALBUQUERQUE
DEAR FORMER BULLY: Because you know Margaret's age and place of birth, try Googling her. If you find her, offer the apology. However, if she is deceased, you'll have to work on forgiving yourself.
Today, many schools have programs that discourage or prevent bullying. It's sad for you and Margaret that there was no one to reach out to who could have made things better for both of you. Had there been, it might have made both your childhoods more pleasant.