ChadMichael Morrisette, a Los Angeles-based brand consultant and visual designer, has shared a powerful reminder that people have the ability to change and become more tolerant and accepting.

Morrisette says he was surprised to receive a message on Facebook from a man who once tormented him as a teenager. The former bully (name withheld) explained that he’d been inspired to apologize after his young daughter asked if he’d ever bullied anyone.

He explains:



During junior high and high school I was bullied for being who I am. I was bullied for being gay. I was bullied for being little. I was bullied for every reason someone is bullied. It was awful. I couldn’t even walk to classes without an adult escort or friends with me.

The message read:

After shedding some tears and taking a few days to take in the apology, Morrisette responded:

His former bully then responded:

Bravo!

h/t: Queerty