You’d think a dying 7-year-old would bring out compassion in even the stoniest hearts. But in a new low for humanity, one Michigan girl was subjected to Internet mockery instead.
A member of Kathleen’s family says the bad blood started about two-years ago after the two families had a falling out over a birthday party at the Rose house. At the party kids were using a “bounce-house” and playing games in the front yard. The source says that Jennifer Petkov texted someone in the Rose family, asking if her kids could come to the event. A response to the text did not come quickly enough and it angered Jennifer. According to the Rose family, she’s been harassing them ever since.
This was apparently enough to prompt a longstanding feud, culminating in the Petkovs posting photoshopped images to Facebook, including “Laura in the arms of the grim reaper” and Kathleen’s face superimposed over a skull and crossbones. (They’ve also hitched a coffin to a truck in front of the Rose house — which they drove around honking after the mother died last year — but say that’s for Halloween, so.) These aren’t just allegations; they’ve admitted to it, and were initially defiant. However, since the story hit the media — and prompted a vigil of support in front of Kathleen’s house — they’ve also apologized. Says Jennifer Petkov,
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t do it…And to that little girl, I apologize if you’ve been hurt. There’s not much more I can say. And hopefully we can live our lives peacefully from now on.
She added, “What I did was ignorant and wrong and I would walk right across this street now and apologize, if it weren’t for the PPO (personal protection order issued against her earlier by a court).”
Asked why she did it, she says “for personal satisfaction… because it burns Rebecca Rose’s ass raw.”
Those who find this an insufficient sign of support have decided to have a vigil for the little girl on the 23rd, stating “She has been tormented by sadistic neighbors. Please come and join us in showing Kathleen there are good people that care.” A local toy store has also organized a fundraising drive which has resulted in $9,000 for a shopping spree for Kathleen. And there have been negative repercussions for the Petkovs: the husband, Scott, may lose his job and the Petkovs’ son was sent home from school for fighting after another boy confronted him about his family’s behavior.
The moral: even if you don’t find these impulses reprehensible — let alone the planning, work and follow-through required — then remember this: people do not like it when you bully children. That goes double for dying children.
Woman Who Taunted Dying Girl Now Offers Apology [Fox]
Parents: Dying Girl, 7, Taunted By Neighbors In Trenton [Fox]
Trenton Woman Apologizes For Facebook Taunts [Detroit News]
