Man Reunites With His School Bully 20 Years Later: 'I'm Sorry Goes A Long Way'

ALASKA (INSIDE EDITION) A man headed back to his Alaskan hometown to come face-to-face with a bully from his childhood.

Chadmichael Morrisette was bullied so badly as a kid that he vowed never to return.

"At certain points, I was threatened," Morrisette told INSIDE EDITION.

He's now living in Los Angeles, and was stunned when he got a Facebook message from Louie Amundson, one of his childhood tormentors.

"I want to apologize. If we lived in the same state, I would apologize to your face," Amundson wrote.

"I was shocked, shocked, really shocked," said Morrisette.

Amundson a paper salesman, is now 35 and married. He said he sent the message of apology hoping to set a good example for his daughter.

"I took the easy route, picking on the kid that everyone else was picking on," he told IE.

Morrisette decided to accept the offer, and IE joined him on his journey home.

Former classmates were his good friends during his adolescence. He credits them with protecting him from the bullies. Of his teacher, Janet Steinhauser, he said, "She protected me, she fostered my talents, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for her."

"I feel nervous about pulling up to the junior high. This wasn't a fun place," said Morrisette.

As he entered, the memories came rushing back. "Entering the hallway was always scary not fun because there would be a big group of guys always gathered here," he said.

Amundson was there waiting for him. "I guess I am just nervous because apologizing face-to-face is a lot harder than sending a message over Facebook," he said.

"First things first, I am sorry. I really really, am," he said to Morrisette.

"I believe you. I accept your apology," Morrisette said.

"Awesome," said Amundson.

"I'm sorry goes a long way," said Morrisette.

"Forgiveness does, too, " said Amundson.

It's a heartwarming occasion. Surprisingly, the two caught up like lost friends.

A former teacher, who was there watching, was moved to tears. "To be sitting here and listening to them is very powerful," said the teacher.

For Morrisette, a day that began with nervous anticipation ended with a toast to a brand-new friendship.