To everyone, and specifically to Larakeziah,

You mentioned you didn't know why I cared so much and others have too be they in the forum or in PM so I thought I'd try to explain as best I can.

For the most part of my life and especially when I was young I caught so much **** from other people and had my feelings hurt, my self-image reduced to nothing, and even my personal safety threatened. My parents were my only real solace being that I was an only child. Because of that I really withdrew and built up all these walls as a protective measure. I carried this unfortunately into adulthood where I constantly berate myself, despite having a wonderful wife and son who give me as much love and care and reassurance as anyone could hope for from another person. Despite all this and the fact that I don't trust most people and like to complain about "how people are" I never lost my capacity to feel compassion for others who suffer, especially when I've experienced similar circumstances.

This is a major reason why I care. I don't really know you as none of us on this site REALLY know the other but I DO know you're in pain. In pain enough that sometimes the only relief you feel you can find is by hurting yourself. There is so much hurt in the world, the last thing we really need to do is hurt ourselves and it makes my soul weep when another person (or animal for that matter) is in so much pain. I wish there was some all powerful word or thought or something to take it all away but all I can do is offer what little bit of love and care I have to people in the hopes it might make their day a bit brighter.

I hope this makes sense to you in some small way. I hope everyone else who reads this can perhaps get a glimpse of why I do and say the things I say here. We have nothing to gain from offering comfort to others when they need it most. I truly believe that there is no higher purpose than to serve others and in doing this I can rest in the satisfaction that maybe, just maybe, something I said lifted someone's heart just a little, perhaps made them smile, or just helped them to know that they're really not alone and that someone in the world cares for them simple as another person.

Hopefully this makes sense..

to all,

Chris