, EJ.

It is hard not to compare ourselves with the standards recognized by the majority of the Western population. I, too, often feel dispair as a result of my "situation." I had a promising future, then it all came tumbling down. I have never recovered from it.

What I have gained, however, is much more precious to me, even though it is not what I thought I wanted.

I still may not be where I want to be, but at least I know WHO I am and can recognize quickly, what my true intentions are in a given situation. I don't think the majority of people can truly say that about themselves.

AS