I was born into a very large family.....I live within 20 miles of most of them...There are some that have never been in my home...of 10 years....they drive with in yards of my home...and do not turn in my direction....I didn't have a vehicle for over a year....not one of them offered me a trip to the grocery store...nor checked in...was there anything I needed....I for over a year had no income...not one of my family....offered me a meal....or even a crumb of food...Not one of them...turns their head in my direction....my words are not held in any value.....though when they do see me...they will exclaim how much they love me....I love you so much....they say....as they are walking away......

Do you see that your words...were not about the gravity of my situation...in your mind....Yet in my heart....I read them....and thought...I matter....in some way I have touched this person....she found value in me....in what ever place my mind was resting....even in the darkest part I was shining light on....it had a message....that meant enough....you were given a voice to ask for more........I could only feel you were asking for me....I wept....I did not think of the gravity of my words....I felt a person...reach out to me.....and allow me to open my voice.....I think it is what we all wish for...to be heard.....do not apologize for hearing me.....

I do think...that there is the side of beauty....even amidst the ugliness of life....and that may be what allows our minds to not shatter....even when I was found bleeding and crushed....the memory of the pain....is brushed with the soft hands and voice of a stranger....saying..."My name is Vincent...I have found you....I will help you.".....In that moment of horror...was the most beautiful sound....and the most beautiful man......and compassion won....over pain.....for I felt the love and caring in his touch....more than I felt the pain...

You are far away....and a stranger to me....yet you have addressed my sorrow....beyond what any of my family has touched.....