Thread:Paris Garter/@comment-27948648-20160107110217/@comment-26424426-20160107191406

Jill, I am beyond grateful that you reached out for help, and are here. AD, we are equally grateful that we can be here for you and anyone else. I know dark times, too, and grew up abused by my mom and unpopular probably because I kept so reserved and aloof as a result. So many times I just wanted to be free of it all, and like you I can be an emotional sponge even if people aren't aware I am. I finally determined not to let them win, and kept going and built my own family. I reached out as an adult and found good friends like the folks here.

One friend's words reminded me how to feel others' pain but still be able to help:" Just because someone's shoes are too tight doesn't mean your feet have to hurt." I tell myself to that i dont crawl into the whole with them to stay, but to show them the way out.

Your words remind me of my favorite poem, "invictus." Imrepeatvit to myself when i find i am overwhelmed. It helps.

Like Jill, I want to be a source of comfort and caring, too. So you and all here should always feel welcome to come to us. We understand, we care, and we are a safe harbor.