I think we severely understimate the power of people and having a shoulder to cry on. I do not imply this of the people here so much as the people everwhere else. In a few short days this site, in more ways than one, has influenced my thoughts, my actions, maybe even my life. With all that I have gone through, over the years, I have been given a lot of advice. But it was from people who knew nothing about me or my situation. Because of that, it never really meant very much.

Here, at Daily Strenth, there are people who have gone through what I have gone through. However there are also people who understand that no matter how like situations are, every single person is different and they feel differently about similar situations. Some are impacted differently, not any less or more, just differently. For example, two women, the same age, that have the same relationship with their fathers and who lose their fathers, are in completely different situations because no matter how similar, they are completely different people. Their fathers were different people, therefore their relationships were different. Therefore their grief is different.

That is why we do not feel genuine pain for people who lose their fathers, mother, or siblings, grandparents, aunts, or uncles even if we have lost our fathers, mothers, and siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This may sound harsh, but it is a harsh truth. This is because we don't know these people. Sure we can sympathize, but is it ever really and truly possible to know the exact pain of another? I don't think so. I have found the people that realize this, are the people that help me the most at Daily Strength.

I don't mean to be insulting, just honest. I have learned a lot from every single person I have encountered here, and am forever grateful. I am still concerned about my state and dealing with what I need to deal with, but since joining this site, I know that I will be okay. I know this because there are people here that are okay and those of us that aren't, there are people willing to go above and beyond to help us get there. That is why the people that say, "I don't know what to say" make the greatest impact. It is evident that they understand the depth of our grief, but understand that it is ours.

So I guess what my rambling comes down to, is to have more faith in people. Do not underestimate those who try to help us and be grateful to the people out there who have created a site that allows us to be ourselves without fear of judgment. Just be grateful and pay it forward.