hi Bamboo,

your quest for the courage to survive is more innate than you realize. For your namesake has spoke for you probably without your realizing it.

definition 1: Bamboo is a group of woody perennial evergreen plants in the true grass family Poaceae.

note the words perennial and evergreen.

definition cont.: Some of its members are giants, forming by far the largest members of the grass family.

you are a giant, you just have to see yourself as a giant. Most giants don't realize that they are giants. Giant, of course, not being in size but the size of your heart and courage.

definition cont.:They are of high cultural significance in East Asia and South East Asia

well, you are in England, but that is CLOSE to Asia, eh?

I think the definition below will please you.

definition cont.: When treated, bamboo forms a very hard wood which is both lightweight and exceptionally durable

does that NOT describe you? Fighting hard to live and having to be durable and resilient as you wade through the toughness of life??

did you also know that Bamboo is known for its long life?

it is very useful to make many things.

what I am trying to convey is that you may not have realized bamboo's properties when you picked the name, bamboo. But you are truly a bamboo(at least in the making)

courage is hard to find, but it is there, always. We just have to peel away the layers, no?

the person that holds the key to the lock is you. Unlock it, and you'll find the courage.

Perhaps it's time to watch the "Wizard of Oz" again. Pay attention to the Lion that doth seek its courage, when all along, its right there, within him...

as long as you post, as long as you talk about it. You are showing courage, you are staying alive, you are surviving.

regards, from another survivor