In the old BT forum, we once got into our individual histories and found that we had something in common - most of us had been through one form of hell or another in our lives. We have a wide range here, from a child facing the terrors of the Blitz to those of abuse and everything you can imagine. It is no secret that many of us are in AA or have kicked one habit or another. That self destruction, whether by sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, or 70 hour work weeks has been at the edge of our lives much of the time.

Life has been tough. My own included, among other things, an abusive alcoholic father whose rage was directed at my mother. I finally found myself standing in his path and praying that he would stop his charge. He did and I will never forget the look in his eyes. I was eight years old. No child should have to have the experiences we have had.

But we did, indeed, have them. Each his or her own collection. And we are weary and fragile. No one knows what we are up against even today. But we know. Honor what you are whenever you have the opportunity. Love yourself - you're good stuff.