Reply #48: I have been saying something similar

[Puzzledtraveller]

for some time it's been gnawing at me, that We, are so alone, so cut off from one another and the illusion of connection only makes it worse. I didn't really know this until I got a job with the state as a case worker, helping families get food stamps, medicaid and other assistance. I see many people each day, and everyone is unique, with unique stories, but one thing in common, they hurt, for whatever reason they hurt, and noone can ask "what ails thee?" That's all they really want. I take the time to listen, even when I have several other clients waiting, I try to assure them that it's okay to need help, but to never give up, because their are people who really care. I used to spend my days looking at the ground,while out, in a store, rarely making eye contact, passing a stranger on the street, in elevators, when I started my job, I didn't even look at the clients, I looked past them, or away. I try now to look in their eyes, everyones, and take time to say something.

I'm not guilt tripping either, I understand what you are feeling, intimately. I do what I can for me, as in keeping my spirit from crashing, I know things won't right themselves completely. I am beginning to understand however that there was and is as much wrong with me, as their is with anyone. I fight hate, daily, in my own heart, and it's hard, really hard.