You scare me sometimes. Now, I've never been where you were, either becuase I'm too dull, or less feeling or just lucky. But you just made me see that place.

Glad you're still here.

What a blessing for mankind that our disbelief in God has no effect on his infinite belief in us. And seeing our own souls reflected in the words of another is a further tool of divine love. Yours is a magnificent story, Gerard, one that can be understood and affirmed by so many of us, if never told with such simple force. Powerlessness can indeed be the ultimate power. May the next human poised numbly at the edge of night, in silent despair and in danger from his own hand, be open to the grace that found you.

Gerard,
You've told this story before, yet it never fails to hit very hard. We've all walked in dark places, some physical, some spiritual. You walked through a dark place and came out alive, for which we readers are all grateful (and I'm sure those that personally know you are even more glad).
We have all walked in a dark valley, yet some are still lost. Who can know why? That was Job's ancient riddle.

I have been told many stories like this, the
person who you need calls just when you have
decided to run from your pain forever, the
voice that speaks and tells you who you can trust.
The crying out of pain and a strong feeling in
your chest, so warm and full of light you know
where your salvation is, and always know you can
trust it to be there even if you cut off the flow.
The empty space that is filled with knowledge
there is a power that fills our world and souls
we only have to ask, or even do not have to ask
as the power knows good days will come again and
brings you safely home.
Joy and delight can return and this helps you
see we are not alone in our struggles.

It's a simply motive really, the man stopped caring.