Oh crap

I never did have much self esteem. In a world that values wealth and beauty, I was born poor and quite frankly scary looking. At some point the plastic surgeries at the children's hospital made me just presentable enough that people stopped either staring in disbelief or running away in revulsion - and I became invisible. But my family and a small circle of close friends taught me hope is acheivable and never give up. They taught me to find what I have and work it for all it's worth.

through a tragic situation my life has become beyond insane and more than just a little abusive - My self esteem has been so far down the port-o-let lately it's not even pathetic - it's getting to the point where if a human just smiles at me when they walk by I'm overwhelmed with gratitude at the kind gesture validating that I'm not actually an invisible piece of trash. Those small things have become a lifeline to sanity lately.........and one of you fine people gives me a heart.

I have to tell you. I am so touched I'm actually crying.

Thank you.

You have NEVER seemed less than anyone else -- ever.

I've lived through some of the things you've mentioned myself - but not to the same degree. People are and can be horrible. :hug:

I hope this doesn't sound trite, but in all seriousness the most beautiful, compassionate, loving, kind, empathetic and wonderful people I've ever known have been the people that have suffered most. People familiar with suffering are the most unselfish and radiant - please recognize and hang on to those qualities in yourself.

:hug:

I have tried to get involved in the lounge from time to time over the years. I am kinda shy about posting and the few times I did they got lost fast. I posted a picture of my cats tonight and you were the only one who replied, Thank You so much, it meant a lot. I sure do know what you mean about sometime feeling thankful for a smile.I am glad you got a star, someone gave me one too, I guess we must be a OK! I wish you well, Peace & Thank Again

:hug:

I've posted plenty over my years in DU and now and again get a reply. I've often wondered if people even know I'm here. I've recently discovered that not only do they read what I post but for a couple of people my posts "irritate" them. I even a few weeks ago managed the most coveted prize of visibility known to DU -- someone saw fit to tell me I was officially on their ignore list.

Hang in there. Eventually someone will cuss you out, put you on ignore and otherwise prove you exist in cyberspace!! :) LOL

And I did really love the cat pic!! :)

Jeez, I don't even post in the Lounge generally. Gotta get out of here before I start crying or something.

Stay strong. Stay beautiful.

A kind person is the most beautiful in the world.