April 12, 2016

Thomas,

Don't hate yourself when you can't stop. You will want to. Love yourself: you will be able to relate to the pain and suffering of those around you, and this will give you power. Power to heal souls and power to touch lives. You might not realize it yet, but the very darkness that drives you to the brink of madness is what will help you grow as a person. You see weakness and so you despair.

I see hope. Determination. Perseverance. These virtues will carry you through school into your adult life. They are your strengths.

Tell your friends. They will understand and help you through the darkest times. But don't tell your family. They will be confused, and though they say they understand, they will never look at you the same way again. It's best to keep them in the dark. And no, they didn't figure it out on their own.

Be strong. Love yourself.

Thomas