There are many sick and damaged humans out in the world who do things that we will never understand. I'm not excusing them, it's just that cruelty perpetuates itself and at some point, someone has to be strong enough to break the cycle. My mother was a victim of abuse, physically from her mother and sexually from her cousin. She NEVER hit her children but was a strong and influential role model none the less! She broke the cycle. She chose to speak out in her adult years about her experiences, warning us to the dangers of child predators and gaining the respect and support of many people.

We were taught to love and respect all creatures and I especially have a very soft place for animals - birds in particular in case you hadn't noticed! I volunteer time at a wild bird sanctuary, I have adopted many unwanted and supposedly "unmanagable" birds. This is how I do what I can to make a difference.

I cannot read articles about abused creatures because it stays with me as well, but we do need to be aware of the world around us. It happens, do what you can to make a difference. Be aware of abuse in your own backyard, for example, the food you eat. Make a difference. Love one another. Be kind and compassionate. Educate yourself and others. Don't perpetuate the hate. It won't do anyone any good. Sometimes at the bird sanctuary, the young people who work there get very frustrated with the ignorance of some of the people who come through there or bring in injured birds. When I hear them speak in anger I tell them that they have a very important role to play, they have the opportunity to educate these folks! We can all do that too.

Sorry to be so long winded - this is a particularly sensitive spot for me. It is sometimes unbelievable what people will do, but it goes back to how they were treated as well. We are ground zero in making a difference in this world because we already understand. . .

Love to you all
Cathy