The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. - Thomas Campbell





Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. - Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross





Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. - Irish Headstone

I used to work at an Residential Youth Treatment Center (2014-2015). There were good days and bad days, but I always wonder how those kids turned out.



This morning I wake to a message in my FB inbox. It was from this boy who is no longer a boy. He has since graduated and has left negativity behind (as per his message). He asked if I remembered all the things I ever said to him or wrote. I was honest and said "its been years be more specific."

He sent a pic of a piece of paper with my handwriting. I wrote to him - "When days are bad and could have been better- we keep on smiling. I hope you keep on smiling - Rain or shine always smile. You can get through this"



He then told me that he kept that piece of paper and often reflects on the skills group we had that day. He said "This piece of paper means a lot to me cause I know you have made it through tough things and you tried to teach us kids by example. You helped me to become strong and accept myself as the gay man I am. You never sugar coated anything and you kept it real Miss. And I just want you to know that I appreciate the lessons you helped me to learn. I can never thank you enough for your support and honesty."





I am in tears. It is so nice to know that I had...I have an impact on someone's life. He went on to say he is applying for college and wants to be a life coach for other kids in the LBGT community.



I could not be more proud.

Kids with mental diagnoses such as disorders with psychosis ...that is the population I work with. I love my job but sometimes it can get scary. These kids get aggressive and have no idea how strong they are. This one girl....bigger than the average adult, bullied a 6 years old boy tonight. I redirected her. She threatened the little boy and staff, including myself. I had to complete a crisis assessment to determine if she needed to be hospitalized. No nothing this time. But she calmed down after about an hour. So much for the selfcare and relaxation techniques I was teaching today.