He told me just the grief and PTSD of losing Fr. Eric and the healing will take more time

Last night, two friends who have been consistently been there for me reached out despite their own busy lives. A simple, "are you okay?" meant a lot.

Another friend checked on me early this morning. Yet, another person who has consistently there for me.

This afternoon, I ran into  someone unexpectedly. As he said, " we are not personal friends," but he is someone who  knows me professionally and personally since I moved here.

He is someone I see rarely. If I do, it is when I am out and about in the community. Still he took the time out to talk and visit with me this afternoon.

It isn't the first time he has offered me advice and encouragement and shown compassion. He could have taken offense with my post yesterday when I called out locals with money and power. He did not; he is very astute about the challenges I face with independent reporting.

He reminded me of the contributions I have made since I moved here. He reminded me of the changes I have brought about by speaking up. He reminded me of what I have been through, including the death of Fr. Eric. He reminded me of the many people who do appreciate me.

I have been there for a lot of people. The court coverage is intense, the blog is 24/7 and I still have to earn a living to provide this information. Try doing this without a break for the last few years.

I have picked myself over and over and survived many challenges since I moved here. The pain has been raw in this last couple of years.  I thank those who reached reached out to me. For reminding me  that the catharsis through certain posts  speaks for many others. For reminding me that those who appreciate the truth outnumber the ones holding back progress in this place we call home.