The love and support of her family is most important. The drive to obtain this leaves her feeling more and more alone. There's a shell of independence that's been toughened by not hearing the things most desired. Perhaps the milesones in life aren't milestones that others view as important or praiseworthy. Sometimes getting out of bed seems praiseworthy. Growing up knowing she was loved and cared for, she did not have to worry about a roof over her head, food in her belly, or looking up in the stands and seeing a familiar face. It feels selfish to think that getting through what life has dealt is a major accomplishment. Some things are tackled alone, most often out of self-pity. During those times, the food needed in her belly was a shoulder to cry on and the roof needed over her head was the warmth from knowing that when she looked up in the stands during an emotionally challenging event, there would be a familiar face in the crowd. Things were provided but "things" don't help when all she wants is someone to listen.

Empathy waters the garden of friendship and love and it grows with each new experience. Sometimes staring at someone going through an unfamiliar experience conjures up fear and doubt about what to do, knowing that inexperience is a personal blessing. However, understanding and compassion fertilize the garden from which these flowers can bloom.