I liked the story. However, it makes a grandiose assumption. That assumption would be that all parents love unconditionally. This is a false assumption. Parents should and are expected to love their children. Child abuse persist on a variety levels in the United States and around the world. I suppose it could be argued that a parent still loves their child while they are beating them senseless but this is a degradation of the word love. Such a perversion of love encourages suicidal ideation and action. i am glad this honest truth addressing the facts of suicide were left in. Once we admit what is happening to people around us we have a chance to make the world a better place rather than shunning the facts because they are unpleasant. Please be aware that the privilege you have in having had loving parents is not a luxury afforded to all!

Oh Kristin, you have brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing your beautiful and uplifting story. This section particularly resonates with me: "As I left the classroom, the teacher followed me asking how I had gotten him to do the exercise, I simply said, 'Respect, I treated him like a human being, not a problem.'" We can break through such walls with a little respect and a little kindness. This is true for adults, as it is children. I will remember your powerful words and your life-changing story. Thank you for sharing and blessing me with your kind words about my experience.

Rachel
www.handsfreemama.com