Hey, DB:

Good for you. You never know. And we don't need to know. If we think of our own lives and how we've managed to rise above weaknesses and failings to "pick ourselves up and start all over again," it's rarely an individual act that did it. It may be years of people reaching out to help and encourage us, only for us to slide right back into old patterns. Maybe there should be a book written titled: "It takes a Village To Raise A fool." Something like alcoholism or depression or even just not valuing yourself usually develops over a period of years, and it usually takes at least that long to overcome them. Life isn't like in the movies, where one shining moment of revelation permanently changes someone. I'm not saying that never happens, but I believe that it is rare. Maybe you were the 89th person who cared enough for that woman to try to help her out, and it won't be until the 237th time before all the caring and generosity starts to change her heart and mind and she can rise above her weakness.

All each of us can do is reach out and help in whatever way we can, at the moment. I believe that no good dead is wasted (contrary to the humorous, and sometimes seemingly true saying that "No good deed goes unpunished.")

Many times my wife has had someone come up to her and tell her that when they came to her years ago because they were distraught, what she said to them made all the difference in the world. Sometimes, my wife doesn't even remember the person. It was someone who came up to her where she worked in a store and poured their heart out, as a complete stranger.

Some seeds need a long time in the soil before they bloom.

Just keep plantin'...

Jerry