Hopeless Eyes

Dear Hopeless Eyes,

I just met you this week, but I've known ones like you before. You didn't talk at first so we played with toy cars. You spilled your chocolate milk and froze, anticipating what would come next. But I didn't get mad. We cleaned it up with kleenex because that's all we had. Maybe that's when you decided that you could trust me. All of a sudden, you tore back the layers and let me see into your young soul. It's like you knew that maybe if you risked honesty, something might change, life might not hurt so much. This was your chance, and you stepped out warily at first.

Thank you for taking that chance. You are so brave.

You are too young to understand things like policy and politics, but as you get older, you'll discover that in life some things just don't make sense. I am so sorry that you have been hurt. More than anything else, know that I heard you. Know that I believe you. I think about you a lot, hoping you are safe. Know that there are a whole lot of people that care about you.

Always remember that what happens inside those four walls is never a secret. I know that you are taught to listen to adults and do what they say. So it's awfully confusing when adults do things that they shouldn't. Adults are not perfect. Sometimes they make mistakes, but they should never hurt you. It's never your fault.

I wish I could promise you that it will never happen again. I wish I could promise you that things will get better. I am sorry that I can't. But I will promise that I will do all that I can to make sure that you are safe. I will do all that I can to help things get better.  And I will listen to you.

As life goes on, don't carry burdens that belong on bigger shoulders than yours. Believe in what life can be and break all kinds of molds. Look beyond your windows and see what family can be, what it should be. Trust that voice inside you that whispers what is right and what is wrong. You hear it already. 

And may your eyes find true Hope.