The kids we work with are struggling to find themselves after enduring all sorts of hardship, so it stands to reason that they can be volatile. You might assume that the staff who works with these young people every day sometimes get numb or indifferent to them. In my experience, the opposite is true. The staff I know are dedicated to do a tough job, because these young lives are worth it.
A case in point is “Ms Erinn.” At our last concert, she read a poem and asked Kitty to sing a song she had written that was inspired by the kids. She explained it this way:
Then she wrote this poem to introduce the song:
Did you know that plants can continue to grow without sunlight?
Sometimes when a plant is deprived of light,
It stretches its stems and leaves,
Trying to find just a small glimmer of light.
It requires a great amount of energy, but it doesn’t stop.
It keeps reaching because it believes that there is some light out there.
I see some of the residents as those plants.
I wrote this song to inspire you guys to find your way to the light,
Because many of the residents come from places that feel dark,
Places where the light may seem distant or hard to find.
But even in the darkness, take a step towards growing,
Keep healing,
Even in the darkness.
Healing in the Darkness
There’s a fire inside, though you can’t always see,
It’s been burning so long, you forgot you were free.
Tears in your eyes, but you’re still standing tall,
Don’t let the past make you think you’ll fall.
You’ve been through the storm, but the end is near
Every scar you wear is a story to hear.
All the weight you carry, it’s so heavy for you.
But the strength deep inside, will carry you through.
You’re healing in the darkness, finding your way,
Each step you take, you’ll see brighter days.
You’ve been broken, but you’re stronger than they know,
You’re still healing in the darkness, watch you grow.
The world may have told you that you’re too much to hold,
But deep in your soul, there’s a heart of gold.
You’re more than the hurt, so don’t sit in the rain
Believe Your worthy, and heal through the pain.
You’re healing in the darkness, finding your way,
Each step you take, you’ll see brighter days.
You’ve been broken, but you’re stronger than they know,
You’re still healing in the darkness, watch you grow.
In my book, this is the definition of a person who cares.
