On Friends with Trauma

Lots of people in my circle or that I allow into my life from time to time have been traumatized one way or another by life. And it's weird to see it happen. The years go by, one day we are both innocent children, but perhaps one of us isn't so innocent. Perhaps that innocence has been taken from us at a young age by those who should have protected us from the evil in the world. And sometimes, the evil that exists is in our own homes. What is supposed to be our safe haven becomes our living hell. Years go by and, when you meet your friend again they're completely different as people. By assaults, drugs, and just life in general. And I can't help but feel hopeless because I want to help the person that I know is inherently good but has been beaten down by life. I want them to know that they have someone, that they're really strong for putting up with everything they have gone through and still living. That they can find solace in a friend. Recently, I found out that one of my neighbors…