I was having a chat with a younger friend on IRC a few days ago, we both sat quiet for a few moments when out of the blue came this: 
"a cyber penny for your thoughts"
I really didn't know how to explain my thoughts at the time and well I guess they didn't either for this was the reply that was given to me when I asked the same thing of them:
"I'M JUST A SMALL, LONELY RAFT IN AN ENDLESS SEA OF EMOTIONS."
  I sat there for a bit longer and all I could think was this...such profound words spoken from such a young person. For so long I thought I was the only one that felt this way. 
  Life can get so complicated at times, leaving us lost, alone, confused, and sometimes even desperate too. When you least expect it a friend comes to our side to offer a little added strength to see you through whatever your struggle might be.
  I have been very fortunate to have met a lot of online friends that bring much joy and comfort into my life. This time of year can be especially difficult for some...all alone for the holidays, too poor to afford all the gifts that commercialism has brought into the Christmas tradition, and some can't even afford food. I am not rich financially, but I am rich in life values, such as friends, love, and spirituality. I am also very rich with the ability to put my thoughts on paper, and in doing so it helps to put my mind at ease. It brings me inner peace and comfort like nothing else has ever done before. Whether anyone else likes my writing   doesn't matter to me really, all that matters to me is that I can feel relaxation and strength from my writing.
I don't feel as lonely when I write either. I am not at all that "small drifting lonely raft, in a sea of emotions" when I write, in fact I am, "a very content soul drifting in a world of bliss."
  All any of us have to do is find something that brings peace and happiness to us. I have found my solitude, and I know you too can find yours.

written by Deborah
copyright 1999