I am grateful for Simon in my life, the spirit of redemption, a testament to the will to live, to the power of life, to the meaning of mercy and compassion. Like us, he is imperfect, a powerful spirit but no angel. He reminds me of what life can take away, and what life can bring. Simon speaks to me of what is important.

They can take my power, my money, wash out the foundations of my house, put me in the dark and frighten me, but they can not touch what it important to me – my dignity, the people I love, the nature of my heart, the strength of my soul. The gratitude I awoke with this morning and will keep close to me all this day and those beyond.