I've been estranged from my family since my teens due to an unpleasant childhood and young adulthood. Eventually, the flames of the furnace of life reaches all

I've been estranged from my family since my teens due to an unpleasant childhood and young adulthood. Eventually, the flames of the furnace of life reaches all of us; some younger than others; some more acutely than others. In skillful hands, it can temper us to become purer, higher quality versions of ourselves. In unskilled hands, it can damage us. All of us acquire wounds, it is a part of being human, being unskilled, and being alive. Strength is just another word for empathy, love, and kindness. Everyone is capable of that, regardless of their pain. That's what makes humanity beautiful.