NEXT LEVEL GRATITUDE

by

BYPO PHOENIX

–

Until we need it most
We often do not know how blessed we are

I could easily have been killed on January 2, 2025
Four young men demanded my winter coat

I refused
They pummelled my head relentlessly
I felt teeth crack

I relented
Giving them my Moose Knuckle parka
They took my coat and bag
Driving away in a waiting car

I entered my building
Blood gushing from my mouth
I first called my parents
Then I called the police

This is physical and emotional violence
This is the root of trauma
These wounds striving to become scars

Amidst this maelstrom
I have been sustained by a tidal wave of love and support
Family and friends have kept my spirit alive

I have an incomparable brother
He launched an online fundraiser for my dental reconstruction

I have been humbled
Shown the meaning of gratitude
Appreciating every donation large or small

People from every era of my life
Coming forward to donate
Generously and selflessly

This narrative is also a story of recovery
If I were still in active addiction
Still forcing family to pick up the pieces from unregulated manic episodes
What my brother wrote would have been very different

But this evolution is real
I will have five years clean on February 26, 2025
I maintain a program of recovery
I am deeply proud of the two men who I sponsor

Today, I am a licensed psychotherapist
My work life dedicated to insight and empathy
I am devoted to creativity
Driven by the fire of collective liberation

Only shards of teeth remain in my mouth
But I have received gifts beyond measure

My teeth will be repaired
Thanks to my community’s generosity

Thanks to this moment of crisis
I know that I am sustained
Trusting this vast and powerful web of love and support

This is next level gratitude
From the deepest roots of my being
I give thanks
Your generosity and empathy are potent and powerful

Collectively all of you have transformed tragedy
Opening my eyes to profound alignment
I access this vital conduit to deeper spiritual terrain

–BYPO PHOENIX c)2025

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Comments

13 responses to “NEXT LEVEL GRATITUDE”

  1. Leslie Blackburn Avatar
    Leslie Blackburn

    I love you and am proud of you and your generosity of sharing your story 💜🫂

    Reply
  2. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  3. Joann Malone Avatar
    Joann Malone

    David, I am so very sorry this assault happened to you! How terrible and painful it must be to have your teeth smashed and your body violated. You know I consider you one of my sons and hope the perpetrators are punished. Thank you for the photos and your amazing attitude of gratitude for your sobriety, your family, and the friends supporting your recovery. Love you, sending huge hugs, Joann

    Reply
  4. Quanta Cutler Avatar
    Quanta Cutler

    Ahhh… You deserve so much more. The smile at the end says it all. We Love You✨🤎✨

    Reply
  5. Aaron Eff Avatar
    Aaron Eff

    The grace that you show when confronted with such a horrific injustice is beyond admirable. I’m so sorry that you had to experience this, but I am profoundly moved that you took it as an opportunity to grow and spread love. I am here if you need anything.

    Reply
  6. Bilqiys Greene Avatar
    Bilqiys Greene

    David! I read it all! Omg! I’m so Happy you’re ALIVE!
    People are Desperate out there!
    I want to be a Therapist too!
    Heal And Feel Better!

    Reply
  7. Annamaria Quayle Avatar
    Annamaria Quayle

    This speaks so much to me on many levels. I feel the gratitude for support this community has to offer. You are a huge part of that and they way your spirit endures through the darkness moves me to tears of joy.

    I am relieved that stand strong in your committment to sobriety despite your struggles. You are a beacon of light for others to show others the path of loving kindness and how live is better sober even when life literally kicks the shit out of you!

    Reply
  8. Sunyatta Amen Avatar
    Sunyatta Amen

    Love you so much

    Reply
  9. Carol Foster Avatar
    Carol Foster

    Thank you for that beautiful reflection—

    This experience, as all of your many life experiences, confirms your ultimate purpose on this earth. We are so blessed to have your passion, commitment, and consciousness grace our individual and global world. David I think I can speak for all of us —we love you and feel humbled and grateful to assist you. This was meant for harm but look at the love it exposed. From one of my favorite holiday movies— (I’m taking license and changing a word for you) NO MAN IS EVER ALONE WHO HAS FRIENDS.

    Reply
  10. Carol Foster Avatar
    Carol Foster

    This experience, as all of your many life experiences, confirms your ultimate purpose on this earth. We are so blessed to have your passion, commitment, and consciousness grace our individual and global world. David I think I can speak for all of us —we love you and feel humbled and grateful to assist you. This was meant for harm but look at the love it exposed. From one of my favorite holiday movies, NO MAN IS ALONE WHO HAS FRIENDS.

    Reply
    1. Carol Foster Avatar
      Carol Foster

      Haha old people..it posted my first draft X this one it’s the first one 😆

      Reply
  11. Anna Mulholland Avatar
    Anna Mulholland

    Smiling through the tears
    Brave and resilient
    Love prevails
    Sending you some

    Reply
  12. Rebecca Mazur Avatar
    Rebecca Mazur

    Thank you for your sharing words. Thinking of you and recovery!

    Reply

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