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
13 thoughts on “NEXT LEVEL GRATITUDE”
I love you and am proud of you and your generosity of sharing your story 💜🫂
Beautiful!
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
Ahhh… You deserve so much more. The smile at the end says it all. We Love You✨🤎✨
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.
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!
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!
Love you so much
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.
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.
Haha old people..it posted my first draft X this one it’s the first one 😆
Smiling through the tears
Brave and resilient
Love prevails
Sending you some
Thank you for your sharing words. Thinking of you and recovery!