Sad Eyes

I went to the dentist today. The lady who cleaned my teeth had hair fit for a Weasley with large piercing eyes to compliment. Her name is Sierra, and she is 22 years old. She asked me if anything had medically changed since the last time I had came. I told her about my chronic pain and alopecia. "Is that all?", she innocently questioned. I told her about my anxiety and insomnia. "What's that sore on your chest?", she probed. I told her about my dermatillomania. She nodded and got out her tools. Here, is where I thought the conversation would end. I'm so thankful I was wrong. She looked at me with her large eyes and told me that she too has anxiety. She said she has PTSD from some family issues a couple years back. She knows what it's like, how it feels. She sat behind me and asked me how I was coping. I thought she meant with my mental disorders and informed her I was ok. The only answer I can semi truthfully give these days. She asked me if I was sure. Told me I have sad eyes. Asked if all of it together was overwhelming. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Yes, it is. It always is. The only word that managed to escape was yes. She said that only people who have it can see it in other people. I have it, I know what she meant. She recommended certain Melaluca oils to help. Recommended melatonin for the insomnia. Said I should text her, call her, Facebook her. Heck, even make an appointment just for the sake of talking. She'd go on break and we'd go outside just so I could vent. Shared with me an inspiring image she loved. It is a picture of Jesus, smiling, holding his hand out to Peter after he's fallen beneath the waves. How even though we fall beneath the waves, Jesus isn't disappointed or mad with us. She said he'll always be there for us. She said that she knows it's overwhelming, and hard. But keep your head up above the waves. She recommended I read a novel titled, "Redeeming Love". She said it helped her immensely. Somewhere in here she mentioned I have striking features, and pull off bald better than most. So much love and compassion radiated from her very words. I've forgotten what that kind of love feels like. People who spread compassion and understanding like flower petals give me hope. Thank you, Sierra.