"I have run into the fire over and over again to lead forth those who would have been consumed. I am bruised, scarred and battle weary but I have emerged triumphant. The path has been long, lonely and arduous. The twist and turns innumerable, the battles many, the victories hard fought and not without loss. The crushing burden of the weight of the collective suffering crushes the spirit. I have retreated into the inner land of my spirit and retraced the path that spirals up out of the darkness and reclaimed the light. I relearn the ancient wisdom and quietly observe and mark the seasons and change. I am patient and I persevere. I am a healer and a warrior. My path is not easy but I am unafraid for I am never alone. I am One." ~Leslie C. Bertrand
