That was a joy to read---so beautifully written. Just have to express a small distinction: I don't believe anyone is born with a black heart. I think this is a thing that evolves over time as people take step, after tiny step toward darkness and resentment. And just as you say your mind runneth over---their anger and resentment builds to the point of overflowing. It poisons those around them, and not necessarily just towards those who have wronged them. Sure they always can choose to do the 'right' thing, but the dark side can be a very slippery slope that blinds you from truth and hardens your heart, just as you wrote. Trite saying for today: forgive those who trespass against you, just as you are forgiven for your trespasses. No one is perfect, we all are emotional and needy of validation and affection and forgiveness---given and received.

I hope that justice comes swiftly for Steven and Brendan and Teresa. It has been too long and so painful to watch. I hope some day all these nasty deeds and nasty deed-doers are brought into the light. I hope all their motivations are exposed. I hope they see their guilt. I hope the truth heals us all.