Words have so much power. Have you ever felt a connection to a song because it seems to tell your story? Or read a poem that felt like it touched your soul? How about a book that lets you escape whatever reality exists around you?

People can use words so carelessly. The worst part is, they probably don’t even realize it. They say things that may not break you completely, but add another little crack. And then sometimes it does break you.

My daughter is very sensitive to this, so I try to teach her to apply some empathy before reacting. Not to always let it go, but to gauge the intensity of her reaction.

She may not realize it yet, but I see all the cracks. And I see her dad adding to it while I try desperately to hold her together.

And that has broken me.