I got this link on twitter and I feel the message in it is worth sharing:

LETTER TO A STRANGER

Dear Stranger,

I write to you because I need someone to talk to. My friends don’t understand me and my parents have no clue about my battle with loneliness and depression. They see the skinny boy who loves to read and enjoys the fine things of life. They see my smile and hear the raucous laughter that rings out from my room when I watch Everybody Hates Chris, The Cosby Show or when my adorable sister tickles my sides. They see me writhe in pain from time to time when I have a crisis or an ulcer but they are blissfully unaware of the pain etched in my soul. Little do they know that the pain of loneliness, of unfulfilment, of missed chances, of wrong turns, of being hamstrung by ill-health are much more debilitating than the pain of sickle cell crisis, ulcers or pleurisy. Little do they know that deep within me are rivulets of fear. The fear that I’m not good enough, that I may not live up to expectations and that I may never break the yoke of poverty gives me a frightful headache.

On most days, I feel so alone. I pick up my phone and scroll through my contacts looking for someone to call but everyone seems so busy living lives and chasing their dreams I often drop my phone in despair. Why I ask, why am I trapped in this quicksand of pain and misery? Why was so much potential and ability deposited in a skinny kid who has to stop to catch his breath after every little exertion? Why do I constantly feel that I’d be better off dead than alive? Why and is there any truth in the saying that “A living dog is better than a dead lion?” Aren't the dead supposed to be blissfully at sleep? Why do we reckon that a dog whose life seems to be a nauseating, never-ending potpourri of Yo-yo bitters, Epsom salts, Mist Alba and Rhubarb be deemed better than a dead lion who had a never-ending supply of fresh meat in his lifetime?

On most days, I take a long stroll wondering if life will ever alter drastically in my favor. Will fortune ever smile on me or am I condemned to eke out a miserable existence in this place? Last month, I saw my dreams in 3D. I want to go there but I’m still here. This isn’t over, I’m in the ring and I’m still standing.

I will write you again.

Written by Hammed Ajiboye

https://medium.com/@HammedAjiboye/letter-to-a-stranger-ff64ad4b13e7?source=tw-cf76fb60ea75-1437495224281


The writer of this beautiful piece died today of sickle cell anaemia. He was trending on twitter.

The sad thing in this message is that there are millions of peope who can relate to his pain, people who have people around them but can't even talk because nobody understands.

I just need everyone reading this to know that no matter what you're going through today, you're not alone. Never allow the world's challenges stop you from achieving your dreams. Hammed was on his way to his until death claimed him. Let his story be an inspiration to us all.

#RIPHammed

RIP Hamed

So touched.....
How I wish I can donate 5years of my life to him!

Learnt the author is no more, RIP to the dead

The part of 'picking the phone and nobody 2 call' I used 2 feel like that 2 until I decided wats life without some fun if there's no friend u can make some.... u go out there and make other friends.... Easiest way SOCCER....

RIP 2 him

hmmn. this is tragedically tragedicious.

How I wish I can steal some ppl's space on nairaland, learn how to book using aero or arik.
#Respect though
May we live long to see our grand children folks.
RIP homie.

Deep thoughts

RIP Hammed..

Wow may his soul rest in perfect peace

RIP

I cant stand reading al these .... So so toching

A lovely poetic peace by a beautiful soul. Surely you as a dead lion has influenced the world more than some living dogs.

RIP beautiful soul

Really

So sad

Rest well.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus name.

now this is deep.

RIP man i know you are in a better place.

I hate to be insensitive. Wicked parents both with sickle cell decided to get married and have kids.

The story is very touching. Let your living be a blessing to someone's else. Don't wait for them to come to you before you offer to comfort them. Look out for people who are in need, offer them what you have (kindness) and He that is above will certainly look out for you.

So touching.
R.I.P lad

Rip, bro!

RIP

He knew he will soon be going. May his soul rest in peace.

Touched mmeeehn!

OMG!!! Short of what to say. So soooooo sorry. Rest in the Lord's bossom where no sickness nor pain can touch you. Chei!!! Hhmmmm!!!

to many out there, take this as a challenge. he might be dead but his article just inspired me. Rip bro.
am not an ss mind yhu. but anybody can die anytime yhu only have this time. think twice reader.

Really touching story...but this wouldn't stop some couples with incompatible genotypes from falling in'love' and produce more of Hammed Ajiboyes from coming into this world to suffer..



I even know medical doctor couples with children with sickle cell disease despite enormous information at their disposal !