Heart Break

Hmm. k. I went to the city center today because I have to make a photo essay about some aspect of life in Dublin. I'm not sure what I will do, but I was thinking about various jobs that are held in Dublin. Who knows.
But while I was strolling around I saw several groups of people clearly strung out. My heart broke. They were such a sad sight. Twitching and rambling, and generally unaware of everything. I saw one women with her son. My heart broke more. It looked as if her hair hadn't been washed in days, and you could see the track marks in her arms. She was holding his hand, and gently guiding him. But I don't think the guiding was gentle because she was being kind, I think it was because that was all the energy she had. The little boy had a stuffed animal and clung to it and buried his face into it. Like the stuffed animal could be his savior, or at least was his comforter. And I wanted to steal him. I wanted to push her down and take him and run. Because he doesn't deserve that. She might be a great mom, but you can't be one while you're high. I wanted to be that crazy lady on the news who steals someone else's kid. Maybe it would be worth it. Maybe someone would get her help and put him in a nice home. Because right now, all I can do is see his face. His stuffed animal, ratty and worn, dirty and loved. And his mom, who can't take care of herself, much less him. Both of them dirty and disheveled. A life he didn't choose. A life he's stuck in. A life that most likely will take the same path as his mom's. And in moments like this, I am thankful for my life. And desperately wishing the world was just slightly more fair. That maybe my life could be a little harder so someone elses could be easier. This is not how the world works. Damnit.