Rachel, first let me say the tone of feeling numb is beautifully conveyed. However, I personally felt anger from the harsh reality of being Black in America. Which you calmly laid out.

I spent 20 years numbing my emotions through drugs from childhood trama, reconciled as an adult.

I've been clean and sober over 2 years. I welcome the joy and pain, anger and happiness of life.

Your own vulnerability allowed me to display some of my own.

Thank you.