It was dark in this hole. It reminds me of that time many years ago now. Except that was a tad bit different. I lived from day to day in darkness. It was a part of my life. Day after long day, week after week, month after month, year after year. I lived with it.

But wait, there is a light coming down the steps. They must be bringing my food to me. I must say their food is good. It fills me up. Although I could think of a hundred places I would rather be than here. But I live on. Always live on.

Maybe I should tell you my story as you sit here and listen to me remember. Why can I live in this darkness now. Why that darkness turned into light so many years ago. What happened before that light shone brightly in my life. Stay and you will hear all of it.

The light comes closer. Ah, it is Jonathon. Good I like talking with him. He is nearer to the truth than any of these others than come to me. Maybe he will accept the truth today. It is time I share my story with him too as I do so with you.

"Hello Jonathon. How are you today?"

"Hello Daniel. I am fine and you?"

"I am doing well." I say with a smile.

"You know Daniel. I cannot understand how you can smile after all you've been through. What keeps you smiling? What makes you be able to stay the treatment they give you here?"

"Would you really like to know the answers to your questions?" I asked.

"Yes, I would very much so."

"Very well. Sit down and you will here what I have been through before and why I can go through all of this now because of what happened so many years ago."

I offered Jonathan a beat up old wood stool to sit on. And then began my story.