These same thoughts ring in my head. I'll continue doing what I can to add value with my writing, no matter how trivial some topics might be to some people.

I like your phrase "...piece together our tattered bits of hope..." Somehow, maybe we can create a sort of hope tapestry in the writing community? I don't know. All I know is that hope is much easier to attain within a group than by yourself.

Keep writing, Melissa. The world needs you. And all the other brave, experienced writers out there.