Richard's collection of poetry and prose is gut-wrenching and hopeful. The book reviews a devestating personal history of abuse by his body, of his body, of his trust, and by his own depression. Instead of hardening himself against an unimginable set of circumstances, Richard's compassion for others blossoms into callings in service vocations, ministry and public service through his Tenderness Tour.

This is not a comfortable read, and it is not appropriate for children or young teens due to Richard's accomplishment of blunt honesty and self-revelation. It challenges several generally accepted tenets of reactions to sexual abuse, disability and mental health care, but Richard has earned the right to express these counter arguements.

This is not the story of a survivor. Richard is a thriver.