Cruel texts. Too much homework. Unreasonable parents.

As a teen mentor, I’ve heard many of the concerns that plague junior high and high school students. Some of the drama would seem trivial to me now, if I didn’t remind myself how challenging those issues were when I was their age. (And what it was like when hormones were raging and identities were still forming.) Usually I have encouragement and a few words of wisdom to offer, because I’ve been there and survived.

But sometimes their tales leave me with my jaw dropped to the floor. When they share stories of abuse—mental or physical—I can’t relate. And I’m so grateful. I have my share of scars, but they weren’t inflicted by people I should be able to trust.

I can listen, give hugs, and make sure the teen has talked to other family members and authorities, but I usually don’t feel like it’s enough. How do you ease the pain of someone who has a parent who strikes them repeatedly or inflicts emotional scars that run deep?

When I can’t get the right words to come out of my mouth, I turn to writing things on paper. The book I’m wrapping up right now is my way of offering hope when life is unfair. It shows that while there are some truly evil people in the world, there are also compassionate people willing to help. It was painful to write because I didn’t sugar-coat anything.

I’ve been thinking about the teachers, counselors, and staff returning to the classrooms this month who continually invest in kids. Thank you for encouraging them as they navigate life. While all teen drama feels heavy and real to them, there are some who carry more than they were ever designed to bear. Hopefully all of us can help lessen the load.