I don't understand

I have people sometimes tell me they are impressed with how strong I am.

I don't understand.

I tell them that I'm not but they just shake their head.

I don't understand.

They say they are amazed at how strong I must be to live as myself.

I don't understand.

I say that all I'm doing is living my life, nothing special about that.

I don't understand.

I'm told they wouldn't have the strength to go through what I put myself through every day.

I don't understand.

I say I cry a lot because it often hurts so much.

They don't understand.

I cry out that this world is so full of pain and it wears on me all the time.

They don't understand.

I get up each day and do it all over again.

I don't understand.

Once in a while I have an opportunity to share a bit of my day with someone special and can give and receive a hug and share a smile.

Sometimes I understand.