5 am friday morning thursday night far from sleep i'm still up and driving can't go home obviously so i just change direction cause they'll soon know where i live and i wanna live got a full tank and some chips it was me and a gun and a man on my back and i sang "holy holy" as he buttoned down his pants you can laugh it's kinda funny the things you think at times like these like i haven't seen barbados so i must get out of this me and a gun and a man on my back but i haven't seen barbados so i must get out of this yes i wore a slinky red thing does that mean i should spread for you your friends your father mr. ed and i know what this means me and jesus a few years back used to hang and he said "it's your choice babe, just remember i don't think you'll be back in three days time so you choose well" tell me what's right is my right to be on my stomach in fred's seville and do you know carolina where the biscuits are soft and sweet these things go through your head when there's a man on your back and you're pushed flat on you stomach it's not a classic cadillac Me and a Gun, Tori Amos

Words can never describe what Tori means to me. Her music has been a constant comfort. It amazes me that Tori can put my feelings into words and music.  She has inspired me to heal.  Tori is not my savior, but she gave me the tools and courage needed to save myself. I am so lucky that I had the chance to hold her hand and, tears falling, thank her for everything, from all of us.

I bought Boys for Pele about two years ago, because I supposed that I should like Tori Amos.  I could never get past Blood Roses, though, so I stuck the album in the back of my CD collection. About three months ago, someone gave me Little Earthquakes. I didn't think I could appreciate it, so that landed near Boys for Pele. One day I needed to use the computer lab, and I thought I'd bring a CD and headphones along. I meant to grab something else, but when I realized I only had Little Earthquakes with me I listened to it anyway. I liked it well enough. I stopped it after song 9 and went back to my dorm room, where I decided to finish the last three songs. When Me and a Gun came on, I heard the first chorus and felt dizzy...I sat down on my floor and the memories came and I started to sob uncontrollably. I put it on repeat and listened to it for literally hours. I finally remembered what I had never really forgotten. Suddenly, I knew I wasn't alone, and that the strength to heal is inside us all. I sometimes get frustrated that it took me so long to find Tori, but I know she was sent to me when I was finally ready to hear what she had to say. (for the record, I now totally live for any music by Tori :)

Someone today reminded me of something that is essential to understand. Tori needs us as much as we need her. "She carries each of her fans who have been victims within her. She takes from you as much as she gives, don't you see that?" Thanks, Heather.

Tori's honesty is sometimes overwhelming. Read some interview excerpts where she discusses "Me and a Gun", her rape, and her healing.

I don't know if she would have the same effect on everyone, but Tori's first album, "Little Earthquakes" is a must for the music collection of any survivor. After you hear Little Earthquakes, I have a feeling you'll want more. Her strength is one of my greatest inspirations, and I hope she inspires you too.