Thank you for that post @arbitrarykitten. What a compelling story.
I wrote a post a week or two ago detailing how we never know how much of an impact an upvote will have on someone's life. It is easy to look at a penny or two and think nothing of it because, in America, it doesnt do much. However, you give that same upvote to someone in Kenya and it is a different story. Plus it is inspiration and motivation to keep going.
As for your plight, it is sensational to see one survive and start to thrive. Little comes easy in life but if you love it, it isnt work. Writing and posting takes time and effort but it does have its rewards. For most, being on here pays more in a short period of time than years did on facebook or reddit.
Thanks again for sharing this with us.
You are absolutely correct. Every little upvote does count. Yes, even in America ;) I have paid a few bills with Steemit :D
And not only financially- psychologically, too...