Where were you the day the world stopped turning, that December day?

[The Straight Story]

We've all heard the song I am guessing, the one from Alan Jackson about 9/11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJK7qiKOwss

Me, I like that song. It speaks to me. But I digress.

It all got me to thinking tonight (among other things). I remember what I was doing on 9/11, but I remember more what I was doing 12/31/2004. I was at the hospital, saying goodbye to my mom.

A strong and wonderful woman, the glue that held so many things together. But she meant nothing to you. Not that such a thing is bad, it is simply a fact. It meant more to me than to you - like losses you have felt mean more to you than to me.

And so I go to news stories we can all connect to - from climbers on a mountain to 9/11. From the Iraq war where you may have loved ones, to Afghanistan where my buddy is serving. We have something called Empathy, we feel for others who are now where we have been.

It all means something to us, but not as much as those directly involved. We can sit back in judgment on all these issues, but it all means less to us than to others.

Where were you when my world stopped turning that December day? You were probably off living your life, laughing, looking forward to a new year. I was home alone, depressed and missing my mom. Scared. Confused. Trying to make sense of life.

Today I am home. Laughing with my daughter, enjoying my life. Looking forward to Christmas and seeing my little girl opening her presents. Not perfect, but filled with a joy you cannot buy.

And this December, someone's world is stopping. Someone is crying. Someone is thinking of killing their self. Today is someone's 9/11. As you read this, someone is being murdered, a child is being molested, a family's dreams are crumbling, a child is hiding while their parents fight.

YOU are the one person who can make a difference. You have the power to change a life. Through a variety of means - giving blood, being a foster parent, a troop leader, visiting the elderly, donating to a charity, whatever.

Don't ever let someone tell you that you cannot make a difference. You have already, in my life and that of others. Despite all the in fighting I have seen here, I have seen the best of DU when it mattered.

Where were you when my world stopped turning? You were here. No matter your faults or issues, no matter how you felt on certain issues, no matter if you were employed or off work on some disability or other - you were here being the person you are. A friend.

YOU matter, even if you don't feel that you do. Poor or rich, fit or ill, you come here day after day and help others in your own small way.

And that means something to people. It did to me, and I am sure it has to many others.

Maybe this seems like some piddly little message board in the vastness of cyber-space to some. But to those that call DU a home on the net, it means a lot - and your input means a lot to them.

Over the last year, your posts have made a difference, however small or large.

Keep up the good work.

[saracat]

1. What a beautiful post.Thank you. and I needed to hear that.

I have had a terrible couple of months, okay years and some things aren't going to be better but how I deal with them can make all the difference and posts like yours give me hope and inspiration.Thank you Straight Story.For other reasons my world was also altered in December and you have made a difference!:)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. K&R!

What a beautifully written post this is!

I am proud to K&R!

Everything you say here is so true..........

I thank you for all your wisdom here.......:hug:

[ninkasi]

3. That was beautiful

My mother died a few days before I turned 20, and that was over forty years ago. I can still remember the way I thought the pain of her loss would kill me, and that I understood for the first time in my life what people meant when they used the word heartbreak. It does, truly, feel as if your heart will break. I can remember the days following her death, that I was somehow unable to understand how the rest of the world could just go on as if nothing had happened, when for me, my universe had stopped.

For some of us, Straight Story, experiencing loss can foster in us a deeper sense of awareness of the pain of others, and so make us more empathetic. Sadly, for some unenlightened ones, such as the Bush clan, the loss is only realized if it affects one of them personally. You and I, and most of DU probably have suffered more anguish because of the criminal actions of the Bush administration than those same members will ever feel as a sense of remorse. All in all, I'd rather be like us. At least I know we're human.

Having known pain, and loss, can make some of us more aware of other people's pain, and make us want to ease it for them. It doesn't cost a thing to be patient with people, or lend a shoulder for them to lean on for awhile. It might make a world of difference to them, though.

[niyad]

4. what a beautiful post, SS, and thank you so much. The people here at DU have kept me grounded, kept

me sane, ever since I found them. and in this season, which speaks to so many of us of love, peace, empathy as you said, and joy, I just want to thank all the wonderful people here who have made it a little easier for me to carry on.

Peace and love to all.