Here's how it started:
Joey and I were having a wonderful unplanned Saturday that involved Starbucks, strange museums of Chicago and cheap Mexican eats... The afternoon ended and we returned home.. Our evening was not over..
We popped in a great movie and started watching..
Joey decides to call his friend Mike to confirm the when and where of where our friends will meet for an evening that involves alcohol and silly dancing to follow.. along with smiles, laughter, and dizzy stupor.. :)
While Joey's on the phone, I decide to casually browse the Internet.. I'm somehow addicted to the news, although I have tried unsuccessfully in the past to try not to read the news, for the following reasons:
-The media is biased.
-So much negativity.
-How much the story is "vamped" up.
-I don't care much for Britney Spears and a drunken party girl supposedly named Lindsay Lohan..
I scroll up to the address bar, and click on the down arrow.. and since msnbc.com is proudly protruding as first in line, I give it an automatic highlight, and in BOLD RED print displays:
Third-deadliest day of war for U.S. troops12 die in helicopter crash; 5 killed in militia attack; roadside bombs claim 2
I read on, the article describing on how the helicopter crash was a Blackhawk helicopter. My stomach fell to the floor.
I was quiet.
I was furious.
I was overwhelmingly sad.
The muffled screaming voices that seem like bad EMF were in my head stronger than ever.
I knew someone who flew Blackhawk helicopters. We were military friends in high school.. He was Marines at Curie and I was Navy at Whitney Young..
Joey hung up and saw me open the window for air. I told him what had happened. I didn't feel like going out anymore. He didn't either. He too, felt slightly ill, and visibly upset. How could I go and have fun when there are men and women 9 years younger than me fighting a war that has no reason? What is this war trying to accomplish? I couldn't stop the feeling of being sick to my gut. The cold January air blew stolidly into the 85-degree apartment. I felt slightly better. We decided that going out was not in the best interest, and rather opted talking about what just happened, declaring that something has to be done. I called my nephew, to hear his voice and to see how he was doing. I brought up the subject. He didn't have much to say. Maybe he thinks it doesn't affect him. I hung up with a calm goodbye. Joey smiles, and I call Jamie. I seem to have woken her.. (oops!) and we talk for a few minutes. She was included in the partaking of tonight's supposed activities. "It's OK, I really don't feel like going out anymore." And I proceeded to explain why. I hung up with a smile since she wants to get involved too..
I feel better having vented to 3 people all in a matter of an hour. I talk to Joey some more.. and we decide to call it an evening..
So here I am, at work, researching sites. And I have found a couple.. I'm not asking you to join, but rather read. I just want to get the word out. It'll make me (and others) feel better. Perhaps I will take part in these organizations. I have to get involved. I can no longer sit and wait for the next person to speak up. I hope my old friend was not flying that helicopter, but my heart does go out to the families of those who were on board. Think of it this way.. If it's not my friend, it's someones son, brother, husband, daddy, boyfriend, partner, friend.
Here's a start:
www.codepink.orghttp://www.unitedforpeace.org/http://us.oneworld.netBy the way, here's the article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16722042even if it's biased, "vamped", or negative.. 19 people died on 1/20/2007.
-Dani
I'll try to relate if you will talk to me.
I'll try to be great, like it were meant to be.
You think that maybe we could sit for a while.
Come out and say the things that you like to do.
And I'll do my best to try to relate to you.
I hope that maybe we could sit for a while.
And I, wanna thank you, and I wanna thank you.
I wanna thank you for not being afraid.
Cause you know you're perfect to me.
I hold my breathe just to hear you speak.
As time has gone by, I've seen you in every way, from angry to sick and everything day by day, you're still the most beautiful guy in the world.
I know you're the best at everything that you do, and none of the rest could ever compare to you.
Always in my eyes you're my number one guy.
And I, wanna thank you, and I wanna thank you.
I wanna thank you for not being afraid.
Cause you know you're perfect to me, I hold my breathe just to hear you speak and I hope this dream never ends cause you know you're my bestest friend.
Ryan Huston, "Thank You"
(his lyrics orginally say "beautuful girl" and "number one girl", please substitute for "guy" in this case.)
You are my inspiration,
My rising sun,
The hungry waves as they clamour for the coast,
The singing tenor's extruding emotions on a quiet Italian night,
You are my rising moon in the cool air as I wake...
-Dani
