Don't blame yourself
Don't blame me
But we're the ones
Who can feed the ground
So this poison tree, don't let it grow again
And from this glass and broken earth
There is a way that can be built
A better life for everyone
~~ Duran Duran, “Point of No Return”
I’m still processing what happened in Paris on Friday, and still reeling from the horrible news. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep until I get some of these thoughts out of my head, so I’m just going to let ‘er rip here for a little bit. If I word something wrong, please forgive me. Know that I am heartbroken about what has happened and I have the utmost sympathy for the French people and for all those who are suffering tonight.
- This reminds me a lot of how I felt on 9/11. A sense of disorientation, disbelief, followed by horror. One thing I learned from that experience, as well as the coverage of Hurricane Katrina, was that you have to step away from the media coverage. It is almost overwhelming and you need to protect yourself by not watching every moment. I watched quite a bit early in the evening, but Ken and I watched a movie after that and tried to give ourselves a break for a bit. I’m staying informed, but I’m trying to stay healthy, too.
- It hits close to home that the worst attack was at a concert. I know how much I love going to concerts, and it is always a joyous occasion for me. Live music, sharing a communal experience with other fans, just losing myself in the music and the fun of a live show. Music is supposed to be a celebration, and it hurts my heart that that joy was taken away from some people...maybe for good.
- We are going to the Notre Dame football game on Saturday, and I’d be lying if I said I felt no trepidation about it. The stadium holds upwards of 80,000 people, and what a horrible thought to contemplate some sort of attack here or anywhere. However, I refuse to live my life in fear. That’s what this is all about. They want us to be afraid, just like any other bully. I refuse.
- I don’t care what your agenda is, whether you’re on the right or the left, religious or not religious...stop making this about you and your agenda, okay? I’m seeing quite a bit of bullshit spinning it one way or another. Just drop it already, try not to politicize it for one fucking day, and just stand with the people of France and let them know that we’ve got their back, always. That goes for any atheists who are ridiculing prayers or wondering if your god let this happen and blah di fucking blah. Just let people deal with this as best they can and stop putting your spin on it. This is a tragedy for all of us. People died and their loved ones are grieving tonight. That is what matters.
Everyone try and be a little nicer to others tomorrow. I know I will.
*Peace*
