I'm sitting in a cafe, answering PMs with tears rolling down my cheeks (happens to me all the time on BL--I'm an unapologetic crier!) When my friends and family IRL question my involvement with Bluelight, I try to tell them that I am convinced that Bluelight saves lives. Not because any of us are necessarily so wise or knowledgeable or sympathetic though every one of those things exists here in abundance; no, I think that what initially drew me in to BL and keeps me here is seeing day in and day out the finest gift one human being can offer another: acceptance. In order to have this happen in any real way, one person has to be vulnerable, baring both their circumstances and their behaviors and ultimately their souls. Then it is up to the community to really listen without judgement. Expressing opinions and giving advice without judgement is a fine art! But it happens here every day.
Captain, I am so happy that you didn't lose your job and that you found support to get through what was a very tough time. I'm sure that there will be more of those ahead (not to be pessimistic--just that's life!) and you know that you always have this community for a bit of sanity in this crazy world. I count on it for that reason and it never disappoints me even when it reflects some of the insanity, because we keep it real and we try our hardest to keep it respectful. You have given out some great advice yourself and I am sure that there are more than a few that have benefited from that.
villain, I am so happy that you are here, that you continue to survive your hard times and give yourself the time and the opportunity to grow. Struggling through is not in vain. The empathy and understanding that comes from your experiences is soul-gold. Though my own son did not make it through, I can honestly say that his experiences in his short life gave him a deeper understanding of life than many get over a lifetime.
P.S. A guy waiting in line for his coffee apparently noticed me crying and came over and asked me if I was alright. When I told him that I was just crying out of gratitude he gave me a squeeze on the shoulder and said, "well, that just made MY day". I love TDS and I love my town! Everything ripples outward, eh?
