[Soapbox] Life, Death and everything in between

First let me apologize, I'm not trying to take away from LL and his thread that deserves all the attention it's getting.

With all of the loss, the hurt, the good/bad that happens around here, I feel inspired to just share some thoughts.

My heart is truly aching right now. Many of you have shared some tough times, and even though it isn't me that is going through these times directly, I feel these pains in the deepest of places for all of you.

Unfortunately, life has a cruel way of reminding us all just how precious every moment really is. What do we take from these times of sorrow? What can we do to hopefully get through things with as little pain as possible? Is there an end to the seemingly endless hurt that some experience? In simple terms, yes, there is always light if we choose to seek it. Even in my darkest moments, when It seemed there would be only darkness, I've fought to find what I hoped would be enough light to get me through. It's hard, beyond hard at times. For those who have not been able to find it on this planet, let's not judge, or say this should of or could have happened. Instead, let's hope they've found it in their own way.

I'm writing this as I watch my fiancé and 20 month old son play, I'm brought to tears this very moment by thoughts of losing them but moreso the happiness I feel by sharing my life with them. My family is my light these days, I'm hoping each and everyone has or finds your light, it's there somewhere, it may be dim or seemingly non existent, but it's there.

Pain, it's been a huge part in molding me into the man I am today, almost a necessary evil, I guess. I take all that I've gone through and try hard to turn it into something positive. It's not always easy, but with every negative in our lives, beating it, overcoming the odds builds strength within us.

It may not seem like much, but I would gladly talk to or do anything for anyone on this board in times of need. My passion is helping people anyway I can, no matter how big or small the issue may seem. I've been through so much in this life, I appreciate all that I have and every moment I have left. I just want to give back in anyway I can. I'm passionate about this board and the people that make it all that it is.

Last thoughts, look around you, see everything that is there. Focus on all that you have, not what you don't. The journey though tough at times, is the most important part, it shouldn't always be about the destination. Thank you to everyone here. Thank you for sharing, for caring, for saying F You and everything in between. It feels like we've all gone through so much together, albeit through the Internet, it's still much appreciated.

 

I'm more than secure in my manhood, laugh all you want. Hell, I laugh at myself all the time. Not everyone is strong enough to be open, it's cool, you are who you are.