Sad Turn of Events, or, Brace Yourself, I'm About to Get Political

There is slamming of doors. Over and Over. Bang, Boom. It is irritating to me - not only the very sound, but the absence of need for such behavior. People, as selfish beings, care not for the others that are inconvenienced.

The "slammers" are laughing. They think it's quite clever how loudly they can slam their doors... they are having a contest and a good chuckle. They are grating my last nerve. It isn't there fault though.

This was a bad week - all around, and I thought I'd escape it when Friday's bell tolled 5. It amazes me how wrong I can be. The bad stuff was not just personal or professional, but a mix of the two, coupled with terrible events happening to those I care about. I was vilified by a member of the arts community I work for because of her personal bias against me. My nephew was vilified by his kindergarten teacher because he is too shy. My sister and her husband work to make sure this experience doesn't ruin education for him. A friend's longtime family pet died, and her kids found him. How to explain what has happened? Hiding tears and stay strong.

A friend and colleague who I have had the honor of directing was diagnosed with lung cancer, and the outlook is not promising. To California to see a specialist, he tells me. He throws in a joke, with a genuine laugh. We hug. Again, tears, but this time their ownership was mine. Hide them, stay strong, and hope for the best.

A teacher who was one of the single most influential forces in my life, passed away after a terrible battle with cancer just yesterday. Her influence was not only educational, but social as they were close friends of the family. So close to the holidays. Tears, again, joined by those of my family. Pray for peace for the family.

Cancer is a scary word - but for my family, it is a word just like any other. It took my maternal Grandmother. It took my paternal Grandfather. It took a great aunt and a second cousin. It is currently battling my mother, two more aunts, and several extended family members. I hate it. My mother told me today "I believe everyone has cancer, some people just die from other causes before they find out."

This was my week. I had hoped to find relief in the calm of an empty Saturday. I've got a friend coming from afar for a visit this evening. I clean my laundry room too keep busy.

A phone call today is the final straw. A friend, new to our social circle, had a hear attack last night. He was in his low 30's, and very healthy... in great shape. There may have been other circumstances leading to this tragic event, but their place is not here.

This man found his way into our social circle when he began to date a friend of mine, who also happens to be male. It was easy to accept him - he was kind, caring, and enjoyable. They were a gay couple trying to make love work in the conservative area of Grand Forks.

As it stands right now, my friend is not allowed in to the hospital room to see his boyfriend, due to the wishes of his parents. He, of course, has no legal rights, nor will he ever, as long as the current state of things is allowed to prevail. Fear and bigotry, hatred and cowardice have won out, and we create a second class citizenship. I am going down see my friend because someone has to. He's just sitting in Fargo, with no information, no rights, and a lot of fear. Congratulations America.

But what do we do? We can't be political - or we face polarizing ourselves. We can't make a scene - we have to remain neutral. Hoping we can bring some peace to the situation, a trip to Fargo is impending.

Mix all the tears together: tears of tragedy, tears of loss, tears of hatred, tears of fear. Blend them all and hope for a better day.

Peace::Ben::Team CulturePulse