Monday, January 21, 2008

Real Live Story

As much as I like to write and express thoughts ranging from personal reflection to humor, today I am putting all of these aside and directing you another blog to read from.

I've always been drawn to stories that speak from the heart and when the author is willing to unveil pieces of their past that might not always be the easiest words to express, it seems to resonate even more.


We are all human and we all have parts of our lives that are uncomfortable to talk about. I think it's safe to say that trying to quantify which ones are more or less significant than another persons is foolish. In other words, what might seem like "no big deal" to me, could be a huge stumbling block to someone else, and vice versa. We all have baggage to carry around, but if we are willing to open up and let the rest of the world see even a glimpse of who we are and where we've been, then I think it's safe to say that we'll find out that we are not all that much different from each other. Our individual stories might not be the same, but the pain we try to bury is universal to one degree or another.


The story of Lynn's (Real Live Lesbian) attempt at suicide many years ago is unfolded in her own words which are both chilling and beautifully written. I can tell you that it, unlike so many others, has a happy ending. I encourage you to take the time to read this well written and encouraging post.


You can read the story in its entirety by clicking here, or you can go to her day by day posts (five in all) of it by clicking here. Either way be sure to leave her a comment.

14 comments:

Mimi Lenox said...

Thanks, Jeff. I will go read it now.

Real Live Lesbian said...

Wow, Jeff. Thanks for the post. It means a lot to me to have your support. And thanks for the compliments. It was hard to write. And I wasn't sure that it was coming across very well.

Really, thanks.

Jeff B said...

Mimi- I'm sure you will enjoy it. She did a great job telling her story.

Real LL- No thanks needed. A testimonial with this much power to it needs to be sharred. As you said, "If it helps even one person..." Indeed, I know it has.

Dana said...

RLL's story does an amazing job of making an illogical (for lack of a better word) act more logical. It was a well written, rare perspective.

Thanks for supporting her story. It really is an important one!

Anndi said...

You know how this subject has been on my mind lately.

Thank you for pointing me to it.

**HUGS**

Schmoop said...

It has been a very compelling story indeed. Cheers Jeff!!

buffalodick said...

I was reading it as it unfolded also. Very well written indeed!

Mel said...

Wow.

Dunno if the message found anyone else, but it found me.

Wow.


(thanks sir....greatly....)

Suldog said...

Hi, Jeff:

Thanks for stopping by my place. I'll be back here, for sure.

I've been to RLL's before. I enjoy reading her stuff. Haven't been for a while, though, so I'll be sure to head on over to check out this posting.

Jeff B said...

Dana- Thank goodness for the ending it has.

Anndi- Your post about Dede, this one about Lynn and a personal story about suicide from someone I talked to yesterday have all come together in a unsetteling coincidence. Real's (Lynn) is the only one that ended in life.

Matt- Yes it has been.

Buffalo- She did a great job with it.

Mel- "Wow" is the exact phrase I uttered several time while reading it.

Suldog- I'll look forward to getting to know you.

Travis Cody said...

Thanks for the referral.

Amazing Gracie said...

Jeff, I read her post and left a message for her as well. I had a moment like that once in my life but God stayed my hand. When I think back on it, the enormity of it overwhelms me.
~~~Blessings~~~

Diva said...

RLL is a cool chickie. It's amazing how one can find the support and inner strength to grow after an event like that.

Jeff B said...

Travis- I think she hits a subject that touches most of our live at some point or another.

Grace- I hope her story was an encouragement to you.

Diva- She really is an amazing woman, and I'm so glad she was able to bounce back and be a peace with her true self.

Thanks for coming by, feel free to drop in anytime.