The End of a Blog - Unite the Fight

On of the amazing benefits from blogging is the interesting and innovative people one finds in the blogosphere. Through common activism and interaction with other bloggers relationships are formed that are hard for non-bloggers to understand. By cross-linking and following others' blogs, sharing links, passing on tips on posts and commenting on the efforts of other bloggers a true bond develops - even though oft times you've never met the other blogger in person. Today I received an e-mail from Phillip Minton at Unite the Fight indicating that due to other commitments and related factors, he was uploading his last post to the blog and that while the blog would remain online for some time, the blog's life was coming to an end.

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I have thought at times that I should perhaps cease blogging. But, in an unexplainable way, one's blog becomes a part of them. Thus, deciding to cease posting for good is a very emotional experience. On the other side of the equation is the amount of time it takes to blog daily and endeavor to provide informed information and commentary.

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Fortunately, Phillip will not be disappearing entirely and will be a contributing writer to Karen Ocamb's LGBT Pov. I wish Phillip the best in his future endeavors and look forward to reading his pieces at LGBT Pov. I have truly enjoyed following Phillip's passionate blogging. I hope that Phillip also knows that he always has a platform on this blog if he needs to satisfy his blogging urge.

A Heart Felt Thank You to My Readers

I've explained in part what came down over the last few days in terms of my melt down. What I have not properly recognized is the incredible outpouring of messages of concern and support from the readers of this blog. Some have left comments, others have e-mailed and some have even called by phone. One reader even called the Norfolk police and set them to looking for me not realizing I was in Hampton and already being taken care of prior to transfer to the facility I stayed at.

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I cannot tell you how much the support of all of you has meant to me. Between the boyfriend who is so amazing), my family, local friends and my blogosphere family I am indeed blessed. From the outset of this blog, it has been my goal to share my journey and that includes the good, the bad and the ugly - and the last two days definitely fell within the ugly realm. If and when I do write the book I'd like to write, I do want to share my experiences so that hopefully others will see they can ultimately prevail despite some very dark days and rough roads.

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Thank you to all who have been so wonderful in this rocky time.

Friends and Wonderful Words of Support

Knowing that I am stressed to the max and a wreck emotionally, my next door neighbor gave me tickets for the Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, playing tonight at the Ferguson Center for the Arts on the Peninsula. My friends Martin and Christopher will be going with me. Thank you Erica!

On top of that, I just received another e-mail wishing me well from a member of my blogosphere family. It touched me and I wanted to share it, so here it is:

Michael: To quote Winston Churchill:

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

And one of my favorite quotes (and perhaps closer to the mark for you just now?):

“It is never too late to become what you might have been.” – George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) 1819-1880

All of us will be in that courtroom with you tomorrow, my friend. Much love

Blogosphere Friends

I want to thank those who have sent me messages of concern, support and outrageous humor from places as far away as Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (thanks Michelle), to as close as right here in Tidewater, Virginia. Besides providing a great form of therapy, writing this blog has generated so many unique and interesting friends who are smart, witty, and generally amazing.

To be honest, I think I often get more emotional support from my interactions with readers and fellow bloggers than I did from a therapy group I was in for a month or so (not that I am critical of the group). I truly am so glad to have connected to each and every one of you. I also note for the record that Raymond, your care and concern has been comforting as well. Hugs and kisses to you down in Charlotte.