It's all worthwhile.

[carsonshepherd]

I was just going through some PCs (I very rarely check them) and I noticed an anonymous comment on my story What Chocolate Mousse Can Do, which is the story of a woman who's gotten out of an abusive relationship and meets a wonderful gay couple who teach her about love, sex and friendship.

This is the feedback:

I need HELP
03/14/07 by Anonymous
Reading your story,all though fiction, I relize that I'm as abusive and controlling. I know that no one cares, but I'm tired and need a forum.I'm 39 and think I'm bi or gay but deffinatly curious problem is I'm in a broken 13 year hetro realationship. Angry with myself. Love her but not the way she wants.Don't know how to say to her don't want to hurt her. I'm weak but very strong?Lonely.stupid.Thank you for an interesting point of view.

I can't respond directly, but I want to say to this anonymous reader that I'm so very, very grateful that my words helped you realize this important thing about yourself. Now that you know you're an abuser, and how destructive that behavior is, you can change it.

Knowing that something I wrote helped someone see the truth in their own life makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you,
Carson

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Wow!

Good response, Carson.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[The_Fool]

That, more than any other reason, is why we have to write the words.

 

[jomar]

Ditto.

 

[tickledkitty]

Wow, Carson. You may have saved someone's life. That's amazing.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Wow, Carson. You may have saved someone's life. That's amazing.

I certainly wouldn't go that far! Just opening someone's eyes is enough.

 

[carsonshepherd]

That, more than any other reason, is why we have to write the words.

That's why I was moved to share that... not to congratulate myself, but to inspire the other authors here. We really can make a difference. I'm grateful for the chance.

 

[3113]

I can't respond directly, but I want to say to this anonymous reader that I'm so very, very grateful that my words helped you realize this important thing about yourself. Now that you know you're an abuser, and how destructive that behavior is, you can change it.

Maybe you should post this on your story as your own "author's comment"? I don't usually like to respond to comments on my stories, but I think in such an instance it's allowed and a good ideas--the poster might well come back to re-read and see it.

And thanks for the reminder, Carson. The frustrations of writing can often make us forget about the unexpected rewards like this one--that we can make a difference.

 

[Vermilion]

I certainly wouldn't go that far! Just opening someone's eyes is enough.

Oh Carson, you don't have to save someone from death to save their life.
x
V

 

[neonlyte]

Nice going, Carson.

 

[Nirvanadragones]

Oh Carson, you don't have to save someone from death to save their life.

Amen.

I love this thread, Carson. What's more, I love that you chose to share this with us. Thank you.

It's strange, though. I was thinking about this today - how we "search" - sometimes for answers, or elements that touch us, or simply meaning. In music, books, people, art, feelings. We're forever searcing for something. And when it's found in the most unusual place, under the most unexpected circumstances, it becomes even more significant.

And now I simply have to read "What Chocolate Mousse Can Do"

 

[carsonshepherd]

Oh Carson, you don't have to save someone from death to save their life.
x
V

You're so very right. *hugs* Some very special people right here (they know who they are) helped me along my own path and I count them among my blessings.

 

[bluebell]

Lyle's Golden Syrup

It's strange, though. I was thinking about this today - how we "search" - sometimes for answers, or elements that touch us, or simply meaning. In music, books, people, art, feelings. We're forever searcing for something. And when it's found in the most unusual place, under the most unexpected circumstances, it becomes even more significant.

I completely agree, Vana.
It's a shame that it becomes such a rarity, just finding that connection. I think for a bunch of different reasons (preconditioned responses, apathy, ignorance, or what-have-you) we aren't on the lookout for...each other.

More than anything I think we search for a recognition of souls with another person and even if we go through life with eyes open, it's difficult to find.

Carson, I'm glad that your life has helped another. It's a gift you shared, even without knowing.
I mean, that's sort of one reason why we're here, right? To help each other along and use our own experiences (bad, good, or otherwise) to be a bridge for others?

 

[kendo1]

Thanks for sharing, Carson.
It gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Ken

 

[carsonshepherd]

I mean, that's sort of one reason why we're here, right? To help each other along and use our own experiences (bad, good, or otherwise) to be a bridge for others?

Exactly. I was so lucky to have people who helped me, I feel it's my debt to pass it along to others. In this case, I was just looking to tell a story about a woman getting herself back.

 

[impressive]

Oh Carson, you don't have to save someone from death to save their life.
x
V

Brilliant quote.

 

[bluebell]

Exactly. I was so lucky to have people who helped me, I feel it's my debt to pass it along to others. In this case, I was just looking to tell a story about a woman getting herself back.

And it worked as an unexpected present.
That's one of the more loveable things about life, the fact that we can have a <click!> moment at any time, and due to any passing word or action by another person.
You never know when those moments are coming, and they aren't always pleasant, but sometimes they help you in a way you never thought was possible.