North Texas, South Texas, East Texas, West Texas and Austin

LOL...North Texas, South Texas, East Texas, West Texas and Austin. We would then move to the free state of Austin. I always love his videos.  I'm referring to my partner, Peter's recent posting of "Can Texas Secede From The Union?"  The video was so smart and hilarious.

Yeah, I could definitely see many of our out of state liberal friends wanting this state to leave. Hell, sometimes I can't even stand many of its' ill conceived policies run by an idiot that was voted in by idiots. The fact is though that with its' faults it also has many promises like lots of available area to live, work and start a family in a climate that's lovely minus the occasional hurricane and constant humidity. This with its' thriving economy, and promise of jobs and lower taxes and costs of living, many outsiders have flocked to this state in a mass migration.

The great news is that the people that are moving are coming from more expensive and liberal states, and they are not ashamed to bring their views with them. This state can only be the crazy conservative state for so long before its' changing population starts voting the other way, turning the state blue. It will happen. If things like gay marriage and immigration rights are no longer a party issue then it won't be too long before the conservative religious parts of the republican party just stop voting, as they're threatening to do now. Once that happens, along with cultural changes and time, Texas will be a thriving liberal state and Rick Perry will be a relic from the past. We will party when that day arrives.
 
I cannot wait. Texas will not be its' own country. It's heading in the complete opposite direction to one day be just like the other large, liberal states in our country, and there's nothing that these conservatives can do about it except move. Problem is that the only countries that still share their views are third worlds parts of Africa and the middle east, and last time I checked most bible belt religious fanatics don't really like black or brown people. They could build a space ship and colonize another planet in their conservative image, but that would mean they'd have to believe in science first to actually accomplish such a feat. 

The only option I could think of left would be if God himself came down and brought them all up to heaven, which I'm sure they're all hoping for. Only, last time I checked, God didn't approve of haters. Tough luck people. Sucks to be you. Your time has past and our victory is nigh! Someone hit the play button to Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" already. 

Quoted - My Partner Ryan on His Trip to the Post Office Yesterday

"This was outside the post office along with another guy asking if I wanted to know more about being a revolutionary. God Bless Texas and all it's crazies. Suffice it to say he didn't ask the black guy that was walking in front of me." 

- My Partner, Ryan 

on his trip to the Post Office yesterday, April 9, 2013

Nobody Forces Us To Eat Anything by Ryan Lopez

So on October, 2011 I offended someone with one of my blog posts, Foods That Will Make You Fat - Issue No. 25.   

I think I gave a pretty decent response, but suffice it to say, I discontinued the series with the hope of bringing it back someday.

But before I bring back the series - my partner, Ryan gave a response I'd like to share with my readers.  I thought it was great.

"nobody forces us to eat anything, unless you consider the peer pressure to 'be with the group and not a hater' when it comes to eating with family, friends or co-workers. Even so, most restaurants will nowadays at least try to offer something healthy to everyone that is knowledgeable about their health and cares to not over indulge.  Still, if I was raised in a family that never ate healthy and this food is all the food that I knew, I might not be aware of what is healthy and what is not. Granted, it's not hard to see how the sh!t on this particular blog, "Foods that will make you fat," will undoubtedly make you fat, but at the same time until people really started saying something about the health concerns that fast food brings with it, these restaurants had no healthy options. If they did they more than likely were not that healthy to begin with. 

My point is this: While there may be some frivolous lawsuits out there, lawyers aren't cheap and time is money, especially when you consider the expensive attorney you'd need to hire to try and take on a fast food corporation as well as the time it'd take for this case to go through the numerous courts just to possibly get anywhere with any results whatsoever. It's not easy to just go and sue and get money. The people that decided to bravely take this journey on are mainly interested in having their message heard and making change. Take the infamous hot coffee incident that, for the most part, everybody has heard of but no one truly knows the details. A woman at McDonald's spills hot coffee on herself, sues because the coffee is too hot, wins and makes money off her own mistake.

Sounds horrible right? 

But what if I told you that the coffee was so hot that it seared the flesh off her bones. When the poor woman got to the hospital the doctors could see the internal muscle and bones inside the two gaping holes in her legs that the hot coffee had made. She needed multiple skin graphs to fix the injury that her insurance wouldn't cover and that she couldn't afford. So she sues McDonald's for two reasons: To not only get the money that she needs to pay back the debt she owes on her surgery, but to also get McDonald's to lower the temperature on their coffee so this suffering could not happen to anyone else. 

While suing McDonald's because you're fat sounds outright ridiculous, it'd help get them to change what they offer so at least there's something somewhat decent to eat there now for all of us health conscious people out there. But what about those that aren't and all they can afford to feed themselves, as well as their children, is a quick fast food meal? At least those places now give not only alternate food options but possibly what their food products now contain regarding calories and grams of fat. They didn't do this on their own. Somebody had to have the bravery to stand up to them and say something. So next time you may thing about criticizing the "lazy, good for nothing" plaintiff that's suing somebody, or consider standing up and applauding tort reform (lawsuit reform) please check out the documentary, "Hot Coffee". Yes, a plug at this point doesn't sound too good, but it really opened my eyes to what's happening to the courts in our country and how it doesn't look too good for our future unless we stand up and say something right now. Change does not happen by itself, it takes people to make it happen, as well as a whole lot of bitching. I appreciate what these people have done for us, and we all owe them a big thank you. I won't forget it, will you?" 

- Ryan Joseph Lopez

Quoted: Days of Future Past by Ryan Joseph Lopez

"You just can't debate with crazy, or practically anyone anymore. The world is changing for the better, but some people just can't accept that. All they have left to hold on to are their beliefs. When those once common ideas are now considered outdated, irrational and even hateful, and can be justly proven so, people get angry and desperate and will fight to the very end to protect an ideology that they hold sacred. It's an unfortunate sign of the most conservative parts of the Republican party. Never give up, never surrender, never admit you're wrong, just keep screaming nonsense until you drown out your opponent and every last one of his facts. Well I have a few facts to share myself: Gay people can get married without the sky falling or your family being affected in anyway, shape or form aside from the possibility of them not sharing your homophobic hate. Black people can be in charge of a country that once considered them property. Being a Liberal is not the same thing as being weak. Trust me. We fight against income inequality in the Occupy Movement. We fight for the right to unionize in Wisconsin, Indiana, Arizona and any other states controlled by a Republican majority that wishes for it to be a "right to work" state. We fight for the health of our women when conservative wolves in pink sheep's clothing attempt to break down Planned Parenthood. And we fight for our right to marry the person we love to not only receive the same benefits that everyone else gets, but to also simply show that we are no different from any straight couple and hence should not be treated differently as such. California is another footstep in the marathon that is the fight for marriage equality and gay rights everywhere. We will continue fighting. We are not weak. We are stronger than ever and we will fight for Obama this year and we will win. We must. This country needs to show the world that we stand for common sense, compassion and an ability to inspire hope in others by getting back up after being knocked down hard. Screaming at the top of your lungs until you can't hear the facts just won't do for this country of ours, and neither will defeat, hatred, or the desire to divide. We can come together to make sure our country continues to succeed and head in its' current, correct direction. We can vote for Obama 2012, because hope is nothing without people to believe in it and change is impossible without people to fight for it."  

- Ryan Joseph Lopez on Blade7184's post 

"Quoted: Miley Cyrus on Her Marriage Equality Tattoo"

Mealies For My Love

Earlier today I posted a picture on Facebook, and by looking at it you would think I was having a party.  Mardi Gras anyone? LOL.

Actually, the food is for my partner, Ryan.  No, he's not going to eat it all tonight;  Though, we are having a sample of each dish for dinner.

When I make dinner every night there is usually some left-overs, and with those left-overs I make "Mealies For My Love".  What are those?  Well, they're pre-packaged meals that I freeze and Ryan takes to work each day.   But since I hardly cooked this week - I didn't have any left-overs and Ryan was running low on his mealies;  He only had one left in the freezer.

And yes, they are labeled with the date, and the particular food that's in them. LOL.

It's not very often that I cook food in bulk like this, but this week was the exception; We've been having other foods stored in our freezer for the past week.

So in the end, when I see that Ryan is running low, this is what I do.  Oh - how I love my husband so.

Mixed Vegetable Medley, Macaroni & Cheese Tuna Melt, Oven Roasted Chicken, Chicken Bruschetta Bake, & Lemon Pepper Tilapia

I Quote That - Scared

To the one person I love most in this world, Ryan Joseph Lopez

Documentaries To Watch: The Bully Project

If you don't want to read any of what I have to say, at least view the trailer down below.

Sometimes I just want to go back to a school, ANY school, and be some kind of instructor, teacher, counselor, or monitor that just watches out for these kids. I can see how spotting every bullying situation could be difficult for teachers and administrators alike, but at the same time I was harassed for years consistently and not once, NOT ONCE, did any teacher or administrator do a fucking thing about it.  Until my mom forced them to.

Over a period of four years, 5-8 grade, at lunch, in class, in the locker room, at physical education, in the halls.... there wasn't a single place except maybe the bathroom where I wasn't tormented. This behavior in school will never stop until something is done. Now that I think about it, only you can stop someone from bullying another person when you witness it in action. Trying to handle it through force or punishment isn't possible. Only through educating the students as early as kindergarten on why bullying is wrong and hurtful will be the only way to stop all this pain.

These kids need to be taught how horrible it can feel to be on the other end of the jokes, harassment and ridicule, but also learn how easy and misguided one can be to join in on the fun - taking part without realizing the damage they have done.

Teach them the power of words and how much more of an impact they can sometimes be than a fist to the face. Words can stop bullying and create new friends, yet still have the ability to cause unimaginable pain depending on how they're used.

Show them how being smart or small or different or gay is not the equivalent to being a freak, something wrong or a very bad thing. Being unique is a gift. It's special because you're not like everyone else. You're you, and you're great just for being who you are. It's a message that isn't shared enough today.

But no matter what is done in the schools to teach our kids to be kind to each other, as long as they continue to see horrible examples of bigotry, hate and abuse set by our politicians, pastors and parents, there will never be an end to the suffering and fear some kids face every day they go to school. This can be changed. It can no longer be accepted as a rite of passage or child's play, and to anyone out there that would dare call the protection of a gay child from anti-gay rhetoric "freedom of religion" or "anti-Christian bigotry"...... to hell with you.

I know this is a very inappropriate stance to take and is the absolute worst way to try and bring all people together to stop this epidemic....but seriously...to hell with you! Open your mind, your heart and your eyes and see that these kids are dying right in front of us. They are innocent and have done nothing to deserve this, but when you hide behind your religious beliefs to cloak your hatred and bigotry you are the bullies. You are the instigators. You are the cause of this pain and suffering that no loving God would condone, and you are an accessory to murder if you do not change your words and actions that have farther reaching consequences then you could ever imagine. Stop worrying about the life of an unborn fetus and start caring about the child that cries himself to sleep every night because he knows he's different, he knows he can't change, and all he wants is the torture and pain to stop so that he can truly be loved just the way he is. Will you love him for who he is or condemn him for being a sinner? What would Jesus really do.

We all have the power to stop this ongoing tragedy. Whether it be taking action to enact anti-bullying laws, speaking to your school administrators or simply having a conversation with your child. I beg all of you to do something, anything, to try and attempt to eradicate this evil that has been going on in our schools for way too long. I can't say this enough but these kids are dying, and unless we act, more will continue to have their lives cut short by this catastrophe that is bullying. Don't be the parent standing over the grave of your 12 year old child. Don't be the school official that didn't intervene and say something. Don't be the person that talks about religious values when you can't even comprehend what they truly mean. Don't be a bully and don't be a bystander that does nothing. Be a hero. It's definitely not an easy task and it never will be, but someone has to do it. There is no Superman. There is only you and your ability to love and be kind to others, over an easy choice to hate. You have the power. Make the right decision. Stop bullying today.

Almost a year ago, my partner Peter posted this trailer on his blog, Blade 7184 that moved me beyond words, and it will finally be released on March 9, 2012.  Please watch it, it would mean a lot if you did.

Back To The Real World

photo courtesy of David Kozlowski

Ryan and I took a mini-winter break to the flatlands of South Texas near Corpus Christi, and visited my family over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.  It was a much needed break, and so well worth it.  We arrived at my Mom and Dad's around 4 in the afternoon on Saturday and stayed until Monday afternoon.  We didn't get home until 5:45 PM, yesterday.

On Saturday, my mother was making Tamales when we walked in.  For those who have made them before, you know it takes a long, long time to prepare and cook them.  She worked on these for two whole days, in between spending time with us children, and our niece.

After posting a picture on Facebook of my mom and a huge pile of tamales she had just finished cooking, everyone started commenting that they were coming over. So we did end up visiting with old friends and family from our younger years.  It was nice.

Other than the disappointing loss by the Texans on Sunday afternoon, everything else was great.  My sister dressed up our niece in a Texans Cheerleader outfit Ryan and I had bought her for the game, and she looked absolutely stunning. LOL.  She wore it for her uncles despite the backlash she would receive from her Dallas and Eagle fans.  My sister and brother-in-law Luther are Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles fans respectfully.

We didn't get to see Luther until late Sunday, as he was deep sea fishing with his Dad.  They caught 70 lbs of fish!

On Monday (yesterday), Mom also made a huge breakfast for us. She made fresh homemade tortillas, refried beans, papas fritas (fried potatoes), bacon, sausage, and Eggs.  Luther, Vicky and Lily also came over to have breakfast with us before we left.  Overall we had a great time and appreciated all that my mom did for us.  I will definitely have to do something for her, or send her something for all the hard work she went through.  Regardless if she says it makes her happy doing it for her babies.

I'm glad to be back and will blog as time permits.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pre-scheduled blogs that will post automatically. So please stay tuned...

Peter aka Blade 7184

Toilet Gamer

Okay, even this a stretch, but would my Ryan do this if he could?  Honestly?  I few years ago I think he probably would have.  I can almost bet he took his portable to the potty.  Didn't you my angel?. LOL.

Our 2012 Milestones - Happy New Year!

First and foremost, I want to thank God for another wonderful year of my life.  I believe in His awesomeness while others will have you believe otherwise.  

Being gay is a gift from God, and I truly believe He wouldn't have allowed my mother to carry me to full term if He was the hateful being some Christians portray him to be.  Thank you God, I love you!

Thank you for allowing me be with the man I most admire in this world, my partner Ryan.  He has been my sole companion for the past 6-1/2 years and I could never have asked for a better person in my life.  The year 2012 is going to be a huge blessing for us.   We will reach two milestones we have never faced in our lifetime.  

First and foremost, celebrating our 7 year anniversary - something we both have never done.  My two longest relationships were each 4 years long, and I never would have imagined that the third time around would have been a charm.  And a charm he was.  I love you Ryan!  Just goes to show that meeting someone online and falling in love is possible. 

The second milestone in our lives will be in late June or early July when Ryan and I will officially be out of credit card debt.  Now, this may not seem like a big deal for most of you, but for us it is.  Since we've been together we have amassed over $60,000 in credit card debt.  Don't get us wrong, we don't regret spending any of it, there was good in all of this.  We wouldn't have what we have today, if we didn't have the use of a credit card at our disposal.  The majority of that money was invested in the remodeling of our home and the purchases we made throughout the years to make our home beautiful inside and out.  In either case, to say we will not shed tears come June or July is an understatement.  This is a big deal for us.  We will shed tears, because for the first time in our lives every bit of cash we garner from work will go towards building our future home, our eventual marriage and fulfilling our dream of spending the rest of our lives together.

I would also like to take this time to wish a Happy New Year to our loving families, both of who support mine and Ryan's relationship, our dear friends (you know who you are), the readers of my blog, my co-workers, and to all the people on Facebook who have taken the time to say hi, wished me happy birthday, and became friends with me even if they had no clue who I was. :-)

May God Bless all of you in 2012!  Happy New Year!

-Peter aka Blade 7184

I Quote That - You Are My Sunshine...

When we met, I told you that a relationship would never work, unless the person you came to love became your one and only best friend.  Holding true to my words, we've become the bestest of friends and the greatest of lovers.

Words will never compare to how much you mean to me, Ryan Lopez, but just to let you know...  It's been nearly 6-1/2 years, and my love for you has never waivered. You continue to make me smile and laugh, but most importantly you make me feel loved...  You are my sunshine.

Our Secret Garden - Summer - July 2011

Ryan and I moved into our home in the summer of 2006, and the yard was one of the things that was in need of major repair.

I have worked on it daily over the span of 5 years,  fertilizing, tilling, re-seeding, and planting to get our yard looking beautiful.

The backyard we call "Our Secret Garden" is a paradise I created for Ryan, the love of my life.

As you watch the slideshow, you will notice a Koi Pond, (something Ryan has always wanted), a pool that I made for myself (because I always need to cool down when I'm working outside during the hot summer months), a small house, (where I do all my crafts and projects; yes, it  has an AC and a heater), a small vegetable garden, a memorial for our pets who have passed away, and finally a hammock to relax after a long hard day.

"I often think it's so surreal, and when I look back at all that I've accomplished in such a short period of time, it only strengthens my belief that I could never do this for anyone other than my man - He is the breath of me." 

- Peter aka Blade

I chose "Ocean Size Love" by Leigh Nash, because it was a song I remember listening to when Ryan and I moved into our home. The ocean being the largest body of water, and so vast, this is how our love is - Ocean Size!

Amputated Mermaids, Puerto Rican Badasses and the Wrath of Kahn: What was almost The Edge of Glory

"This video raped the song in the ass and left it to die on the street corner, right next to the hooker and her saxophone player." Ouch. That was just one of the hundreds of glittering comments left by a somewhat disappointed little monster after watching Lady Gaga's newest music video, The Edge of Glory. Granted, the video wasn't what I expected but was this hating really necessary? Sure I eagerly anticipated the theatrical release of another one of Gaga's music videos after its' announcement only days ago. Thoughts raced through my head about what ballsy, outlandish thing she could possibly think of and do this time that could somehow outdo her previous work on Judas. By the time the video was finally displayed, for all the world to see, on the most recent episode of So You Think You Can Dance, my heart was beating in excitement as adrenaline ferociously pumped through my little monster veins....for the first minute. The chorus soon followed along with not much of anything else. Same scene, same outfit, same cast, same Gaga and then it was over. The video left you with a feeling not of a simmering sensation from such a visual orgasm, as most of her videos did, but instead more like that of an empty, lifeless, deflated rubber balloon that just finished squeaking out its' last bit of air. What the F*CK was that? Why would Gaga do something so...boring? Most of all: Why would you air a music video on a TV show that's only willing to play half of it? (Screw you So You Think You Can Dance! ) Many questions needed answering. After some thorough online research, things slowly began to surface.

After the initial showing of the video the Gaga fan forums were ablaze with not the most prettiest responses and comments, but one rumor that began circulating was that Gaga and the video's director had "creative differences" and then parted ways. Originally it was believed that the fight was with Laurieann Gibson, Gaga's creative director, Judas' video co-producer and close friend, but after cheerfully accepting the award for international video of the year alongside Gaga at Canada's Much Music Awards it seemed that Laurieann was still allowed inside the Haus of Gaga. In reality, Joseph Khan, who had previously worked with Lady Gaga on LoveGame and Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say), was hired to direct the music video for the Edge of Glory. Apparently though, it just wasn't meant to be. The New York Post's Pop Wrap blog reported that Kahn, despite agreeing to create the video, left production after arguing with Gaga while filming. Chancler Haynes, Kahn's on-set editor, according to Pop Wrap, said that Gaga's and Kahn's idea for the film was a constant struggle of opinions.

"Gaga changed her mind and told Joseph what to do. His hands were tied. The director just didn't have control over Gaga after she started making changes [and] Joseph's concept died," stated Haynes.

The concept in question varies depending on who you ask. Supposedly E! News obtained a casting call notice for the video which asks for a "Puerto Rican or Dominican type badass" who "must be willing to kiss Lady Gaga", "Couture Doctors" who will wear smocks and black gloves", a "male or female on-air reporter", and "a group of military men to hold M16 rifles" according to MTV news. Pop Wrap also states that several sets had been created for the video. 

Images of these scenes were leaked on the web and then confirmed by Haynes which included "...a hospital scene, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a big underwater mermaid scene." 

If you wonder how this might have turned out like, as I did, just leave it to Gaga drop clues while still keeping us guessing. On June 15th Gaga performed at Le Grand Journal, a French talk show, and gave us a possible sneak peak of what the mystery video might have looked like.  Continue reading, and view video here.

Without Love, I'd Be Lost

Words cannot describe the way I felt yesterday when I arrived home to find my husband, Ryan with two cards, some flowers and a stuffed animal for the pet of my life, Princess.   First things first, let me clarify my last statement.  I sometimes call Ryan my husband, my partner, my love, my boyfriend, and my best friend. That is, because he is all of those things to me.  We may never have walked down the aisle (which one day we will,) and received a document telling us we are husbands, but in my soul, and in my heart - where it matters most - HE is my husband.  We have woken up at each other's sides for the past 6 years, bought a home together, bought cars together, and take care of each other as any husband and wife would.  He is the love of my life, and I would have it no other way.  He is my one and only best friend.  Remember this, when you have a relationship, because if you can never consider your partner your most trusted companion, the relationship will never last. This I can promise you.

Now on to the reason I was writing this post...

When I arrived at home yesterday, I was confronted with a beautiful surprise from Ryan.  It was two cards, a stuffed animal and some Lilies for my sweet Princess who passed away last July.  I was confounded with emotion beyond belief, because not only did I miss my sweet puppy of 9 years, but how did I ever deserve such a caring, and loving person as Ryan.  He has been there to comfort me through the good, the bad and the ugly, and he has loved me beyond the measure of a man.  He is the trick of fate that people never believe in, he is the embodiment of love that people have trouble achieving.  I love you, Ryan Lopez, Forever and Always.

To finish this post, I want to say one thing. If you have never had a pet, don't laugh at the people who have, don't tell them they're silly or crazy for loving one.  My little Princess's birthday was yesterday, but during the 9 years she was with me, she was a significant part of my life.  She was there to comfort me with unconditional love when I was sad, hurt, or happy.  She was my one constant companion for the years I had her, she made me laugh, made me smile, and most of all, cuddled with me in bed every night.  When I lost her I was stricken with grief and guilt, and it was devastatingly hard to get over.  If it wasn't for Ryan, or my other chihuahua Duchess it would have taken me a lot longer to heal.  Love, don't hate.  Don't judge people who grieve over their pet - it's heartbreaking.

Long Weekend...

I had such an amazing time this weekend.  My very pregnant sister, Vicky, and her husband, Luther, came up on Thursday, and stayed through Sunday - which is why you didn't see me blogging as much - it was sporadic at best.  We had such a wonderful time, I had homemade enchiladas, charro beans and Spanish rice ready for them when they arrived; after dinner we sat and talked for a good while.  

My partner, Ryan arrived a little before dinner with some terrific news - he passed both his state and national tests for his Real Estate License.  He was extremely ecstatic, and so were we.

On Friday, I woke up and made homemade omelets for everybody, and we went out shopping.  Same thing on Saturday, I woke up and made biscuits, refried beans, potatoes, eggs and turkey bacon - we ate like pigs.  We went out to Babies 'R Us, and Baby's & Kid's 1st Furniture, where they ended up finding an awesome deal on a bedroom set for Liliana's bedroom.

While we were at Babies 'R Us, Ryan found a teddy bear for Liliana, and we bought it for her.  This will be her very first Teddy Bear!

After shopping on Saturday, we had dinner at Red Lobster, and headed home to rest.  We were all exhausted from a very long day, but we had so much fun.

Personally, I think time flew by too quickly, before we knew it, Sunday was already here.  Our friend Abbie, came over to wish Vicky and Luther the best on their pregnancy, and by 1 o'clock they were on their way back to Corpus Christi.  I shed a few tears after they left, but we will see them again at the end of July for their baby shower.

It was an eventful weekend I will never forget, and better yet, today is mine and Ryan's 6 year anniversary - which I will blog about later today.

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 054 - My Special Issue

I have been posting postcard secrets in my blog for well over a year now, and none has hit me as hard as the one I'm posting today.  It's hard to look at these cards every Friday knowing that somewhere out there, someone sent this card in to PostSecret.com, and the compelling images and riveting words truly touch my soul.  

It isn't so much that most of the cards are about unhappiness or depression, but it touches the human spirit in a way that makes one believe they can help.  As a gay man, I remember being suicidal in my younger years, from the molestations to the fear of rejection from family and friends for being born this way.  

I will always look back and reflect on all the lessons I have learned growing up, and the ones I continue to learn today in hope that my puzzle of life will be complete some day.  

I am truly blessed to have the man of my dreams (Ryan), our dogs, our home, a wonderful job, and our wonderful family & friends. There's truly nothing more that I could ask for.

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

 

-----Email-----

Hi Frank,

When I saw the secret about the person wanting to cross the street, my heart sunk as I remember how I felt when I looked across the street at all the cars and realized being hit was better than making it across.

Thankfully, the realization scared me enough that I got help — and I too am glad I didn't. I've now been treated for depression for almost a year. Words can't describe how I felt at the time, but this postcard somehow captured it and even makes me feel a little better that I wasn't alone in these thoughts.

And if you are curious, I was right here:

-----Email-----

I'm the person who sent in the secret about crossing the street, and I just wanted to say hi to the other person who sent in the email and had the same secret. Hello other person - I'm so glad you didn't do it either.

This is exactly why I decided to send in my secret. I think there are probably an awful lot of us out there that have been in that situation -I know the statistics say that something like a person out of every four will suffer from depression in some form at some point in their lives. No one really likes to talk about it but I think maybe we need to.

The isolation was the worst part of it. As soon as someone knew what was going on in my life they started helping me and things began to get easier, so I just wanted everyone else to know that there is still hope. Call someone. It doesn't have to be a family member or a doctor - there are helplines or you can just tell a friend. Things can get better. Yes it takes time. And No you are Not the only one.

-----Email-----

The postcard, and response, of individuals wanting to step into traffic made a knife turn in my stomach. I commend both for getting the help they needed. Not only are they changing their lives for the better, but they've stopped themselves from changing the lives of the individuals in the vehicles.

I've never been suicidal myself but just over a year ago that very thing happened to my sister, mother and I--in the dark of night, on the highway, a man walked in front of our car. He didn't survive.

I don't have a photo of the side of the highway, but I do have a photo of the car. It's jolting. But I think it shows that even if someone does go through with suicide, their decision affects more than just the ending of their own life. It transfers their hurt, pain and depression to those in the vehicle who are "lucky" enough to survive someone else's suicide.

  See More Secrets. Follow PostSecret on Twitter.