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#100DaysOfHopper Day 40-41 (Birthday Edition)

 Day 40: As we all try to fit back into our pants after a day of overeating and drinking, let's all take a moment to be thankful for what we have. Whether or not you feasted or not, if you have the ability to read this, you're better off than most people in the world. Remember that always.

Facebook was relatively quiet yesterday, for obvious reasons. Most put down their phones long enough to look at the person talking to them, hold their nieces and nephews and to shovel copious amounts of food into their face. Not all though. Some treated it as any other day. Posting horror stories of battered dogs, hate crimes and an absolutely insane number of posts about kids left in overheated cars. Which had me scratching my head.

Who are these posts for? Are you sharing them for educational value? If so, can you let me know which parent you believe might do this, so I myself can call CPS. Are you posting them for the sake of relaying news you think is important?. If so, let me know, because I'll fill you in on much worse atrocities you seem unaware of. Or, as I fear, do these stories guarantee you the thing you crave the most? Attention.

We all want to be loved, liked, appreciated or at least noticed. We usually accomplish this by loving, liking, appreciating or noticing others. So why do we need to subject others to sad stories on an otherwise happy day? If you say it is your intention to ruin people's day, I find that more admirable than most reasons. At least you're calculating, which requires a higher level of thought and not just stupid for realizing that someone might just be taking a quick glance to check up on everyone else's happiness. I'm confused.

Why is it the same people who ask for prayers, repeatedly post about Jesus's love and kindness and shower themselves and their families with self praise, feel it necessary to post each and every horror story about someone else? Would you share it if it were your brother? Would it be a hot topic had your cousin left that child there? I only ask because there are times that information is handed to us and we have a decision. Thought, reason and accountability comes into play.

Over the years, I've known of stories of child abuse, pedophilia, rape, assault, adultery and assorted other crimes, indiscretions and topics that were real, horrible and at times tormented me. You know what they all had in common? They all involved people or family members of people I know on Facebook. Many times, the same people who share every atrocity they can. Get it?

Next time you feel the need to share someone's horror story, it might be smart to glance in the mirror and for some, the closet. #100DaysOfHopper


Day 41: Well, today is my birthday or as I like to call it Sunday.  Last night was the first time in almost a decade and a half that I watched the clock change by myself. Thankfully, I didn't feel by myself, thanks to the love of a friend. So I'm going to shift this a little and talk about myself.

I've never really felt comfortable with my birthday. People making a fuss over me. Receiving gifts and opening presents is one of the more uncomfortable experiences.  Much like Christmas and Hannukah, I'd much rather give than receive. I'm not a dessert person, so cakes and pies are pretty much lost on me.  Making a wish is usually a brief moment where I think about something I've tried not to think about all day. It's just an awkward day for me.

I've had some good birthdays, but none was better than my 30th in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. I was working at Birchmont and throughout the course of the day, during each of our three meals, I had the entire camp sing to me. It meant so much to me, not only because of the sentiment, but to feel like maybe I was making a difference in the lives of others, meant the world to me. While I know I'll never experience that feeling again, I do hope that everyone, if just once, everyone can feel the way I did that day.

I know they say that if you tell a wish it won't come true, but I'm 0-43 so far, so I'm going to let my wishes known hours in advance of any candles. I wish:

That miracles do happen and a friend's brother shocks everyone.
That a few friends with serious illnesses pull through.
That my brother stays on this side of the map, despite his desires.
That I'm wrong about some and they are as happy as they appear.
That every time I'm wrong, someone truly benefits.
That each and every one of you are here next year.
and finally, my selfish wish.
That my pain will go away and life can return to "normal."
#100DaysOfHopper

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