One of my personal goals in life has been to bring some touch of beauty and joy to as many other people as possible in as many forms as possible. At this time it seems almost sacrilegious to even think of such things, yet there in lies our best and only justifiable revenge.

Only in continuing to live as well as can be managed, no matter the restrictions, can we honor our loved ones and fellow human beings. Come together. Hold someone. Let someone hold you. Take turns crying on each other's shoulders. Volunteer. Offer comfort, and accept the comfort offered to you.
For the rest of your lives these people will continue to live through you. Every small bit of joy, sweetness, affection, laughter, will keep them alive. Every time you meet someone new, every time you resolve old feuds, every time you give with no thought of reward or vanity, every time you help someone, friend or stranger, every time you achieve or even attempt, you give these loved ones and fellow human beings back the life and joy they were robbed of.

And so I urge you; Make love. Make a fool of yourself to entertain a small child. Smile. Do something fun or wierd or passionate. Go back for seconds. Fuck it, get it all the first time. Admit in front of witnesses that you think the ugly floral print is beautiful. Put a dollar in the beggar's cup. Help someone else enjoy life. Refuse to let the corporate machine eat you alive. Sing in public(even if you can't sing). Eat the chocolate cake, instead of the rice cake. Make bad jokes. Tell someone that they are beautiful, especially if they look like crap. Accept the things that drive you crazy about the people you love, because let's face it, you're not going to stop loving them. Form your own opinion, and then state it out loud. Name your plants. What ever it is that makes you you, do it, and have fun doing it. Make your dreams a reality. When somebody disagrees with you, disagree right back (nicely). live, for yourself and for at least one other person.

And I also urge you, in the days and weeks to come, please don't indulge the impulse to hate, or punish or hurt. Don't give in to mistrust or fear. The people who have made their lives here to escape such horrors grieve just as much, and just as strongly feel the injustice as the rest of us. These people abhor these crimes and their hearts burn with shame even though they are blameless. And their hearts burn with rage that their beliefs and moral laws should be twisted to justify these terrible crimes.

Don't let the bastard grind you down. After all, The triumph of the human spirit is the most beautiful and joyous thing of all.

With all my heart, Darlings.
The Mighty Afrodite

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