Whew... thank you Cuckoo! I sometimes worry about the eye-rolling that may happen when I post given my... uh... worldly opinion. *giggling*
My intent is sincere. :)
Also, would having an event in North Carolina be a heartbreaker for those in NC who still have to "pretend" that they still believe? Will those in attendance be... what's the term.... "marked"? I suspect the only people who could attend would be those who are completely out, huh... I'd hate for people who loved Eric NOT to be able to attend if it would produce some level of anxiety. Should it be in neutral territory? Gosh... where's neutral, huh...
The component that brings the most pain to me is the fact that Eric had to keep those who loved him unconditionally a secret. His virtual relationships did not replace his familial ones. Please realize that I am NOT saying that a stranger will EVER fill the desire to be connected with your biological family, but it'd be nice to have an adopted family in which to find strength. People who are real to you.... not voices on a phone or writings on a thread.
There are elements that I KNOW are outside the boundaries of my understanding, but I have to wonder if, over time, those that are stuck in will eventually say... "I'm outta here! I now have somewhere to go where people will unconditionally accept me!" Right now, are we only going halfway?
I know that this idea is certainly not revolutionary and I realize it's been done before. I'm just hoping it's possible for all of the Eric's out here. If it saves someone, it'd be worth it.
