My Gather Debut...Valentine's Day, 2007

As time marches on, some things change; some things remain the same.  It was two years ago on Valentine's Day that I began posting on Gather.  Not only was it my debut here; it was also the very first time I had attempted to write...just to see if I was capable of pulling it off.  My best friend, Scott, was a member already and wanted me to join his network.  Reluctantly, I signed up and created an account, but I didn't participate other than occasionally reading an article he had written.  It was something I didn't know how to do and I wasn't about to embarrass myself in front of a group of strangers...so many 'professional' writers; authors of books, those who freelanced, people that had been putting pen to paper for many years.  Who was I to join such a distinguished group?

Scott finally convinced me to 'just give it a try'.  If it didn't go over well; I didn't have to do it again, but I'd never know unless I at least made an attempt.  Scott had a feeling there was a 'talent' hidden inside I had yet to discover.  I 'created' my 'story' that day; first on paper; then transferred to computer.  I hit that button to publish; then sat back to wait and see if anyone besides him would read what I had written.  I didn't even check back to my post until he told me I had my first comment.  I was scared to see what that person had to say.  What if they didn't like it?  By the time I finally mustered up the courage to look; several more comments had been logged...and they were all favorable.  I was amazed by the response.  I was a nobody...and still am...but people had read what I wrote...and they liked it.  That inspired me to write again...and others continued to react favorably.

As each article was posted, more came to read.  I began receiving connection requests.  Seasoned veterans wanted me; the new kid on the block still soaking wet behind my ears; to join their networks.  The more I wrote; the more others came to read.  I was awestruck at the response.  I couldn't believe it.  Imagine, someone who had never written before in his life, managed to attain enough points to switch over to the cash option, which was offered back then, in my first 28 days on Gather.  I had done what 'professional' writers who had been here for quite some time were still unable to achieve...and in such a short time.  An amateur was becoming an overnight success.

That didn't set well with some.  I was told to leave Gather because I was taking readers...and money...that was meant for them.  I was harassed with threatening E-mails from those haters; jealous of me because I had become popular.  I pulled back for awhile and didn't post at all.  They had a point.  I wasn't a real writer like they were.  I was an 'idiot' who just jotted down words on a piece of paper.  This was 'their site'. I contemplated leaving Gather altogether...but I didn't.  It took several months, but the more I thought about it; the more I said 'the hell with them!'  I never claimed to be a 'real writer' in the first place...and I began to write once again.  I still don't claim to be a 'real writer'; just someone who dares to share what I feel in my head and my heart.  Where are those so-called 'professional writers' today?  As I look around, I notice they are gone; not because they went on to fame and fortune, but because they weren't as great as they thought.  A few have lingered that hang out in their own little group talking about others behind their backs, plotting their 'attacks' on those they don't like or who don't agree with their opinions...piss ants that they are.  If they're such hot shot writers, what are they still doing here?  Why haven't they moved on with their so-called success?  Who are the 'idiots' now?

In the past two years, I have seen changes.  Many things are different on Gather now.  My best friend, Scott, is no longer a participating member.  He was driven off by those who dislike gays...and Gather's lack of support on the matter.  I'm gay and I'm still here.  Bring it on, homophobes...I attack back!  I'll chew you up and spit you out.  I'm not afraid to fight for myself.  I outlasted the 'professional writers' here.  I'll outlast you, too.  I'm not afraid of you or your bigoted big mouths.  Gather is MY site now...and it belongs to everyone else, as well.  You've met your match in me!

Outside Gather, I've experienced many changes in my own life.  I left 'home' and ventured out into the big, wide world.  I sold off or threw away much of what I owned, pack my bags and relocated to a new place to live to be near my best friend; someone who will be in my life forever.  Tragedy struck shortly after I began my new life.  In early March of last year; I lost my right leg.  I didn't let that stop me.  I fought as hard as I could to overcome this devastating event.  Over half a year ahead of schedule, I strapped on a prosthetic and took my first step...and have been walking forward ever since; head held high.  Nothing is going to keep me down; not hateful writers, not gay haters, not the loss of limb, not you or anyone else.  Nothing will stop me from being me.

I've 'met' many people on Gather over the past two years.  Some are no longer here.  Others, I look forward to seeing on a daily basis.  I've developed friendships with people here; people I truly care about.  I've even had the pleasure of getting together with a few face to face in real life outside the cyberworld.  My life has been blessed by so many wonderful folks; not only when I first started writing, but when I went through being hospitalized for over two months and during the ensuing days when I struggled to get back on my feet at a time when I only had one.  You've made me laugh.  You've made me cry.  You've made me think.  You've made me love.  You have enhanced my life so much; you'll never know.  I thank each and every one of you who have reached out and touched my life in one way or another.  I wouldn't be the person I am today without having you in it in some way.

I've written about many things over the past two years.  What better topic to talk about again at this special time than love.  In honor of having you in my life, I'd like to share something with you on my 'Gatherversary'...a re-post of my very first article from Valentine's Day, 2007......

So What If You're Single On Valentine's Day

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Valentine's Day is upon us once again and many of us are single with no significant interest on the most romantic day of the year; a day when cards and flowers, candy and jewelry, dinners and movies, hugs and kisses are traded and shared.  So many of the ones with no date lined up for the night are blah, blah, blah about the holiday; don't care, not even gonna pay attention, I'm skipping dinner, grabbing the half gallon of ice cream and aerosol can of whipped cream, camping out in bed and watching stupid movies.

Oh, I empathize with you.  I've lost count of how many Valentine's Day I've gone through saying the same thing year after year, "Alone again with no special someone by my side...not even a damn date."  But then, I have to stop and think...only part of that is right.

Granted, I don't have a date...why should this day be any different than all of the others?  And it's really not all that bad.  I'm not alone and I do have a special person.  Though we might not be involved romantically, I always have my best friend.  I might not be "in love", but I'm not without love.

How were those dates of the past and where are those people now?  Did you enjoy those you saw only for a short while?  Now you know why you refer to them as your ex's.

You know, not having a love interest, but having a best friend actually is better than having a mate.  You get unconditional love with no strings attached like a set of vows.  (And if you ever do part ways, they're not going to take half of what you own, either.)  You seriously don't have to worry about your best friend "cheating" on you...like having a "secret" best friend on the side.  That's only the voice inside their head they talk to.

And when your best friend doesn't have a date or a boyfriend in their life, you each knows exactly what the other  is feeling and bond  to share yet another experience together, with one knowing the way the other feels about them, as well...and that love between friends grows even stronger.  Not to mention, it's something that's been felt between each other for years, which makes it more special than the feelings that would be there for a virtual stanger you've just met in order to get a date for the night...or someone you've known only a short while and are still in the process of familiarizing yourself with.

Oh how you so know what your best friend is thinking lots of times...and they, you...you two can even complete sentences of the others.  And don't forget about the security of knowing each other will still be there standing by one anothers side tomorrow...the day after...when the date is done and gone and all you have to remember it by is a wilting rose; your friendship is still intact and continues to grow and bloom.

Sure, we may be single...and you may be, too...there are even those out there with partners who still feel an emptiness.  But if you have a best friend, a relative who is your favorite, even a special neighbor, co-worker or social acquaintance; let them know you care.  Because it's people like them who prevent us from being alone and without love...and I love you, my best friend, Scott.

You know, this year's holiday isn't so bad after all.  Now put that ice cream back in the freezer, smile and enjoy the good feeling in your heart you've just discovered.  Tell them how you feel...how important they are in your life...and Happy Valentine's Day.

This was my debut post on Gather I give to you once again to celebrate two years of caring and sharing together; my gift of love to all my many friends.  If it wasn't for you; where would I be...who would I be?  We've touched one another in many ways and will continue to do so in the future.  I don't have much to give, but I do have love...and to each and every one of you; I give you all the love I have in my heart.  To all of you, I wish you my Happy Gatherversary, Happy Valentine's Day and all the love in the world.  Thank you Gather...and all my Gather friends and family.