The Scarlet Letter

Has your life ever completely changed on the flip of a dime? December 11 was a day I will never forget and will prove to be the day that goes down in history as a day that humbled me beyond belief. I won't go into detail in this blog, but I learned through my experiences on this day and the days to follow that anyone at anytime is capable of any sin, any mistake and poor judgment. I also learned that people you think you can trust can't always be trusted. I will never look at life the same. I will never look at humanity the same, and I will never see myself in the same light. I have also learned how much I need people. Sometimes I think it is easy for me to pretend I am an island. I'm not. Neither are you. We all need some sense of community--we all need people.

In a rather pious way, I never thought I would be the one to display the scarlet letter on my chest for the entire world to see. I can remember reading The Scarlet Letter in high school and loving it because it was so transparent. I can remember thinking how beautiful Hester was inside and out and how freeing her wearing the scarlet letter actually ended up being for her. I can say the same. In fact, I've told my family and friends to talk openly about what it is I did do (since the story of my accusers is quite different from what actually happened) because it's freeing not to have to hide and walk in shame. The reality is that all of us make poor choices and sin. Some get caught (like me) and some do not. When you have to face the reality of what you did because you were caught, there's no other way to be but real. Real is attractive. Real is transparent. Real is something people can relate to. So I guess I'll take 'real for a thousand, Alex...'

To all of you who faithfully read my blog and know me well enough to know exactly what has happened, thank you for loving me. Thank you for being genuine. Thank you for proving that a friend does indeed 'love at all times.' Thank you for not passing judgment. I hope I will always show the same attitude towards you and others I meat along the journey of life.

Above all, keep it real....I guess that's essentially the point of this blog.