Copyright © 1999 Ed Ladeur,
Copyright © 1999 Ed Ladeur,
Opinions expressed are not those of my internet provider
but are approved by Mikey and Minnie 2Dogs
It was a sad day, last August 31, '97. Late at night while flipping channels on the satellite dish I just happened upon live coverage of an accident in Paris via a Sky Network livefeed. Princess Diana was alive, somewhat conscious, and taken to hospital. It was a small hope for an hour after which finality set in. At the time the mind conjectures..how, why, who, and even to this day these questions have not been settled. But we always need to place the blame somewhere, with someone. After a lifetime on this Earth I've come to the realization that these tragedies just "are". Accidents happen, and each of us must travel through a trouble or two.
This was probably the first time that the internet has seen it's full potential around the globe. Most condolences were sent via this electronic media, and a lot of crass comments were made on the many discussion forums that I visited. The countless memorials which were setup could safely express all the feelings that went through our collective mind.
But life goes on, and as I said in my dedication, a lot of money has and is being collected to perpetuate the good and the worst of it all. Even now you can find so-called real photos of the accident scene on a few websites. Gossip mongers are as yet selling little tidbits to the trash market, and the papparazzi are still chasing after pictures and stories.
Which now brings me to the following point..volunteerism. Diana could do it well, she did not have to go to work to get by, and Mother Teresa did it as a job, nearly 24 hours a day for her daily bread. Millions of others around the world must hold down jobs to make ends meet and a lot of their own free leisure time is spent giving to others. The web is full of these people, never getting much recognition for their efforts, and taking it on the chin when things go awry. We meet and talk to volunteers everyday, yet we don't realize that they are giving of their time and knowledge without recompense. The FortuneCity message boards are full of these people, having no title, yet always a helping hand to those who need it. So for the Month of September let us get on the boards and honor those who have helped us, give them a mention, send them an e-card. A simple thank you to your favorite cyber-helper is good enough, and if you wish, stay anonymous.So to put some weight into this topic I've included my dedication to the people who really did change the world by doing for others.
Princess Diana and Mother Teresa dedicated their efforts to the alleviation of suffering. This is my dedication to their memory and to all those who should be remembered.
in this sea of civilization, (barbaric once in awhile),
one passes in due time, the other in her prime,
the world shattered and undone
(even in the rays of the sun)
a pall to hang so heavy over us all.
a world made small,
by gossip they fall
and within the court
Fellowes cut short
his own sister-in-law
at the whims of a few
the royals must do as advised
like puppets they dance to a tune
no one understands
the kitty kelleys have sources within and without
comfortably wrapped up in book-jacket statements
half-truths served as gourmet items
the tabloids are not ashamed
a life here...a death there
images and stories for sale
their funds can buy absolution
wearing their headlines like armour
against the spears of public dissent
detractors are many who speak ill of the dead
will we ever see their likes again
from the affluent princess, compassion...
from the poor sister, her passion...
a few whispered comforts to an unfortunate soul
in this world of morbid interest
the sale of drama and household goods
untold future profits in their names
all except those who
for the sake of a few
help unselfishly
never asking in return
anything other than to yearn
to be remembered just once
in passing
copyright© 1997 E. Ladeur
Well, don't know if you agree or disagree, or just find this a bunch of bunk, feel free to respond on the The Eddie-Torial Message/Discussion Board
So until next month, play safe, surf wisely, and help yourself to a cookie
(make sure your dog gets one too).
*smiles*, Eddie
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