Not terribly far from where I live a pregnant 33 year old woman was stabbed to death by a long time ago ex boyfriend. Her young daughter and step-daughter were in the apartment with her when this happened.

I did not know this woman or her family but when I saw this on the news my heart broke. I thought to myself, "What the hell is going on in the world? Where are all of these crazy people coming from that think it's ok to hurt others?!"

I was angry, I was sad, I was shocked.

I looked up her obituary online and decided to send my condolences to her family and friends and offer what little (and unfortunate) knowledge that I now have on the subject of losing someone in such a violent and tragic way.

I was hesitant at first because I didn't know what they (her family and friends) would think of some stranger coming to sign her online funeral guestbook. I worried that they wouldn't respond to my outreached hand offering condolence and someone to talk to, connect with. But then I realized that it didn't matter if no one responded to my entry. It's not really what the purpose was of me submitting an entry. The purpose was to let them know that they are not alone. That there are others who have traveled this very dark road and have survived it, no matter how painful it may have been. I know that my journey is far from over and this road will probably never end but I've learned some valuable tips for coping and I feel like it's my obligation to share what knowledge I have with others. 

So even if they never respond, I can at least take comfort in knowing that I sent my most heartfelt condolences to them and imparted some wisdom I've gained from this awful experience. I will pray for them and I continue to pray of all the friends I've met through this site. We all have been asked to bear so much pain and it's nice to know that there is support in all of you. That when I'm having a particularly tough day, I can talk with all of you and not fear judgement of my thoughts and feelings.

I guess, trying to let them know that same thing is helping me. When I was suddenly thrown into this strange, painful, confusing and dark new world I felt terribly alone. Even with so many people rallying around me, I was alone. The society that we live in teaches it's people that to cry is to be weak and that can't be farther from the truth. I want to make sure that I help as many people as I can with their pain and grieving because I know what it has meant to have all of you.