Why do I write ?

OK, here we go.
You and I are both sitting here
staring at a screen waiting for
what might come next
(and hoping something does).

I’ve spent several weeks now delaying this,
But it’s time you knew the truth; 
I owe you that much.

Not that long ago, I received a few letters
from someone who had read a few things
I had posted on another website.
Though she had several nice things to say,
she also questioned why I wrote what I did.

So I went on a mission over the next few nights.
I went through ALL of my posted writings and copied
every comment that anyone had ever left me that spoke of
what a difference I had made because of something I said.
Page
         after page
                          after page…

The one thing that kept echoing in my head was
“How can I not write ?”

That’s the tougher question.

How can I not reach out to someone who needs a hand ?
How can I not share with another who is starving ?
How can I not give to someone who is desperate ?
How can I not touch someone who is within reach ?

You will never know nor even suspect
how much what YOU have said
has done for me.

Not long ago I watched the movie “Pay it Forward”.
I have much to say about that movie… another time.

But at one point a lady was about to jump off of a bridge.
What intrigued me was that she didn’t look the “type” of person
that would have any real worries – let alone take her own life.
So much for appearances.
Now here comes a strung out druggie who
can’t seem to get a leg up in Life and stand on it
– not much going for him at all.
He sees her, and tries to talk her down
off the edge of the railing.
She tries telling him it’s not his problem,
that she’s not worth it.
And what he says to her at the end is:
“Save MY Life”

I want that to really sink in.

And while you’re really getting the depth of that,
I’ll tell you something that you already know
and something I haven’t told you.

I believe that you and I have the power and capability
to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us.
You know that; if not – pull your head out of the sand.
(go back and read the rest of the entries I’ve posted
 and don’t come back until you do !)

OK, so for those of us who DO know this
you also know that rarely are we aware of it,
and seldom will we ever know it happened !
AND in many cases we’re not even directly involved !
Yet because of our words, our deeds, our actions -
YOU were the catalyst for change;
YOU were the hand that kept me from falling.

Yes, I said “me”.

And this is probably the only and last time I will say this.

I’ve been on that rail;
I’ve been the one who wasn’t “worth it”.
And it’s because of those many Unknowns
who have said “Save MY Life” that have caused
me to realize that there is a greater purpose -
and by extending their hand to grab mine,
we’ve pulled each other to safety.

Why do I write ?

Because of you,
and because of you I can.

~Rob