I lost a friend today.  And I mourn.

Others have suffered losses too, it's not just me.  So, I won't be selfish and get all maudlin on you, but I will share a lesson that I learned from this loss:

I've learned it's okay to get friendly in a political website.  I've learned it's okay to get in a car and drive to Brooklyn with people I've never met before.  I've learned that when I meet like-minded people with like-minded agendas, it's easy to talk about just about anything.

I've learned that making friends in any message board could bring on consequences.  I've learned that thinking someone is using another username to cause harm can bring on suspicion and McCarthyism all in one breath.

I've learned that not everyone thinks or feels or speaks like I do.

I've learned that utilizing the internet to get my point across can sometimes point the arrow right at my heart.

I've learned that suspecting strangers of cruelty is a way of cheating myself of new friends, and new perspectives.

I've learned that the pain I went through from 7th grade on still lasts, when it comes to cliques, groups, outsiders, newbies.

I've learned that I am sometimes ashamed of my own behaviour.

I've learned that friends made are worth all the heartache, and then some.

I've learned that opening my mind and listening to those with other points of view always teaches me something, and allows me to walk away from the experience with -- if not a new friend made -- at least a new perspective.

I've learned that I cannot, will not, back down when it comes to my politics as they stand today.

I've learned that I love all of my friends, and the strangers who are not yet my friends, but may be soon, someday.

I've learned a lot here.  So.....

Thank you, TPM, for teaching me that lessons and friendships are both valuable, and worth the heartache.