Stories From A Bench (1 of 2)

I sat on a bench today, reading the words of others. I was moved, touched, and inspired. I connected with people I’ve never met, and will never meet. Still, they are out there in the world surviving and thriving just like me.

With words shared and stories told, I’ve come to realize I am just a small piece of the puzzle of life. Yes, small, but equally important just like you. The sooner we realize how important we are to each other, the better off we’ll all be.

We must always remember and never forget, we all have stories to tell, and we must share them any chance we get because they help to fortify our existence, creating unity, trust, understanding, hope, faith and more importantly, acceptance.

We all want to be heard, and I think it’s time we listen… Really listen! Today’s firestorm of harsh, offensive rhetoric from our leaders demands we do just that. Enjoy the following words, as written by you, the many pieces of the puzzle. - paerki

"Thank you, Langston Hughes; I notice the birds with broken wings peck around on the ground for seeds and never soar up into the sky toward heaven’s light, so I still cling to my dreams and fly high. We can forgive those who broke our wings and then we can heal and move on with the great spirit to be free. Words from above us will take us through the healing time with love to peace and good works, pulling others with us." – ECL

"I just got back from a boys funeral who died in a car crash. He was 12 and as I look at this memorial I think may he rest in peace. As I sit on this bench I realize the lion and the lamb are watching me." – Unsigned

"Let the past be memories and the future be presents, but if you are reading this, stop, go play. That’s a child’s right." – Unsigned

"Pray for all the little children that died." – Katie K.

"I am remembering Jason who died long ago – May 16, 1988, at age 15 because he didn’t know he was loved, wanted and valued. May he rest in peace, and may we all learn to cherish our children." – Unsigned

"The city is filled with makeshift memorials: bedraggled stuffed animals tied to lampposts, spray painted graffiti with "RIP" and a victim’s name. They have poignancy because they are erected at the scene of violence. But they are impermanent, and our collective memories are fleeting." - Unsigned

"Thank you for trying to make a more permanent memorial to remind all of us that every life is precious." – A. Davis

"There has to be a heaven, we are living in hell. A constant struggle for what we perceive as happiness. But do any of us truly know what happiness is? All these goals and objects we strive for every single day, only to wake up tomorrow wanting and striving for more. There’s a saying, 'What goes around comes around. You get what you deserve.' How can that be true? What did that infant do that was born addicted to a substance? What did that child do that was molested by his father? What did the store clerk do to the man who shot him for $100 and a Snickers Bar? What did the quiet farmer do to have his farm destroyed by another man’s war? How can I find faith, when I’m not sure what it is anymore? We need you now, God!" – Amanda

"Today my Aunt died. She had cancer. I left Germany in August and they only discovered the tumors in October. I never saw her again before today. Although I knew she was dying, the message overpowered me today. I was looking for a quiet sacred place to pray, collecting my thoughts and mourn. I am grateful for this place because I am still connected to the world here: outside, seeing and hearing the traffic, people going by, - and still it is a small, secluded, isolated space that respects my tears." – Unknown

"Please, to all who come here, do not forget that we live in a wonderful, beautiful world, although its beauty may never last, it’s terrifying sometimes. May God bless us all with his love." – Unsigned

"Today was my second date with an amazing woman named, Jan. Through her I am beginning to heal and learning to let go. If nothing more comes from our meeting, I will keep her forever as one of God’s gifts to me." – Unsigned

"Pray for me and my children. I am a single Mom who is struggling." – Angie

"Angie, I prayed for you and your children, and all who wrote/write in the book. I haven’t prayed in a very long time, but as I did, this cloudy day turned brilliantly sunny. I hope the sun shines down on you and your family, and brings you light, and hope. I’ve found sun today. Thank you!" – Dawn

"Pray for me and my brother who not too long ago lost our Mom to breast cancer. Lord, thank you for this day and all of your blessings. I pray that soon, one day that God would bless my brother and I with comfort in our hearts. God, since you brought my Mother home, it seems as though a huge empty hole was left to be filled. With nothing, Lord, I ask you to fill that hole with peace and love." – Shaunmeka

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