Sinister: do something pretty. . .

[Odle, Katharine]

Hello, dear Sinisterees.

I should probably begin with the usual disclaimer about being newly out of
the nursery, and this being my first post and all, but it seems unnecessary
at a time like this.  I still can't believe this whole terrible tragedy, and
it's bizarre to me to go on as usual, but what else can you do in a
situation like this?  I feel like I've been in a fog of grief and pain ever
since Tuesday when the reality of the horror set in.  Although I live on the
west coast of the US, and geography was enough to prevent me from losing any
of my friends and family in this awful event, I still feel completely
stricken by what happened.  It has been so strange to just be at work and
have to make an effort to go on with the usual daily tasks.  Yesterday, I
went home and watched the news some more, and was completely flooded with
grief again.  My best friend called me, which was so comforting, and he
convinced me to turn off the television, which was really what I needed.  I
don't want to ignore what's going on, by any means, but there's only so many
times I can watch those horrible images over and over.  I feel completely
saturated already.  I hate the news, too-- the situation in itself is so
completely horrific without the newscasters throwing a slant of
sensationalism on everything.  One of the most disturbing things yesterday
was that our city's newspaper (and I'm sure that our's wasn't the only one)
published pictures of people jumping out of the building before it
collapsed.  How completely horrible and disrespectful!  I can't imagine what
it must have been like to have to have made a decision like that-- to be
forced to choose the way to die.  It seems sacrilegious to have published
those pictures.  Think of the family members who will have to see those!
How awful!  This thing is bad enough without trying to make it into the most
dramatic, eye-catching way to sell papers or snag television spots.

Anyway, thank you so much for all of your support and kind words.  This list
has been a remarkable source of comfort.  Especially because people have
been so careful of other listees' feelings.  We have all been profoundly
touched and changed by what has happened, and it is nice that we have each
other to turn to, as well as the other things that help us find peace and
happiness.  I would like to echo other posts that have encouraged people to
continue to live life and seek joy.  It is amazing to me that just last
week, I got to experience the beauty of two Belle and Sebastian shows.  I
was floating on air, and couldn't fathom that something like this could
happen.  However, it does give me hope that there are many more moments of
joy and beauty to be had, and that we will survive this-- together.

Much Love,
Katie (though not a heart-breaking Katie like some recent posts have
described!)
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