Family Divided by 13 = Atheist

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Originally uploaded by revraikes.

File this under more of the "What About Me" series.

I had a dear friend recently go through the finalization of her parents' divorce. Last year was a bad year for marriage (in fact the first one I performed split up and my dad is on his 3rd divorce). Trying to comfort her reminded me that it's never easy at any age. The process of easing her through the grieving process dredged up a goodly amount of my own dark matter.

Talking to her about the sheer unfairness of it all reminded me of when I became an atheist. I think I was 13 at the time, but a traumatized memory is not always trustworthy. I was relating to her that I couldn't believe that a loving god would allow such a thing to happen to a nice little boy. Of course I also believed in dragons.

I still believe in dragons, but not in the same way. Much in this manner, I'm not really an atheist any more but I'm not necessarily what one would call a religious man. I have studied many religions and they are all crap...with tiny grains of truth scattered throughout.

They are very much akin to bad sci-fi movies: just enough science to be plausible with a whole lotta filler. There is always that one mind-blowing concept that gets past the studio execs, though; the one thing that makes sitting through to the end worthwhile.

I still don't know the answer, however, as to what lessons are to be learned from these failed unions or why this cosmic joke should be so funny. Every time I think about it, I'm right back in the shell of that hurt little boy. I know now that drama and conflict are part of the human experience, but it's not enough.

But...I paid my money and I'm gonna see all the movie. I paid.

I love you JJ. Be strong.
And for everyone else, please make sure to tell the people you love how you feel before reconciliation is improbable.