With two players out and one being hurt halfway through the second half, the Reignmakers needed solid play out of everyone and anyone on the floor.
They had it this night.
A final score of 52-40 over Fighting Fancus marks the first victory in the Reignmakers season and solidifies a spot in the second Division.
The Reignmakers had three players in double digits and got to the line 11 times while holding Fighting Fancus to contested shots inside and nothing easy at the rim.
Brandon Hunter had 16 points, Jason Hunter added 14 (hitting on 4 of 9 from three), and Clinton Weigel made huge strides on the offensive end scoring 13.
The 2-3 defense worked most of the night, leaving the opposition with contested shots all night long in the key. When subsitutions were made, veryone rotated accordingly. When breakdowns happened, other stepped in to fill a void. Being outsized by nearly 4-5 inches on averaged, the smaller Reignmakers hit the glass hard and boxed out with efficiency.
All 6 players who dressed made it into the scorebook. Kerry Hunter, battled inside with the best of them adding 11 rebounds and was a vocal leader on the inside on defense. Ryan Stuver and Chad Dobson hounded the point gaurds and forced numerous turnovers which led to fastbreak points and two alley-oops on the night.
The only negative to the night was when Jason Hunter went down with an apparent left knee injury early in the second half. He remained on the sidelines but returned late in the second. After talking to the medical staff, Hunter will be reasting and icing all week and will likely wear a new brace next week with another possibly brace being added in later weeks.
In other injury news, Andy Kempf is still on a week-to-week basis. He is still resting a groin injury. Michael Petrilli, who missed the game due to personal reasons, should be back in the starting lineup next week. Finally Brent Hunter, who is still playing in the RBDL, plans to still join the team in December. He is averaging 20 points and 7 rebounds.
The Reginmakers will now begin Divisional play, with all games counting towards their spot in the playoffs in late February. Their next game in on November 22nd versus Shawn Kemp's Kids.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Reignmakers Routed
This is not how any team wants to start off a season.
Relying heavily on the three point shot and only converted on 8% of those shots will chalk up an L anyday. But even more so, on this night.
Against Young and Reckless Monday night, the Reignmakers could only manage 32 points on 25% shooting from the field. The oppostion came out fast and hit a flurry of shots, taking a 16-8 lead quickly in the first half. It never got closer than that as Young and Reckless took the Reingmakers to the woodshed 59-32.
Yet there were positive things to take from the game and outcome. Even after a halftime score of 35-12, the Reignmakers came out with a stronger start, starting with a 5-0 run at the beginning of the second. Defensively the team played better than imagined, holding a stronger and faster team to mostly outside shots and not many easy layups while driving to the paint. The shots will begin to fall as everyone gets accustomed to the offense and finds their niche on the floor. Had the Reignmakers shot around 35% for the game, including three pointers, the defecit of the game is most likely under 20. You have to hang your hat on the positives and have a short memory, especially to a team which will not be in your division come scheduling.
Another positive will be the return of Andy Kempf. After trying to go in the middle of the first half, his groin injury sat him out only a minute or so upon him entering the game. His hustle and muscle inside will add another defensive presence and offensvie rebounder on the other end. Jason and Brandon Hunter both had off nights shooting, combining for 2-19 from three and 6-19 from anywhere else. Those night will be few and far between.
The team travels back to Brunswick for another Monday night game against Fighting Fancus at 7PM. Hoping for a rebound game, the team must maintain focus and keep their fire on the defensive end. The shots will fall and the win's will follow.
Relying heavily on the three point shot and only converted on 8% of those shots will chalk up an L anyday. But even more so, on this night.
Against Young and Reckless Monday night, the Reignmakers could only manage 32 points on 25% shooting from the field. The oppostion came out fast and hit a flurry of shots, taking a 16-8 lead quickly in the first half. It never got closer than that as Young and Reckless took the Reingmakers to the woodshed 59-32.
Yet there were positive things to take from the game and outcome. Even after a halftime score of 35-12, the Reignmakers came out with a stronger start, starting with a 5-0 run at the beginning of the second. Defensively the team played better than imagined, holding a stronger and faster team to mostly outside shots and not many easy layups while driving to the paint. The shots will begin to fall as everyone gets accustomed to the offense and finds their niche on the floor. Had the Reignmakers shot around 35% for the game, including three pointers, the defecit of the game is most likely under 20. You have to hang your hat on the positives and have a short memory, especially to a team which will not be in your division come scheduling.
Another positive will be the return of Andy Kempf. After trying to go in the middle of the first half, his groin injury sat him out only a minute or so upon him entering the game. His hustle and muscle inside will add another defensive presence and offensvie rebounder on the other end. Jason and Brandon Hunter both had off nights shooting, combining for 2-19 from three and 6-19 from anywhere else. Those night will be few and far between.
The team travels back to Brunswick for another Monday night game against Fighting Fancus at 7PM. Hoping for a rebound game, the team must maintain focus and keep their fire on the defensive end. The shots will fall and the win's will follow.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Reignmakers: A Prelude
Well ladies and gentlemen, the season opener you have all been waiting for awaits us tonight at 8:50:
Your Reignmakers will travel to Brunswick to face Young and Reckless at Brunswick High School to open up their inaugural season.
Hopefully Shawn Kemp is in attendance. It was reported after he was contacted about the team name, he gave his blessing and wanted to quote "be apart of something that I helped to found." Keep your autograph pens handy.
The starting lineup for tonight will look something like this:
C - Kerry Hunter
> After contemplating retirement following the championship game in the spring of 2010, Kerry came into a workout for the Reignmakers after calls from upper management. What the Reignmakers lacked in size they hoped Kerry could fill in the void. He joins the team after signing a one year deal just last week for the veterans minimum. Kerry averaged 2.3 points and 3.2 rebounds last year in just 8 minutes per game.. His career totals in 20+ years of basketball are 16.5 points and 8 rebounds.
PF - Brandon Hunter
> It has been a few years since the second Hunter's dominating performance in the Twinsburg Rec League where he averaged over 20 points and 5 rebounds. But Brandon looks to be an integral part of the Reignmakers this season. He will be counted on to carry a lot of the load scoring and also on the glass. There were varying reports of a contract dispute following last years dibocle on Championship night, but the Reignmakers locked him in for the next 3 years at about $8 million per. Coming off a year where he only saw the court around 12 minutes a night and averaging 6 points per game, his career averages eclipse 17 points and around 7 rebounds.
SF - Jason Hunter
> Rarely used during the Championship run of the NEO All-Stars last spring, the third of four Hunter's on the team looks for a break out season. With the triple Hunter punch in the starting lineup, it will hopefully bring great things on the offensive side of the ball. A great working relationship with his brother Brandon should helpthe team chemistry on and off the floor, jelling the team within its first few games. Jason signed a "team-friendly" deal at the beginning of the summer for 5 years around $3.67 million per season. His career averages, 12 points, 4 rebounds, while shooting 44% from three point range and 85% from the line.
SG - Chad Dobson
> A bit of an unknown. Thats a way to put it for most Reignmaker fans. Chad was signed this past month after scouting trips around the area discovered his talent. As offense goes, the Reignmakers only have so many options and they hope Dobson can turn into one of these. He averaged 13 points and 2 steals in the MRBA (Michigan Rec Basketball Association) and was placed on the All-Star team as a reserve two years in a row. The Reignmakers inked him on for one year at $1.67 million.
PG - Michael Petrilli
> Petrilli has been in and out of the league for the better of 5 years now, but has never been off the radar. He was signed to a 10-day contract last spring for the All-Stars and seemingly hadn't missed a beat. Petrilli will have his biggest role yet on this up and coming basketball squad and his three point shot will have to be executed to perfection night in and night out. He comes off a season in the RBDL (Rec Basketball Developmental League) where he finished 5th in MVP voting while averaging 18 points, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds. He shot an amazing 55% from beyond the arc and 88% from the foul line. Petrilli signed a one year deal at $2 million per, with and player option for the next two years.
Reserves:
C - Andy Kempf
> Andy brings hussle and a big, banging body inside for the Reignmakers. He's getting a chance to find his place in the RBL this season, but suffered a minor groin injury in the off-season. He will likely become the starting center once able, but may be on the IR for the opening game.
F - Ryan Stuver
> Just another piece to the puzzle. Stuver has been linked with Kempf, Brandon Hunter, and Petrilli for quite some time and the Reignmakers hope his dedication and hard work, as well as his familiarity with the offense will bring good things off the bench.
G/F - Clinton Weigel
> More hustle. More grit inside. The Reignmakers will need big years out of Kempf and Weigel if they want to compete with bigger teams. His and Kemp bring about the same to the table offensively, but the team hopes to keep them hungry on the defensive side leading to steals and a lot of easy buckets in transition.
G/F - Brent Hunter
> Currently in the RBDL, the fourth and final Hunter hopes to join the team in December during the playoff push. He will add more size and scoring once he joins the team and may also look to earn himself a starting position if all plays out accordingly.
---
The first two games on the season will be "play-in" games of sort. It wil ldetermine where the Reignmakers sit this year in accordance with other teams in the league. The one thing to look for is how well this team jells throughout the year. They have been brought together from different aspects of basketball and from different areas, which may cause some speed bumps early on. But once the competitive juices flow and they notch some wins on their belts, they could be a sleeper pick in this years season.
Check back tonight as a recap of tonights game will be posted.
As Phil Collins once sang, "Yes I wish it would rain down, down on me."
Lets hope for a lot of Reign tonight.
Play ball.
Your Reignmakers will travel to Brunswick to face Young and Reckless at Brunswick High School to open up their inaugural season.
Hopefully Shawn Kemp is in attendance. It was reported after he was contacted about the team name, he gave his blessing and wanted to quote "be apart of something that I helped to found." Keep your autograph pens handy.
The starting lineup for tonight will look something like this:
C - Kerry Hunter
> After contemplating retirement following the championship game in the spring of 2010, Kerry came into a workout for the Reignmakers after calls from upper management. What the Reignmakers lacked in size they hoped Kerry could fill in the void. He joins the team after signing a one year deal just last week for the veterans minimum. Kerry averaged 2.3 points and 3.2 rebounds last year in just 8 minutes per game.. His career totals in 20+ years of basketball are 16.5 points and 8 rebounds.
PF - Brandon Hunter
> It has been a few years since the second Hunter's dominating performance in the Twinsburg Rec League where he averaged over 20 points and 5 rebounds. But Brandon looks to be an integral part of the Reignmakers this season. He will be counted on to carry a lot of the load scoring and also on the glass. There were varying reports of a contract dispute following last years dibocle on Championship night, but the Reignmakers locked him in for the next 3 years at about $8 million per. Coming off a year where he only saw the court around 12 minutes a night and averaging 6 points per game, his career averages eclipse 17 points and around 7 rebounds.
SF - Jason Hunter
> Rarely used during the Championship run of the NEO All-Stars last spring, the third of four Hunter's on the team looks for a break out season. With the triple Hunter punch in the starting lineup, it will hopefully bring great things on the offensive side of the ball. A great working relationship with his brother Brandon should helpthe team chemistry on and off the floor, jelling the team within its first few games. Jason signed a "team-friendly" deal at the beginning of the summer for 5 years around $3.67 million per season. His career averages, 12 points, 4 rebounds, while shooting 44% from three point range and 85% from the line.
SG - Chad Dobson
> A bit of an unknown. Thats a way to put it for most Reignmaker fans. Chad was signed this past month after scouting trips around the area discovered his talent. As offense goes, the Reignmakers only have so many options and they hope Dobson can turn into one of these. He averaged 13 points and 2 steals in the MRBA (Michigan Rec Basketball Association) and was placed on the All-Star team as a reserve two years in a row. The Reignmakers inked him on for one year at $1.67 million.
PG - Michael Petrilli
> Petrilli has been in and out of the league for the better of 5 years now, but has never been off the radar. He was signed to a 10-day contract last spring for the All-Stars and seemingly hadn't missed a beat. Petrilli will have his biggest role yet on this up and coming basketball squad and his three point shot will have to be executed to perfection night in and night out. He comes off a season in the RBDL (Rec Basketball Developmental League) where he finished 5th in MVP voting while averaging 18 points, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds. He shot an amazing 55% from beyond the arc and 88% from the foul line. Petrilli signed a one year deal at $2 million per, with and player option for the next two years.
Reserves:
C - Andy Kempf
> Andy brings hussle and a big, banging body inside for the Reignmakers. He's getting a chance to find his place in the RBL this season, but suffered a minor groin injury in the off-season. He will likely become the starting center once able, but may be on the IR for the opening game.
F - Ryan Stuver
> Just another piece to the puzzle. Stuver has been linked with Kempf, Brandon Hunter, and Petrilli for quite some time and the Reignmakers hope his dedication and hard work, as well as his familiarity with the offense will bring good things off the bench.
G/F - Clinton Weigel
> More hustle. More grit inside. The Reignmakers will need big years out of Kempf and Weigel if they want to compete with bigger teams. His and Kemp bring about the same to the table offensively, but the team hopes to keep them hungry on the defensive side leading to steals and a lot of easy buckets in transition.
G/F - Brent Hunter
> Currently in the RBDL, the fourth and final Hunter hopes to join the team in December during the playoff push. He will add more size and scoring once he joins the team and may also look to earn himself a starting position if all plays out accordingly.
---
The first two games on the season will be "play-in" games of sort. It wil ldetermine where the Reignmakers sit this year in accordance with other teams in the league. The one thing to look for is how well this team jells throughout the year. They have been brought together from different aspects of basketball and from different areas, which may cause some speed bumps early on. But once the competitive juices flow and they notch some wins on their belts, they could be a sleeper pick in this years season.
Check back tonight as a recap of tonights game will be posted.
As Phil Collins once sang, "Yes I wish it would rain down, down on me."
Lets hope for a lot of Reign tonight.
Play ball.
Friday, October 8, 2010
NBA 2K11: An Association...Again
After accidentally deleting our last season....we have begun a new one, with some new teams.
A big trade has gone down before the 2nd game has been played...more details later...
A big trade has gone down before the 2nd game has been played...more details later...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NBA 2K11: An Association
As the NBA 2K11 Season kicks off...I will be covering the news around the Thunder (Me), Nuggets (Chad), and Pacers (ha)(Knapik).
Here is the first report.
---
The Thunder's new season kicked off with a bad...and I mean BAD loss to the newly equipped Chicago Bulls. Led by Carlos "I'm hurt in real life but not this game" Boozer's 16 points, the Bulls downed the Thunder 63-45 in a game that was never really close.
Kevin Durant after the game, who scored 19 and grabbed 4 boards, "This is never how you want to start a season. I didn't play to my potential. As a leader, I have to play better...I have to play better."
In Durant's favor, he did not get a ton of help. The offense seemed stagnant at times and the defense was putrid and nearly every player was in the "minus" of the "+/-".
The Thunder look to rebound against the Detroit Pistons (0-1) Friday the 29.
In news off the court, the Thunder made a couple of moves before and after, the defeat. They sent raw bigman Byron Mullens and a 2012 second round pick to the Bulls for their 2011 second rounder. Then after the game, sent young point guard Eric Maynor to the Cavs and the Bulls second rounder as well as their own for the Cavaliers second round pick of a year ago, Daniel Green and their 2011 first rounder.
With the departure of Maynor, there has been a spot left open for a point guard on the roster. Veterans Damon Jones, Smush Parker, and Rafer Alston had workouts scheduled for the team today.
---
The Denver Nuggets started off on the right foot, most notably, Carmelo Anthony's. Melo posted 19 points, 5 rebounds, and did everything but block a shot in the Nuggets 43-40 win over the Utah Jazz. Chauncey Billups, 10 points 8 assists, did not have a great shooting night but added, "This is what you want to do to start a season, get your stars going and have everyone else fill their roll. Its a good win."
The battle between newly aquired Al Harrington and veteran Kenyon Martin didnt leave much to be desired as Martin had 4 points and 2 boards in 15 minutes, while Harrington only managed a rebound and couldnt find the range, twice, from downtown.
In a somewhat suprise move, young point guard Ty Lawson registered a "DNP" for the first game of the season. He was prepared to come in late in the second quarter, but time expired before he could make his entry. We will keep an eye on the situation down the road.
---
Josh McRoberts v. Tyler Hansbrough. Already the talk coming out of Pacers camp, who lost 57-55 to the veteran San Antonio Spurs.
McRoberts, on his demotion from starter to backup behind Hansbrough, "I don't know, its the coaches call. I came into the season believing I would be out their on opening tip off, but that's not how it turned out. Neither of us played great today, which we need to improve on, but I just had a different idea on how tonight would go."
Needless to say, McRoberts was right as both him and Hansbrough combined for 3 of 12 shooting and only 4 rebounds. Hansbrough did add 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots however which was more than McRoberts could add in his minimal time on the floor.
Rumors coming from the top are that both McRoberts and young swingman Brandon Rush seem to be on the outs in Indiana. The organization has not been pleased with Rush's dedication to offseason conditioning and his recent problems with drugs seem to be wearing thin on the Pacer's brass. Stay tuned.
---
In other NBA 2K11 news, experience guard Allen Iverson has found a new home, again. The Los Angelas Clippers, who missed out on the Stoudemire, James, and Bosh sweepstakes this past summer, added AI for 1 year around %5.8 million reports state. Iverson was not available for comment upon posting of this blog.
---
We will see you Friday.
out.
Here is the first report.
---
The Thunder's new season kicked off with a bad...and I mean BAD loss to the newly equipped Chicago Bulls. Led by Carlos "I'm hurt in real life but not this game" Boozer's 16 points, the Bulls downed the Thunder 63-45 in a game that was never really close.
Kevin Durant after the game, who scored 19 and grabbed 4 boards, "This is never how you want to start a season. I didn't play to my potential. As a leader, I have to play better...I have to play better."
In Durant's favor, he did not get a ton of help. The offense seemed stagnant at times and the defense was putrid and nearly every player was in the "minus" of the "+/-".
The Thunder look to rebound against the Detroit Pistons (0-1) Friday the 29.
In news off the court, the Thunder made a couple of moves before and after, the defeat. They sent raw bigman Byron Mullens and a 2012 second round pick to the Bulls for their 2011 second rounder. Then after the game, sent young point guard Eric Maynor to the Cavs and the Bulls second rounder as well as their own for the Cavaliers second round pick of a year ago, Daniel Green and their 2011 first rounder.
With the departure of Maynor, there has been a spot left open for a point guard on the roster. Veterans Damon Jones, Smush Parker, and Rafer Alston had workouts scheduled for the team today.
---
The Denver Nuggets started off on the right foot, most notably, Carmelo Anthony's. Melo posted 19 points, 5 rebounds, and did everything but block a shot in the Nuggets 43-40 win over the Utah Jazz. Chauncey Billups, 10 points 8 assists, did not have a great shooting night but added, "This is what you want to do to start a season, get your stars going and have everyone else fill their roll. Its a good win."
The battle between newly aquired Al Harrington and veteran Kenyon Martin didnt leave much to be desired as Martin had 4 points and 2 boards in 15 minutes, while Harrington only managed a rebound and couldnt find the range, twice, from downtown.
In a somewhat suprise move, young point guard Ty Lawson registered a "DNP" for the first game of the season. He was prepared to come in late in the second quarter, but time expired before he could make his entry. We will keep an eye on the situation down the road.
---
Josh McRoberts v. Tyler Hansbrough. Already the talk coming out of Pacers camp, who lost 57-55 to the veteran San Antonio Spurs.
McRoberts, on his demotion from starter to backup behind Hansbrough, "I don't know, its the coaches call. I came into the season believing I would be out their on opening tip off, but that's not how it turned out. Neither of us played great today, which we need to improve on, but I just had a different idea on how tonight would go."
Needless to say, McRoberts was right as both him and Hansbrough combined for 3 of 12 shooting and only 4 rebounds. Hansbrough did add 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots however which was more than McRoberts could add in his minimal time on the floor.
Rumors coming from the top are that both McRoberts and young swingman Brandon Rush seem to be on the outs in Indiana. The organization has not been pleased with Rush's dedication to offseason conditioning and his recent problems with drugs seem to be wearing thin on the Pacer's brass. Stay tuned.
---
In other NBA 2K11 news, experience guard Allen Iverson has found a new home, again. The Los Angelas Clippers, who missed out on the Stoudemire, James, and Bosh sweepstakes this past summer, added AI for 1 year around %5.8 million reports state. Iverson was not available for comment upon posting of this blog.
---
We will see you Friday.
out.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thanks to Madonna, Grandpa Hunter, and Chad Dobson
The title is just to get those who deserve some recognition...theirs. So they get theirs...now here is yours.
Everyone gets depressed, some, more than others. But recent tragedies and recent memories (and recent songs (thats where Madonna comes in!)!) brings to light my newest entry.
The passing of NFL player Kenny McKinley probably does not hit at home for most people, unless you have had someone in your life that tragically took theirs. But what we should learn from him, being McKinley, is that depressing rocks everyone...even those with money and in great careers.
You would think, even after having a serious knee surgery ending his season this year, that making an NFL team roster would be enough to keep someone happy and should for no reason be depressed. Yet it happens. The struggle of his surgery seemed to get the best, or worst, of McKinley, who seemingly had no one around to talk to or vent to. Or as in a lot of cases, no one could tell that outside McKinley was upset, so upset he could take his own life and therefore never knew anything was wrong with the young man inside his own home.
It is a struggle. Those who are depressed, not "oh I dont have any money to go the movies" depressed, find it hard at times to talk to someone, anyone, about what battles they are facing in their own mind as well as in the outside world. In turn, those of us around such people need to take a closer look at our friends and co-workers at times...and be open when someone wants to talk.
Now for all of you who know you fall into the category of being depressed and feeling like you dont have anyone to talk to, you do. You absolutely do. Look around you. Say you truly, honestly dont have any friends, friends close enough to talk to. There are people around. Teachers, parents, doctors, priests, your dentist...someone...anyone.
I do not, and thank the Big Man for this, have any experience of someone close to me taking their life. I have been aquainted with some people who have had those close to them do it...and we also hear it everyday in the news. So it is tough to relate the kind of angst and sorrow those feel who have had it happen to them, but I know I can give some decent advice, which is why Im writing this now.
Just know that you are never alone in this world, as big and vast as you think it may be. You may feel backed into a corner with no help in sight, but find a way to get around that corner and there will be those people with open arms waiting to give you some comfort. A hug, an ear, or a voice to talk to. Nothing left bottled in is rarely a good thing. And as I said before, if you don't think there are any of those people around that corner...find them. I am sure there are plenty of websites out there dedicated to helping those with depression, many phone lines with people on the other end ready to listen, to help.
I am built in a way where I am extremely positive about most things (this is where Grandpa comes in). My Grandpa encountered cancer for well over the last 10 years of his life and never once could you tell that something was defeating him from the inside. He was the strongest man I will probably ever meet and I am extremely proud to have had him as part of my life. But learning from him, I can see that it is never that bad. For those of you who think it is bad now...not having money to pay bills, not having a job, clashing with family and friends...there are those who don;t have any money, any food, or any hope. The great thing about living in the United States is that there always seems to be a line out there for help, somewhere. It may not come as fast as you like and in that case, go meet up with it.
Its not easy to be positive, not even close. Being built that way and being around people who are, helps. But for the vast majority of us, it is simpler to be depressed and angry at the hard times. But never think you are alone. There is always a helping hand. Sometimes you have to speak up, dont be afraid of calling for help, there is nothing wrong with calling for help. Ever. We are here to help...and wed be glad to!
---
So the final thanks goes to Chad Dobson, who has been on me for the past month or four about "you bloggin man!?". I dont really think he cares less (I guess I shouldve put Knapik in the title as well because I went back and changed that sentence from "could care less" to "care less") if I continue to write or not, he just likes to bust my chops. But busting them he did, and finally, thanks to him, Madonna and my late, great, Grandpa...I seem to be back in the game for now. Soak it up everyone. Dont know when Ill be back.
out...
Everyone gets depressed, some, more than others. But recent tragedies and recent memories (and recent songs (thats where Madonna comes in!)!) brings to light my newest entry.
The passing of NFL player Kenny McKinley probably does not hit at home for most people, unless you have had someone in your life that tragically took theirs. But what we should learn from him, being McKinley, is that depressing rocks everyone...even those with money and in great careers.
You would think, even after having a serious knee surgery ending his season this year, that making an NFL team roster would be enough to keep someone happy and should for no reason be depressed. Yet it happens. The struggle of his surgery seemed to get the best, or worst, of McKinley, who seemingly had no one around to talk to or vent to. Or as in a lot of cases, no one could tell that outside McKinley was upset, so upset he could take his own life and therefore never knew anything was wrong with the young man inside his own home.
It is a struggle. Those who are depressed, not "oh I dont have any money to go the movies" depressed, find it hard at times to talk to someone, anyone, about what battles they are facing in their own mind as well as in the outside world. In turn, those of us around such people need to take a closer look at our friends and co-workers at times...and be open when someone wants to talk.
Now for all of you who know you fall into the category of being depressed and feeling like you dont have anyone to talk to, you do. You absolutely do. Look around you. Say you truly, honestly dont have any friends, friends close enough to talk to. There are people around. Teachers, parents, doctors, priests, your dentist...someone...anyone.
I do not, and thank the Big Man for this, have any experience of someone close to me taking their life. I have been aquainted with some people who have had those close to them do it...and we also hear it everyday in the news. So it is tough to relate the kind of angst and sorrow those feel who have had it happen to them, but I know I can give some decent advice, which is why Im writing this now.
Just know that you are never alone in this world, as big and vast as you think it may be. You may feel backed into a corner with no help in sight, but find a way to get around that corner and there will be those people with open arms waiting to give you some comfort. A hug, an ear, or a voice to talk to. Nothing left bottled in is rarely a good thing. And as I said before, if you don't think there are any of those people around that corner...find them. I am sure there are plenty of websites out there dedicated to helping those with depression, many phone lines with people on the other end ready to listen, to help.
I am built in a way where I am extremely positive about most things (this is where Grandpa comes in). My Grandpa encountered cancer for well over the last 10 years of his life and never once could you tell that something was defeating him from the inside. He was the strongest man I will probably ever meet and I am extremely proud to have had him as part of my life. But learning from him, I can see that it is never that bad. For those of you who think it is bad now...not having money to pay bills, not having a job, clashing with family and friends...there are those who don;t have any money, any food, or any hope. The great thing about living in the United States is that there always seems to be a line out there for help, somewhere. It may not come as fast as you like and in that case, go meet up with it.
Its not easy to be positive, not even close. Being built that way and being around people who are, helps. But for the vast majority of us, it is simpler to be depressed and angry at the hard times. But never think you are alone. There is always a helping hand. Sometimes you have to speak up, dont be afraid of calling for help, there is nothing wrong with calling for help. Ever. We are here to help...and wed be glad to!
---
So the final thanks goes to Chad Dobson, who has been on me for the past month or four about "you bloggin man!?". I dont really think he cares less (I guess I shouldve put Knapik in the title as well because I went back and changed that sentence from "could care less" to "care less") if I continue to write or not, he just likes to bust my chops. But busting them he did, and finally, thanks to him, Madonna and my late, great, Grandpa...I seem to be back in the game for now. Soak it up everyone. Dont know when Ill be back.
out...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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