It is rather amazing what can transpire over the course of 24 hours. Many of you read my post on my blog, sixpackchef.me/… entitled “How Could He Have Known…?”, which briefly details how Butters finds (& rescues) me. The post, written in the early morning hours, straight from my heart, was not published with any particular goals, or motives. I simply have a lot on my mind, and am faced with some difficult decisions. I just needed to vent, and since I was alone (most of you were asleep, like normal human beings), my blog was the “friend” with whom I shared my inner-most thoughts and feelings. Ofttimes, when stress levels are up, PTSD is inflamed a bit. Stressed about work…? No worries…PTSD will enhance that for you. Worried about a situation that is heading your way…? PTSD will hook you up! Seriously, though…every stressor is made more severe because of the disorder. I know that regardless of political views, most folks are passionate about supporting our nation’s combat veterans, ensuring we receive the care/benefits which we earned, and are grateful for the freedoms for which we fought. Many recognize the sacrifices that countless veterans have made on behalf of our great nation, as we laid so very much upon the altar of freedom. As I sit here, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, concern, respect, admiration, and compassion demonstrated over the past 24 hours. Yesterday, this article averaged nearly 8,000+ readers per hour, setting an all-time record for my blog. Unbelievable. That number may not seem like much to my more “popular” friends, but for this kid from Denton, Georgia, it is one very touching figure. Aside from the popularity of the post, countless groups, nonprofits, religious organizations, military support networks, news agencies, and the average person, shared the post with their friends and networks. Obviously, I (and Butters) have been incredibly touched. I write all of this, not to brag (too much), or to bring about even more popularity, but to share with you a few things that I have learned. Coupled with the massive influx of readers, I experienced, for the first time, what happens when your email, Facebook, and blog crashes. I literally had so very many comments, @mentions (via Twitter), and emailed responses, that the systems/platforms could not handle it all. I was on the phone with tech support for quite a bit, thinking that I had somehow “messed something up.” Haha…turns out that yall just weren’t ready for sweet ole Butters to make his print debut! ;) Here are a few things which I have learned since publishing this post: 1. Folks from all over the world love Yellow Labs. Nuts. haha 2. People from all walks of life have sent, and are sending up thoughts, positive light, and prayers for Butters and me.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 13:29:13 +0000