because it's time to talk about it

i haven't been ready to talk about the mining accident, mostly bc i want to know the outcome of the four still missing. the odds at this point just aren't good, but you have to always have hope.

i don't personally know anyone who was in this accident, but i know people who have friends and family members who do. mining is scary business, but its become such a way of life for most of this state. dad worked in the mines til i was in 1st grade, many of my uncles and my grandad on mom's side work(ed) in the mines. so at least at this point i can sort of put into perspective what this is all about. the stranger works for a big mining company (not the one in the accident, thank goodness) as the HR director and he said the worst thing he's ever had to do is go to someones home and tell them their loved one died in an accident.

i hate that it takes situtations like this to bring the state together. one thing WVians are exceptionally good at is being able to rally in time of tragedy. this state has been in a constant fight to survive since it was created, and i don't know that there will ever be any difference in that aspect.

my thoughts and prayers go out to the miners and their family, friends, and co-workers. this has all left me incredibly depressed, worrying about life and how fleeting it can be. most of these people knew how risky their livelihood was, but it doesnt make what happened any easier to handle.

i feel like there are a thousand words i should be saying about this, but i cant find them in the jumble. i just want to go hug everyone i can reach.