A personal story and a plea

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While I am not normally one to discuss things such as politics and current events, there is something going on in the media right now that I just cannot ignore. And though I do not want to really add to the noise, the speculation and the drama surrounding such a private and personal tragedy, I feel lead to share a story.

I’m talking about the Jennifer Hudson family murders that happened last Friday when her mom, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson, were fatally shot in their home and then her little 7 year old nephew, Julian King was found murdered in the back of Jason’s stolen SUV Monday morning.

I just cannot fathom the pain Ms. Hudson and her family are going through right now. And if I could, I would just hug them all and tell them how much I hurt for them.

Because . . . I can understand the pain of losing a young child you would do anything for, one who is the light of your life.

See, on October 29, 1991 – 17 years ago today – my 8 year old niece, Sherri, died of cancer.

As Ms. Hudson has said about her nephew, Sherri was my reason for living, my everything. She and I were extremely close. She was the first child I ever felt that kind of love for, had that kind of bond with and she was like my own child.

Sherri would be 25 this year, probably graduating college, maybe even getting married or having a child of her own. It’s these thoughts that tear me apart. It’s these thoughts that tear me apart for Julian King and Jennifer Hudson and Julia Hudson and everyone around the world who has lost a special child.

So, tonight, I invite you to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them. Gather them close and let them know they are special to you. It’s time for the world to stop hurting.

Stop hurting ourselves.
Stop hurting our families.
Stop hurting our friends and neighbors.
Our brothers and sisters.
Our fellow man.

The time is now.

And this is why the elections next week are so, so, so important! As an American (if you are one), it is your duty, your job, your right – to get out there and vote. There are no excuses. Every vote counts.

Let. Every. Voice. Be. Heard!

In the arena,

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.