too close to home

The effects of our economic meltdown are far-reaching, but - to be honest - I have not really noticed *that* much of a difference in my day-to-day life. Yes, my 401(k) has gone down - but I've only been contributing to one for a few years, and I have time to build it back up. Yes, prices have gone up...but I'm single, I don't have a family to feed and I can keep my costs low, etc.

However, for a lot of people, this economic crisis is an all-consuming monster. People are desperate, and sunk into the depths of depression. I get it . . . and I am grateful that my self-worth and hope is not wrapped up in our economy. Nor in my singing. Nor in my relationships.

But, I know folks for whom hope seems to not be an option; it's not even a faint knock at the door. Today at work, we found out the effects of being caught in that despair. One of our external colleagues - a woman I have known for 4 years and who is in a large part responsible for my staying in SF by helping me out when I needed a job - was killed because her boyfriend felt that a lack of money meant life should not continue. A completely needless death and it makes me angry and sad...but at the moment I just feel dull and shocked.