Monday, June 29, 2009

Words From A Beating Heart

Every decision we make in life has some element of risk. Faced with two choices, each contains risk, even if one path appears to be the safer of the two. What might seem the secure choice in the short term might end up being the one most fraught with danger down the road.



Tommy Williams is the first zombie that I became friends with. I suppose it goes without saying that this was a risky proposition for both of us, although it was far more dangerous for him than it was for me. Laws are in place to give me some protection, whereas for Tommy and other zombies, their very existence is considered to be an unlawful act by some. If I'm being honest, though, which is something I always try to be, our becoming friends didn't feel like a risky or radical act. It just seemed the right thing to do. I have many, many friends who are zombies now, and Tommy has friends and admirers among us "traditionally biotic" people.



But now Tommy is taking another risk. He is going to travel, alone, around the country. There's many reasons why he is doing this, and he has many goals, some of which he's talked about and some he keeps to himself. He's leaving a community where, although these sentiments are not universal, he is respected and loved by many people. He's leaving this environment to visit places in our country where he will not be welcomed. He's travelling to places where, if the reports are true, zombies are routinely destroyed or "reterminated" by people who have no interest in understanding "differently biotic" people.



So Tommy is taking a trip with great risk. But knowing him as I do, he doesn't consider the risk. All he considers is that it is the right thing to do.



I'm worried about him, of course, but I wouldn't try to stop him or convince him to do anything other than what he's doing. But in writing this, I'm hoping that I can convince others to help remove some of the risk from his journey. If you see Tommy "on the road", say hello. I think he lives a lonelier life than any living, breathing person can imagine. If you see him, let him know where he needs to be careful and where he might be in danger. Let him know also where he would be accepted, because I think that will help him on his way.



Karen and I will be moderating mysocalledundeath for the time that Tommy is on the road, and we hope to soon have some of his correspondence to post before too long--he's leaving tomorrow. We'll also be writing a few posts of our own to fill the time in between--but don't be surprised if the blog is "silent" for awhile--there's a lot going on here in Oakvale.



Thanks for reading,

Phoebe

PS: We're having a little trouble with the site, so comments might not be posted for awhile.

56 comments:

Lucien Drage said...

Phoebe, your words, as always, show a sign of love and maturity for those you care about. It is clear that you are different from those who simply say they care about the rights of the differently biotic; you actually go above and beyond to prove to the world that you care and that others should care too. It is good to hear from you again on here, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the coming weeks that Tommy is on the road. Also, please let us know how Adam is doing. I hope he is progressing at a good pace still and that he is safe, just like everybody else.

Unheard Of said...

hi pheobe. great monologue.
i wanted to let people know that my friends and i are gonna be looking out for Tommy when he comes our way.
only snag is that we drive a white van (ironic right?) we'll make it more conspicuous though. so he knows it's us. lol.

[Ryan] said...

Hello Pheobe. I hope most of us will keep in mind to say hello to Tommy on his way! How is Adam doing by the way? And Karen, and Margi, and Collete, and everyone at the Haunted House doing? Great, i hope. And for some reason I don't feel like Pete is giving everyone such a hard time, but that's just me. Had any new arrivals lately? Well have an awesome summer and tell everyone to watch out for those white vans!

Shayleeray said...

Lovely as always, Pheebes :)

So, Karen wasn't shot? She's okay?


Good luck, Tommy! :D

mary said...

i love words from a beating heart! & is karen okay? because i'm confussed!

Mary said...

I'll be on the lookout for Tommy! I wish him well on his journey. I hope you , your friends, and everybody at the HH is doing okay! Best wishes!

Kate said...

Great post Phoebe. I hope Tommy's journey goes okay :)

puppetmaster said...

hey phoebe tell tommy i said good luck and have fun =D
~Puppet Master

Lily Benan said...

Phoebe~
Your words are inspiring and beautiful. If I were you, I would be so hurt. Well, I imagine you are. Sorry I didn't mean to be a party-pooper. Anyways, while I'm gonna miss his words, I know you'll do a great job! Be strong, for you, for Tommy, for me, for all of us her on Mysocalledundeath. Good luck, and tell Tommy that I said I can't wait to see him here in SC.
ily,
Lily

RSoxy said...

that is so brave of Tommy, traveling around to unfamiliar places. It must be scary for him, so tell him that i support him completely and, if for some reason i do see him, that I will be with him and i will help him. Be careful Tommy, and take good care of yourself

Samantha said...

OMG is Karen okay, I was so worried about her. I did not think she got caught because she would have been arrested like George right. I was still worried though. Is she staying with her parents, or Tak, or Tommy,or You. What exactly did happen to her though. Also what happend to the other girl the one that was being tortcherd brecause with Karen gone there was no one there to look out for her.

Booklover said...

Ok so I have not yet had time to read kiss of life, i have to read a 1000 page book for a camp but i was wondering by any off chance do you know if there will be a thrid book in the series????

Lily Benan said...

HOOORAY!!! I took the Gendead.com quiz and I'm team Tommy, but I already knew that! But, Adam, I love you too!!! I love all of you there in Oakvale!
~Lily

Samantha said...

Speaking of "traditionally biotic" people, the Zombies should get a trad spy. What I mean is that some non traditionally biotic people should have a traditionally biotic friend join Rev Creepies cult and spy on their activities and report on what there doing.

Tara said...

One place to definitely be careful in is New Jersey. Did you know that we have the most hate groups in state size to population ratio? Its not something I'm proud of, but it pays to be cautious. And by the way, Phoebe you are a fenomenal writer! I absolutely love the "Words From a Beating Heart" column! Have fun on the road and God Bless You, Tommy! We'll be watching for you!
<3
Tara

Lindsay said...

Hope Tommy will be safe on the road! Hows Karen by the way? If we see him we will say hi and tell him that you say hi too, if you want. It will be fine! I love your title by the way! AMAIZING!

Unknown said...

Phoebe,
I love when you write entries.
As soon as Tommy arrives in Netcong, he will be in good hands because I will guide him through. Please let us know where he is and when he wil arrive in Netcong so we are prepared.
-SNZA

Unknown said...

lol accidentaly used sis's account
its snza

Anonymous said...

Phoebe,
Your words are an inspiration to all zombies and trads. Being a trad or a zombie no longer seems like such a giant division we are all alive in some way. Keep writing I love your posts!

VampireTaco said...

believe it or not i sort of understand what your going through. my best friend in the whole wide universe(his name is dylan) is moving to atlanta. i live in alabama and so has he for his entire life and then next year he'll be living in atlanta until he finishes high school. dylan and i are very close and tell each other everything. we have had a complicated romantic past and last year was the one year where we finally didnt go out anymore. we finally got things straightned out and now he has to move away.

kind of sorry about the rant there, but it always helps me if people can relate to what i'm going through. plus it kind of felt good to get this out of my system. i'll stop typing now. :)

Anonymous said...

I hope Karen is okay, along with all the other zombies since they will be "underground". How are you and Adam?

Unknown said...

Phoebe,
I hope we can all learn from Your words here on my so-called undeath. I will deffinetly be looking out for Tommy while he is traveling. I hope he has a safe trip, and I hope all of you at oakvale will be okay.
~Sam

Bloody_Bettie said...

Hope all goes well on Tommy's trip. I'll be sure to say hi if I see him.

Unknown said...

i think that is very sweet of you to worry about tommy,and that you are a very good person.

EmmBearr said...

Phobe I love reading what you wright! your words are so hart felt and touching...I know how you feel to an extent when you say that you're worried about Tommy. I wish him the best of luck and safe travels...please keep writing and I cant wait for you to post again =] Thanks and keep us updated on Tommy

xoxo Emily

Bob said...

I love your writing, always Phoebe. You are such a good writer and will always touch my beating heart with your words of wisdom. I read the Generation Dead series and I can't wait to read the following books after Kiss of Life. Tell Adam he's cool even though he's a zombie, and I wish to see more from you.

Sincerly,
Alex a.k.a Bob

Sonakaru said...

It's nice to finally hear from the infamous Phoebe! Your words are very kind, and they seem to be extremely true. I hope to hear more from you. I will be looking for Tommy, and I will make sure he's safe if I see him.
My friends want to meet him too, they're Zombies/DB also.

Ahhh,MyLife. said...

Phoebe,
I like to think of my self as person who cares for people who are differently biotic, and your the inspiration for it. Thank you Tommy and Phoebe for giving me somthing to think about at night.
Love,
Me.

Unknown said...

your "words from a beating heart" are an inspiration to all of us, trads and zombies alike. I shall be looking forward to hearing more of what you write and I do hope that you shall continue expressing your feelings, hopes and veiws. I'm sure we all wish Tommy a safe path and all the best on his journey.

Krystal said...

Tommy is lucky that he has two great writers to take over his blog while he's away. I hope he manages to have a little fun, even though the purpose of his journey is really more serious. And his safety is also important, so if I ever get a chance to see him (that would be so amazing!!! but probably awkward for him, since he only knows me as 'animeface') I'll make sure he stays cautious, especially of some of the unfriendlier towns.

Also, I hope you can update as much as possible! This is the only site that has accurate news from Oakvale.

Kinder said...

Pheebes, (Can I call you that?) I think you're really brave for doing this. I mean, you're publicly associating with zombies which is something I'd be too nervous to do. You're so lucky to know zombies, too. I don't really have many zombies in my town. At least, I've never seen any at school, but then again I have a big school.

Anyways, I hope Tommy has a safe trip and that things are going well in Oakvale. Good luck with the foundation (and Adam *wink*).

Anonymous said...

Hey, Phoebe, off topic here but everyone (db and allies) in Minneapolis is buzzing about rumors that Skeleton Crew is doing a cover of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Cool in an ironic way, I guess, but maybe a little in bad taste/politically iffy? What do you think-- do we buy or boycott? We respect your opinion. Thanks.

Bianca Wilde said...

Psssst... Guys, I think the timeline in the book and the timeline in real life is... off... you know? We are Pre-Karen-getting shot right now... Hate to mess up the whole legitimacy thing of the site... so rude... but, ah... yeah.

Let's pretend that never happened.

Love,
-Bianca

DeadZombieKitty said...

I just wntedto say that I hope that Adam is ok and everyone else. I hope Tommyis being careful on the road, watch out for white vans. Well cja Kit-Kat

. said...

Ah,Tommy is coming by Memphis a little too late; a few months ago there was a zombie walk in the area :) I even gave a friend of mine a shirt with the writing, "It's not zombie, it's 'living impaired'" on it. It made him smile. I wish him well on the trip, especially since he's coming close to home.

Ahhh,MyLife. said...

Phoebe,
Tell Tommy to be safe!!!!
haha. You are quiet a big person to care for them, when some people can't even care for there grass.
haha. God loves you.

Rose Beating Heart said...

Hi Phoebe!!! Great post-as always. It was touching, sensitive, and relatable. Don't worry too much about Tommy; I'm sure that there are tons of people who will watch out for him. He's got a celebrity-type quality you know.
How's he doing? How's Karen doing? How's Adam doing? Many questions...Well, keep up the great work and I'm sure that you and Karen will keep the site in stellar condition for Tommy. Please post again as soon as you possibly can.

deadONtheINSIDE said...

Hope he comes back safely.. I'll be sure to check up on him if I see him milling around Omaha on my vacation.

*HugZ*
~Deadgirl

Terraka said...

Hello Phoebe,
Good luck to you. I just wanted to say I love Tommy almost as much as you do so I will keep an eye out for him :). I'll keep him...safe. You rock! Oops We drive a white van(weird) but We are good people

Unheard Of said...

hello phoebe. i was wondering where i might be able to purchase that skeleton crew CD i heard about. hot topic maybe? Slydellco supply is low in my town.
also, how is George? give him a hug for me please?

Anonymous said...

Phoebe you are a very talented writer but I heard about tak also karen I worry about please leave a post about how everyone is doing

Princess Aliah said...

If He comes my way I'll be sure that he knows where he's loved and admired! Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be okay:) Keep writing! I wana know whats up with you! OH! And also i wanted to know where i could get that kool zombie merch ya'll talk about! Kay well thanks! :)

westcoastchic@me.com said...

okayy so i haven't been able 2 read the second book yet (believe me; its torture not knowing wat will happen!!!) and i personally SORT OF agree with pete. well i dont agree, but i see where hes coming frm u kno?? but also hes sux. alot. and i also think tht the hunter foundation is up 2 something. something big.....

GingerSpice said...

I think the name "Words From A Beating Heart" is pretty cleaver. 'Pheobe the Cleaver' should be added to your list of nick names... :)

Emily Falls said...

phoebe your are a very talented writer and you are pearson who understand if you where born human you will always be human. me myslef like to write i have a website that deals with issues for kids today myslef have a complicated life and no how good it is to try to help people even if you can not help your self. i suffer with a disease called lymes disease and i hate when some people trat me different even thoe i feel the same look the same and my brain works the same as those other people

Emily said...

phoebe im inspired about how you thimk and hoow good a writer you are i also like to write and i have a website that deals with kids issues these days i know how it feels to be judjed because you are different i suffer with lymes disease and some peopple think that im wiered because im different i feel the same think move and look the same before i got sick abd just because you are different does not mean your not human to that is human to me is a way of life to show compassion to love to make mistakes.

Emily said...

i will keep a look out for tommy i live in maryland and i go to dc frecuently

Constance Bougie said...

I promise if Tommy comes near Greenville Wisconsin my family will keep our awesome zombie friend safe.

Abriawna(The Undead Princess) said...

Hey it's me Abriawna again I just thought I could share my meme with everyone so I'm hoping it will help...: )


1. How did you die?Umm. long story short I accidentaly slit my throat.

2. How long have you been gone? ummm about 1 1/2 months

3. Death age/true age? 12/12

4. What do you miss most about being alive? playing all of my favorite sports such as...basketball,volleyball, and softball.

5. What, if anything, is cool about being a zombie? umm well knowing that there are people like me out there that can help me like Tommy and Karen.

6. How did your family react to you coming back? Well they freaked out at first but now their getting used to it but im living in the attic......for now.

7. Most humiliating moment as a zombie? The slow walking and Slow Talking like when i talk to my secret crush who happens to be a zombie too but *no names* Secret :)

8. Visible signs of zombiism? A cut on my throat and the slow walking and talking

9. Goals/ambition? To try to control myself and not be emo anymore i actually want to be happy for once

10. "If I were alive today, I would..." Probably be on the cheerleading squad and recoil from any sharp objects....

Hope this helps! :) I♥ u guys u have really turned my undead life around and im happy but ill keep posting for my updates :D

Abriawna(The Undead Princess) said...

Hey Pheebs ummm my name's Abriawna I'm Differently Biotic and i was thinking about making my own blog like what Tommy and Everyone else has.......What'd you think? Should I? And If I do will You,Tommy,Karen and everyone else like Takayuki and Colette come and post comments about my life? If you want to know more about me I posted a meme about me on here.



xoxox thanks for your opinion, Abriawna

Abriawna(The Undead Princess) said...

I'd also like it if Margi commented on their a couple times too. And if Tommy comes near Nocona,Texas I'll show him around town and keep'em safe from the white vans O.O

Abriawna(The Undead Princess) said...

Sorry but my meme is on kevin's meme page

Anonymous said...

LIFE!!!! WOW CANT U GUYS BE VAMPIRES AT LEAST THEY'RE HOTT AS ANYTHING

Anonymous said...

are you and tommy going out?

Taytay123 said...

how is tommy??

Anonymous said...

Phebe, we'll take care of Tommy. Promise. And please keep writing! I love your words from a beating heart!

And as a comment for one of my fellow posters, Vampires are only hot if there geeky. Sparkely ones aren't real. The author of that Twilight s*** was smoking some serious stuff when she wrote that crap.


-KayKat