It Couldn't Happen to A Better Person

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She wouldn't ever dream of making it a big deal, 'cause that's just not how she rolls. But dammit, she deserves this much and more. So even though it's probably like chewing on broken glass I'm gonna make her stand up and take the credit she's earned (dammit).

Now all ya'll know the high regard I have for Maggie Dammit of Okay, Fine, Dammit, and more recently also of Violence UnSilenced. It was Okay, Fine, Dammit that introduced me to this wonder of a human being, and as a consequence OFD was a first-ballot Diamond in the Rockpile winner. But as marvelously crafted as OFD is -- and it is -- it didn't fully prepare me to appreciate the heart that could conceive of Violence UnSilenced. And now, not only has she gotten the attention of the Blogosphere, she's getting the love from those in the three-dimensional world too. The group Domestic Abuse Intervention Services said this recently:

"You were selected by a committee of Board members, DAIS staff, and community members to receive the DAIS Community Service Award this year in recognition of all that you have done to honor the voices of battered women."

Now Maggie will tell you that it's the contributors who share their stories of survival, who pour their worst nightmares out in print, who are the real heroes. And she has an undeniable point. These writers and their stories are the lifeblood of Violence UnSilenced. But Maggie, you are the heart that pumps that blood. Without you, without your vision, there would be no Violence UnSilenced. All the good that has come from it, and all that will come from it simply would.not.be. And I promise you that it really, really is okay to accept whatever accolades come your way from it. I'm betting there's not one of those contributors that would disagree with me either.

So Maggie, dammit, get up here and take a bow. You did good, sis. And you did it well too. I'm proud of you, of your work, and most of all proud to call you my friend.

And the rest of you? Get clickin' over to Okay, Fine, Dammit and make with the congratulations. And when you're done with that, stop in at Violence UnSilenced and say a few words to those who've so courageously offered up their own stories in hopes that someone else won't have to.

What? You're still here? Go!

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