Ok, think of it like this, Ladies (and gentlemen): we've all just finished reading an amazing, can't-put-it-down, page-turning 500 page book. We've felt a connection to the characters, laughed and cried with them, we've called in sick to work, turned off the phone, ignored the laundry and missed a dental appointment to get to the next chapter, and now we've turned the last page, and we've exhaled and closed the book.

BUT...there WILL be a sequel (or maybe even a Harry-Potter-like series?). Have patience....

In the meantime, wasn't there a garden you wanted to grow? A person you wanted to help? A book you wanted to write? A change you wanted to make? An interest you wanted to pursue? A cause you wanted to volunteer for? A skill you wanted to learn? A project you wanted to finish? A place you wanted to visit? An adventure you wanted to have? I've heard so many times on this board "he makes me want to be a better person", so OK: be. If there's one thing this (very strange and unexpected) journey has reiterated for me, it's that if you want to make something happen, you can, so go for it! Isn't DC a really great example of that?

As for Kim Caldwell, jealousy is a pernicious and unconstructive emotion: just let it go, just let the whole situation be, and it'll be whatever it'll be.

One final question for you to think about: what do have now that you didn't have before this all started?

Nice post!

I think the "feeling bad" thing will die down quickly. We've just been through an amazing journey and now that chapter is over and real life is like David Cook rehab. LOL. And you're right about a Harry Potter like series. It really is just the start. I don't think that any of us are gonna stay stuck in this sort of state for too long. We definatly have lives of our own. I mean, I have to start looking for colleges soon (the thought of college is pretty exciting, I must say). I've also got finals coming up and really need to focus on school.

What do I have that I didn't before all of this? I actually have an inspiration and someone positive to look up to. And shouldn't someone like David and his journey help me as I'm in a scary but exciting time when highschool is ending and I'll be starting life on my own? Hmm..maybe I should get a notebook and fill it with pictures and quotes of David and keep it with me?

as Paula said (and i HATE quoting Paula Abdul) "This is anything but a Finale, this is just the beginning." (Everything she said after that was just.... bleh to me LOL) It was a fun ride but it's not yet over, it's just getting started for David and for us. So, buckle your seat belts and get ready

Yeah, I'm trying not to feel bad about all of this.

So much is going to happen with him that it is not the end. The tour is going to happen and after that he will probably start working on his album.

As hard as this is for me to say, I've been thinking about the whole KC thing. I have my opinions about her, but they haven't been revised since she was on AI. So if David thinks she is good enough for him (and I hope he is sure because he deserves nothing but the absolute best) then so be it. Obviously I have no chance with him and he should be happy too (I guess..lol).

But seriously. If he's happy, I'm happy. The end.

Hi Chelsea,

Yes, I think a notebook is an excellent idea--words are very powerful! His lyrics reminded me of a quote from a book I've loved for years and years. It's from "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch, and it was actually referring to poetry, but I think it definately applies to a lot of his words/his lyrics:
"Like fluoride in the water, they'll make your soul impervious to the world's soft decay".

Add your own thoughts into that notebook, and I guarantee, you'll read it a couple of years from now and be able to see how much you've grown as a person. Starting something new IS scary because of the unknown, but it's a good scary--it's an opportunity for you to change anything you want to change. And change is *good*, even if it takes awhile to see the big picture.

Good luck to you!

Beautiful, beautiful post. Wanna congratulate the OP.

As for me, I can't feel more happy. David Cook won my heart, won American Idol, and now is winning everything he touches. I've never been more sure about someone's success. He's going to be huge. And knowing that we're going to be there supporting him step by step.

We can't be happier

What a super post! Well written, well thought out, admirable in form and content, and intent.

Thank you.

I think this will help a lot of people to deal and also confirm the feelings of the rest of us that our coping skills are pretty good, too!

Have you thought of doing this for a living? LOL!

Thank you for the compliment! No, I haven't thought of doing it for a living, but I'll add "Internet Philosopher" to my resume, and see what happens!!!

Thanks, dreamworks--too bad he can't win the Presidential election! (well, maybe in 10 years when he hits the age minimum!) lol
I love your sig by the way!

we may hate and rant about kimberly caldwell all we want because we most probably feel that she's taken david away from us, after he's been a major part of the lives of most of us- even for just these past few months. on the brighter side though, caldwell might actually do us good. with her sudden appearance in the picture, she, as a matter of fact, helps snap us back to reality. her presence makes us realize our place- that we're here because we basically like david's phenomenal talent, not solely because we have gone overboard with our illusions and hopes of being the potential girlfriend. though it's not inevitable to fall head over heels for this guy. who wouldn't??? he seems too good to be true. (fox is pretty successful marketing him.)

i too am a victim and have been finding ways to get over this fatal obsession and come back to my reality. honestly, i could attest that hearing about caldwell has really helped me a lot. ironically, it cleared my mind- well after it blurred from rage for a while (hahaha). seriously though, i am proud to announce that i'm recuperating.

i'm proud to say i'm still a fan.

Good for you, mabic! A little fantasy is healthy (even necessary!), but when it becomes all-consuming, that's when we see stalker situations in the news....hope that never happens to DC! Honestly, I would NEVER want to be famous--don't think it's worth it! I couldn't take the lack of privacy and people always wanting something, worrying that a personal photo would end up all over the internet with nasty quotes underneath, always wondering who your friends are. I love anonymity!