And I'll Take This Bullet In Hopes You May Prosper...

"Spock: The needs of the many... outweigh -
Kirk: The needs of the few.
Spock: Or the one. "
~Star Trek, The Wrath of Kahn

My father was a Star Trek junkie back in the day, and growing up we would watch the classic shows such as Star Trek and M.A.S.H. so it seems only fitting that one day I would be using a quote from the series. This quote is often shortened in this day and age to "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one". But I believe the few is important. If we look at these statements in essence it turns into a "put others first" scenario. But what happens when its one on one. Does the needs of your relative/friend/lover outweigh the needs of yourself. I'd like to think so.

"Self-Sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-sacrifice. Sacrifice sounds like a harsh word, it conjures images of cults and virgins and the ultimate payment. This isn't self-sacrifice however. At least...not exactly. According to MWOD, self sacrifice is the sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or cause or ideal. That is some heavy thinking, giving up something in exchange for someones ability to prosper. It may not be your life that is the loss, but if you are self-sacrificing, chances are its something fairly substantial. Let's take an example. Dean and Eddie are best friends, they got each others back. Dean is friends with Julie. Dean likes Julie. Eddie starts meeting with Dean and Julie. Eddie finds himself starting to like Julie. Oh, but wait, so does Dean. One of two things can happen here. One, Eddie can go on the offensive and in essence fight against Dean for Julie's affection. His second option, and frankly, much less appealing, is he can suppress his feelings and force them to disappear. As hard as it is having one good friend like you, two would be killer. The real priority is the well-being of his friends. With him in the mix it only makes things harder. Eddie decides option two is best.

So in review, If he sacrifices here, he is effectively:
~Sacrificing his emotions
~Sacrificing a part of his mental well-being
~Sacrificing a potential relationship

Reading that, I'm pretty sure Eddie has more dedication to friends than this writer will ever have. But I also know that he has a very hard road ahead of him, and wish him the best of luck.

Because You'll Need It To Stay Alive.

S.T.