A bloggers lunch, photo thanks to Sarah from What Sarah Did Next.
When you spend a bit of time in the online world it’s easy to become disenchanted. Hate sites, trolls, nasty comments, even respectable commentators resorting to bullying techniques to try to make their points, it can all make your head spin.
Then in real life a tragedy strikes. I knew the old friends to be there, I was sure the new friends would help, what I didn’t expect was the care and support from the online world.
There were messages, comments and emails. The beautiful Rachel organised you guys to give me a voucher for meals to be delivered. I have no idea who donated but thank you so much.
Just like in the real world you let each know, and the messages you sent were heartfelt.
Some of you expressed your dismay at the news in your own blog posts, it reminded me that sudden events like this can make everyone fearful and sad. Even if you didn’t know Simon or even me, you saw your own life reflected in this silly little blog and you felt our pain.
Another lovely side-effect was a number of messages from regular readers who had never commented before, it was amazing to realise there were more people reading than I imagined.
I’ve read blogs before where people have talked of their own tragedy or pain and I’ve been reluctant to comment, I wasn’t a regular reader, I didn’t know the people involved, it seemed disrespectful to throw in my own sympathy. Now, having been on the other side, I will always comment or send a message. It is extraordinary just how comforting it was to know people cared.
In the end, no matter where we live, no matter whether we meet face-to-face or just in the virtual world, we are all connected by our humanity and that is an incredible strength when times are tough.
Edit – Ooops forgot your homework, today leave a comment on a blog you love or send a Facebook message to someone you care about. Cheers. J.
Hi Janine,
I am a regular reader but not very a very good contributor. I am also a friend of the lovely Rachel (whom I do not see often enough). Reading your most recent blogs have had me welling up with both sad and happy tears. Sad ones at the thought of both yours and your girls loss and pain, and happy ones hearing about the love and support of friends from all walks of life. This has prompted me to contact the lovely Rachel and try, yet again, to organise a catch up. She is a lady I had an instant connection with when we met 3 years ago and it has reminded me that it is not a friendship I would like to dwindle away.
Thank you Janine.
That makes me very happy, give her a hug from me when you see her.
I know what you mean about commenting,, but I was surprised, happily so when I wrote about my incident in hospital,,, I never really know what to say, but people just like a few words as I did. The caring world of people whether it is cyber or real should not be underestimated. this was a fault of mine at the time… 😉
Yes I’ve learnt that lesson too, it’s really lovely to know that people care about what is happening to you, it helps to know you are not alone.
My dear, you deserve all the support. I’m so happy that you had virtual and in-person helpers. AND that you realize how many people enjoy your blog!
Thank you for being a very special virtual friend.
The cyber/blogging community is pretty special. We get to “know” people we’ll probably never meet in real life and they come to mean as much to as the ones we see every day. I think we share some intimacies with these strangers/friends that we don’t always share with our “real” friends. Anyway, you are remarkably strong. I think about you and the girls very regularly and send you love and fortitude and hope that we will meet face to face one day soon through our mutual friend Therese. xxxx
I really look forward to meeting you one day.
I’ve loved reading your series on friends. I love that we didn’t stop making friends with the end of school, or university, or work, as I always expected. I continue to make friends through the online world, and through my children’s friends (see the comment from the darling Leanne above 🙂 ). And although old friends have a unique perspective by virtue of being around for so long, new friends have proven themselves to be just as valuable. I am glad you had all kinds of friends to support you over the past couple of months. xxxx
It’s really been beautiful the lovely people I have in my life.