More Than an Internet Connection
Since I've been reading blogs over the last ten months or so, I've come to "know" some bloggers well through their posts. Words are powerful and over time the blogger's personality is revealed. Some personalities I'm drawn to, and so I keep reading and commenting. I appreciate their honesty, enthusiasm, perspective, and values. Other personalities make me a bit uncomfortable and so I quit stopping by. I'm turned off by their negativity or the chaos that seems to be their life. It's not that I'm judging anyone for writing what is true for them, but I find that I'm affected by what I read, and I want to make it through this wait with my optimism and confidence in the future intact.
Over the last two days, I've been truly affected by one family's loss and another family's wonderful news. I really am aching for a blogger whose dream of adopting a baby from China will not come true, and I'm celebrating (in spirit) another blogger's decision to adopt again. Both of those posts went straight to my heart. And, as sentimental as it sounds, I now realize that this is a little more than just blogging.
Do you know what I mean?
posted by Joannah @ 7:54 AM
15 Comments:
At 8:25 AM,
C's Mom said…
Precisely, Joannah!
You feel for the people you have come to 'know' online. You celebrate with them and cry with them. I completely, get it.
Funny, I just published a post about the 'global village'. Seems we think alike...which is why we visit back and forth so much ;0)
At 8:39 AM,
Stephanie said…
I know exactly who you are talking about regarding the blogger who will not be able to proceed with her adoption. The whole situation has made me sad, mad and just plain upset. I am praying for her and her family.
You are right, we sometimes become emotionally involved with other stories we read. I am so glad that I found yours.
At 9:25 AM,
Special K said…
I absolutely agree Joannah. I think we all share this common link of China adoption that connects us in the first place. But then when we start getting to "know each other" through our blogs, we develop these friendships, sometimes with people we may never meet in real life. And we share their joys and their sorrows.
At 11:54 AM,
Anonymous said…
Yeah. You're reading about a person's life and then suddenly, real events occur. And then, you're jolted into remembering that this isn't a fictional story....this is real life.
I understand about (quietly) walking away from some blogs because they bring unease to your mind. I've done the same thing also.
At 12:24 PM,
K. said…
I really do know what you mean. You've said it all so well in this post, too.
Kerrie
At 12:34 PM,
Sandra said…
Well said Joannah! I agree with you that blogging started out as words but just as magical as this whole adoption process, somehow those words transpired into connections and friendships being formed. I think we naturally gravitate to those that seem more like minded to us.
I'm not familiar with the adoption situation you mentioned. It sounds very sad and I hope the family is able to find some peace and comfort over the outcome.
At 1:01 PM,
~Kristen said…
Joannah-
Loved this post.. It really is so true, I have found this to be such an inspirational and supportive outlet. My family and friends are so supportive, but they don't "really" understand it like everyone in this circle. It's nice to feel so attached to people I've never met.
Kristen
At 1:30 PM,
Jenny said…
I agree wholeheartedly! (ok, did I spell that right?) We touched on that a little on Friday- I feel so emotionally invested with my "regular" blog reads...even if I am not a huge commenter!
At 2:55 PM,
Mariah said…
I totally agree with you! I am drawn to certain blogs as well! I do not know who is unable to proceed with the adoption but it must be devastating.
It's funny how I get home and wonder what is up with my cyber family! If they haven't posted for a few days I hope they are ok. Crazy fun;-)
At 5:32 PM,
Tamara said…
You hit the nail on the head. Blogging has opened up a whole new world to me as well as new friendships. I love the humor some find in somewhat stressful times - such as waiting. Gives me a new perspective.
At 6:10 PM,
Abby's Mom said…
Absolutely!!!! I am so glsd I found Blogville. It truly has made this journey better for me!
At 6:37 PM,
Anonymous said…
Great post and I so agree with you (without knowing about the blogger you referred to). I find myself being sucked in to some blogs and then I have to really make the hard choice to break away when I'm uncomfortable. I find myself seeking others who share my values (and sense of humor) and the more I invest in this blogging community the more I gravitate towards like-minded people. Just like IRL---there is no need to be with people that bring you down.
At 6:43 PM,
Michelle said…
So true. I've known about the blogger whose dream of adopting was ripped away from them for some time, but couldn't comment until she decided to make it public. It makes so sad and angry that something like that could happen. My heart goes out to the family, and to the little girl that should have been their daughter.
At 6:53 PM,
Paulette said…
And I though I was blogging for myself when all of a sudden I have come across a whole new family of friends. This is a great way to learn from others. The biggest thing I have learned through my cyber friendships is that the people on the other side of the posts are truly real, that’s why I love to meet them when I can. What they are going through in life can affect you as the reader in so many ways. Sometimes you have to protect yourself with distance from certain situation but more often it is those people that you can’t wait to get back to like you.
At 9:16 PM,
AprilMay said…
It's a new era of friendships! It will be interesting to see what sociologists make of this in the future. Will our children's friends be from all over the world? How amazing!
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